The Lord of the Rings Blog (Joe Gilronan Art)

Middle-Earth Network interview

2012-01-31T04:50:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

I am very proud to say that I was interviewed by Middle-Earth Network concerning my Tolkien inspired artwork. Visit the following link for full details:- http://news.mymiddle-earth.net/2012/01/30/the-tolkien-inspired-art-of-joe-gilronan/

The Road to Rivendell (Sold)

2012-01-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

As the sun sets low over the the misty mountains the companions make camp. Frodo wounded, sits crouched by the fire, Merry, Pippin and Strider watch on with concern; while Sam busies himself attending Bill the pony. Unnoticed on the distance bridge a black rider observes the scene with malice, eager to report back to his fellow pursuers.

Inspired by Flight to the ford chapter twelve The fellowship of the Ring.

Turning the real into Tolkien inspired art (water colour/chalk sketch)

2012-01-30T04:48:00.000-08:00

I have been toying with the idea of using my home town of Olvera, Cadiz as inspiration for Minas Tirith the white city. With just a little imagination Olvera could quite easily be tweaked and it is something that I may well explore in the future.

Tolkien described Minas Tirith as built on a hill, called the Hill of Guard, right against the face of Mount Mindolluin. The city looked eastward over the Pelennor Fields, which were used for farmland, toward Osgiliath, the former capital of Gondor.

Gandalf a work in progress ( initial sketch and clay mixed with Andalucian earth figure ready for painting)

2012-01-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Sketches /doodles (affectionately know as end of day sketches) are very crude at this stage, its just about getting basic shapes colours down on paper.

Humphrey Carpenter in his 1977 biography relates that Tolkien owned a postcard entitled Der Berggeist (German: "the mountain spirit"), and on the paper cover in which he kept it, he wrote "the origin of Gandalf". The postcard reproduces a painting of a bearded figure, sitting on a rock under a pine tree in a mountainous setting. He wears a wide-brimmed round hat and a long red cloak, and a white fawn is nuzzling his upturned hands.

Gollum with the precious (mixed media doodle/sketch on paper)

2012-01-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Gollum's riddles in the dark taken from J.R.R Tolkien's The Hobbit

Alive without breath,
As cold as death;
Never thirsty, ever drinking,
All in mail never clinking.

Answer:- Fish.

End of day sketch/doodle using up left over materials.

Frodo and Sam (loose sketch on textured board)

2012-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Frodo decides that the Fellowship has to be broken, and that he must depart secretly for Mordor. Sam insists on coming along, however, and they set off together to Mordor.

Whatever paints/paper/board I have left and the end of the day I tend to use to sketch very quick ideas.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-art-of-TolkienThe-Lord-of-the-Rings

Concerning Hobbits:- two loose sketches/Hobbit farmers.

2012-01-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

Possible farmer maggot

Hobbit with basket harvesting pipe-weed.

The Shire is described as a small but beautiful and fruitful land, beloved by its inhabitants. The Hobbits had an extensive agricultural system in the Shire but were not industrialised. The landscape included small pockets of forest (again similar to the English countryside). Various supplies were produced in the Shire, including cereals, fruit, wood and pipe-weed.

Couple of very loose sketches/doodles using various materials paint/tippex/felt tip pens/Biro/chalk or whatever was to hand on paper/textured board. I often work in this manner just to get initial ideas down on paper, before going into greater detail on fully finished works.

Gandalf work in progress see previous post.

2012-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/tolkien.artAlmost there details and tidying up tomorrow before being popped in oven, before painting.

More work in progress ceramic Gandalf

2012-01-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Just started work on ceramic Gandalf which will be mixed with Andalucian earth to add texture. Still painting Rivendell which can be seen in the background. Updates on both works to follow. http://www.facebook.com/tolkien.art

Orcs of the white hand

2012-01-22T05:39:00.000-08:00

Made from the earth
According to the oldest "theory" proposed by J.R.R. Tolkien (from The Book of Lost Tales, circa 1917 — the first tale of Middle-earth to be written in full), Orcs were made of stone and slime through the sorcery of Morgoth:- "bred from the heats and slimes of the earth" Orcs of the white hand oil on canvas see further works at:- http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-art-of-TolkienThe-Lord-of-the-Rings http://joe-gilronan.artistwebsites.com/

The Gathering Storm (oil on canvas) sold

2012-01-21T12:25:00.001-08:00

Before the Great Signal from Mordor went up and another answered from Minas Morgul, a darkness fell on the land, a great gathering storm. Thus, the Battle of Osgiliath was the first battle of the war.

Rivendell a work in progress

2012-01-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Rivendell is located at the edge of a narrow gorge of the river Bruinen. Bilbo, retired there after his 111th birthday, spending his time on his memoirs, There and Back Again. See all of my finished paintings at:-joe-gilronan.artistwebsites.com

Tolkien Facebook posts.

2012-01-19T02:06:00.001-08:00

The art of Tolkien/The Lord of the Rings

Promote Your Page Too

You will find lots of Tolkien related posts on my facebook account. Just click on the image.

New Website opened http://joe-gilronan.artistwebsites.com

2012-01-18T13:07:00.001-08:00

http://joe-gilronan.artistwebsites.com

Work in progress Rivendell there and back again

2012-01-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

A new painting inspired by Bilbo's journeys to Rivendell; tentatively titled there and back again. As soon as the work is finished I will list. See further works at:- http://joe-gilronan.artistwebsites.com/

Ceramic wall plaques

2012-01-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

Fangorn forest is the home of the Ents, age-old shepherds of the forest. This is where Deep Root the wise and Thorn Berry the ancient dwell alongside the oldest Hawthorn trees in the heart of the forest. Both can be purchased via my shop (see above) current work for sale.

2012-01-12T06:42:00.001-08:00

Deep Root the Wise/Thorn Berry the Ancient. Two original works based on Ents, the ancient shepherds of the forest immortalized by J.R.R Tolkien.

Each work is a one off and combines clay mixed with Andalucian earth sculputed onto wooden board. The Ents are unique, hand made, hand painted, cold glazed, signed and come with a hook attached to the rear ready for hanging.

The colour scheme and foliage are based on the hawthorn tree with it's winter berries in full bloom.

These works will be available for purchase via my online shop (see above) current work for sale from tomorrow as well as various art sites.

Doors of Durin (Sam, Frodo and bill the pony)

2012-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Close up of Sam and bill the pony. Frodo sits with the burden of the ring already heavy, while Merry and Pippin follow Gandalf towards the west door.

Hawthorn Ent/Tree spirit winter berries (first of two ceramic wall plaques)

2011-12-29T10:58:00.000-08:00

Painting this very much reminded me of painting a wargame miniature. If you are interested in wargaming/painting wargame/roleplaying miniatures check out http://myrmidonstudio.blogspot.com and you will find some fantastic examples.

Ent wall plaques work in progress ( hawthorn winter berries )

2011-12-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

Dark tones now applied; will begin to build highlights over the next 2 days as well as picking out details such as eyes, face, beard, berries, and foliage. Colour scheme based on winter hawthorn.

Ents (tree spirits) work in progress see previous post

2011-12-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Ents under construction clay and andalucian earth

2011-12-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Started work on two Ent sculptures wall plaques, more updates tomorrow.

Hunters moon (watercolour on paper)

2011-12-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

"Lonely men are we, Rangers of the wild, hunters – but hunters ever of the servants of the Enemy; for they are found in many places, not in Mordor only. Strider/Aragorn.

Work in progress (water colour) Aragorn/Strider the Ranger

2011-12-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Water colour which will be finished tomorrow (I hope) as it's going in the post on monday. Being painted for a friend/christmas present.

Work in progress see previous post

2011-12-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Painting beginning to take shape just started to block in the 4 hobbits, bill the pony, strider and Black rider on the bridge.

New painting started (The road to Rivendell)

2011-12-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

Just started a new work. Will post further images as the painting progresses. Blog still being overhauled at the moment so please bear with me.

Treebeard/ Ent/ The Greenman Ceramic wall hanging (sold)

2011-11-29T12:39:00.000-08:00

Ceramic wall hanging fixed to wooden base. I have mixed Andalucian earth in with the clay to give a very earthy textured effect sold today.

Started work on Ent//Treebeard/Greenman wall hanging.

2011-11-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

Heavily textured clay mixed with Andalucian earth. Will add further painted and cold glazed photos tomorrow.

See previous posts close up of the fellowship

2011-11-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

Currently in the process of updating Blog to make it easier to negotiate. The idea being to split the works into specific categories which will be displayed in the right hand column under the heading Shop and Art Categories. Will continue to update tomorrow.

The fellowship doors of Durin (Moria) Oil on canvas.

2011-11-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

After being defeated by Caradhras (its peak snow covered in the distance) the fellowship regroup and round the lake of Moria. The doors of Durin, the West-door
are visible in the background as the ring moves further south. This painting can be purchased as a fine art print greetings card at the following link:-http://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-fellowship-doors-of-durin-moria-joe-gilronan.html

Work in progress the fellowship approach Moria (painting under offer)

2011-11-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Finished painting will be posted on Thursday and will depict the fellowship rounding the lake, Moria being the destination. Still working on figures and foreground. The painting is currently under offer and being held back for a client.

Work in progress oil on canvas.

2011-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Something I have been working on for last couple of weeks, all will become clear as the week goes on. As you can see the book ( TLOTR my old battered copy) is never far away and is a massive source of inspiration.

Wolf/Warg rider in the mist over looking gates of Moria (water colour/acrylic on paper)

2011-11-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

This has been done for a good friend who collects and paints wargame figures mainly goblins and goblins on wolves/wargs. He's a massive Lord of the rings fan so the painting was based on the idea of a goblin wolf rider venturing out under the cover of mist. The goblin sits astride a massive wolf, in the background the entrance to Moria can just be made out, late evening sun beams try to penetrate the mist and a huge waterfall cascades down from the mountains into the lake.

The Great River ( The lord of the rings/Tolkien inspired art )

2011-11-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

Oil on canvas (sold )

Will start posting again tomorrow working on western walls/lake of the dwarf-realm Moria

2011-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Journey to the cross-roads (The lord of the rings painting) oil on canvas sold

2011-11-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Journey to the cross-roads.

Frodo and Sam debate which direction to take while Gollum lurks in the background with thoughts of Shelob and her lair. In the distance, Osgiliath the ancient capital of Gondor is besieged by rampaging Orcs while storm clouds gather over the mountains.

This is an original oil painting on canvas inspired by Tolkien; the painting measures 20" x 28".

Sold.

Bilbo from upcoming Hobbit film

2011-11-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Starting to paint Tolkien inspired work tomorrow.

lanzarote, palm trees on the march, palm nut nymph. Doodles.

2011-07-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Whilst on holiday in Lanzarote I took some time out to do some very simple fantasy doodles/water colour sketches. Firstly Lanzarote at night, Palm trees marching and finally a palm nut nymph.

Will start posting again next week busy with commisions

2011-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

See spanish art work:_
http://joegilronanart.blogspot.com/

Rivendell ( The Lord Of The Rings Tolkien inspired art )

2011-06-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

Gandalf departing Rivendell (Oil on canvas sold)

http://joegilronanart.blogspot.com/

www.ArtWanted.com/rivendell

www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/h/hobbit

Games workshop river troll ( painted by myself and sold on e-bay)

2011-06-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Metal river troll made by games workshop. Painted by me for fun and up for sale on e-bay SOLD.

If you are interested in professionally painted miniatures check out:-http://myrmidonstudio.blogspot.com

Orcs of the red eye loose sketch

2011-05-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Orcs very loose sketch. Pen, paper, paint, tippex.

This is my home town (could easily be turned into Tolkien landscape)

2011-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

I always take inspiration from the natural landscape and dont see any Distinction between the real world and Tolkiens, with a few tweaks this painting could easily become Gondor.

Some sites that I like.

2011-05-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

www.lordotrings.com

www.tolkien-online.com

www.planet-tolkien.com

www.tolkiensociety.org

www.theonering.net

the-hobbit-movie.com

More posts will be coming soon, just very busy with exhibition of Spanish art at the moment.

Hobbit farmer sketch (charcoal/pencil/rubber on paper)

2011-04-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hobbit farmer in the snow (oil on canvas)

2011-04-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Still messing with snow, see previous post.

Just liked the idea of painting snow really. I know the shire is not really accosiated with harsh winters . However might use a similar background with Boromir on a horse on his way to Rivendell.

Will start posting further works shortly, very busy with exhibition here in Spain at the moment.

2011-04-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

The dark tower (very loose sketch) charcoal,paint,ink.

2011-04-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

Barad-dûr was built by Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor, with the power of the One Ring, during the Second Age. The building took six hundred years to complete; it was the greatest fortress ever built since the Fall of Angband, and much of Sauron's personal power went into it.

Tolkien/LOTR inspired paintings

2011-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Fame at last, thanks for the mention on the One Ring forum (follow the thread below)

2011-03-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Fan Art: I stumbled on this artist, Joe Gilronan, sorry if he is familiar...good stuff (Eruonen)

2011-03-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of recent posts. I am very busy with current exhibition of Spanish art ( joegilronanart.blogspot.com).

Check out the following address for all things Tolkien:-

www.metrognome.demon.co.uk/tolk.htm

Robert Huskisson - Titania's Elves robbing the Squirrel's Nest - Midsummer Night's Dream

Some of my favourite artists are the victorian fairy artists Robert Huskisson being one of many. If you have 5 minutes just google victorian fairy art and you will find hundreds of similar works.

tolkienesque landscape (oil on canvas)

2011-03-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Take inspiration from whats all ready there

One of the main things I always try to incorporate into Tolkien/fantasy inspired art is the everyday. Where ever possible I take inspiration from the surrounding landscape, in this case the village of Zahara a short drive from Olvera my home town. This painting could easily be transformed into the extraordinary, simply by changing the sheep in the foreground into hobbits, knights, elves or whatever takes your fancy.

Gollum on rock clutching fish (water colour sketch on paper)

2011-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give it to them?
Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends. (Gandalf discussing Gollum).

J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord Of the Rings, Book Four, Chapter One.

Weathertop sketch ( watercolour-graphic pens on paper )

2011-02-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

Weathertop

The Grey Havens

2011-02-04T01:33:00.000-08:00

Tolkien inspired art depicting ships departing the Grey Havens. Oil on Canvas (sold ).

Finished Conker Imp ( mixed media on canvas )

2011-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Imp surveys his forest domain as the sun sets in the woods. Conker husk headdress, hands on hips, chestnut coloured skin.

No recent posts.

2011-02-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

Apologises to the lack of posts recently; it's just that my PC decided to die. Back up and running again now and will start to post again.

Pide perdón a la falta de puestos recientemente, es sólo que mi PC decidió morir. Vuelva a funcionar de nuevo ahora y empieza a publicar de nuevo.

Conker Imp continued see previous post

2011-01-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

Started to use acrylic paint rather than water colour at this stage as much richer. Once painted is fully dry I will tone down highlights and adjust details/background with oil paints.

Painting stage by stage (Conker Imp/Fairy) more updates tomorrow

2011-01-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Initial loose water colour sketches.
More interested in hues and shapes,,not details at this stage; more updates tomorrow.

Ent/Tree-Spirit continued (quick/loose concept doodle sketch)

2011-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

Bit of water colour added to doodle (See older posts for fully finished paintings)

Ent/Tree-Spirit (quick/loose concept doodle sketch)

2011-01-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Various materials used biro pen, tip-ex, pencil, paint on piece of writing paper. Idea being to capture quick reference image that may be used in future painting.

Happy Christmas ( Magi/Black riders ) Water colour sketch on paper

2010-12-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

Black Rider, Nazgul, Ring Wraith ( very loose sketch on paper )

2010-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Very rough sketch using various materials paint, pencil, tipex whatever was to hand really.

Black Rider, Nazgul, Ring Wraith ( very loose sketch on paper see )

2010-12-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

Very loose sketch using various materials paint, pencil, tipex whatever was to hand really.

Dragon Poacher Sketch ( Charcoal, pencil, paint on paper )

2010-12-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

Quick sketch of Dragon poacher. In the still of night the poacher raids dragon nests for the young/eggs.

Dol Amroth (see previous post below as the ship is yet to be added to painting)

2010-12-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Dol Amroth is a hill along the coast of Gondor, on a peninsula on the Bay of Belfalas; and also the city that grew up there. Prince Imrahil is the Prince of Dol Amroth, a major character in the book's third volume, The Return of the King.

Dol Amroth (Bay of Belfalas) work in progress

2010-12-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

Two works the first a finished painting and the second a sketch (see above) both of the same subject. The painting was purposely painted on a stormy day and was painted not far from where I live, a village sat on a lake known as Zahara.

the idea is to take inspiration from ordinary (the natural landscape) and develop it into the extraordinary which in this case will be Dol Amroth (The Lord of the Rings).

Armoured Orc sketch (charcoal on paper)

2010-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sketch of orc that may be developed into painting.

Mithril Miniatures ( Link:- http://www.mithril.ie/ )

2010-12-04T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mithril was founded in 1987 and has been dedicated since then to the creation of miniature figures, inspired by Middle-earth as portrayed by J.R.R. Tolkien in his books, 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.

http://www.mithril.ie/

Osgiliath (first of two paintings featuring Osgiliath) lord of the rings Oil on canvas sold.

2010-12-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

Initial watercolour sketch for finished painting below Gollum was added to finished painting as well as further foreground.

Sam Frodo and Gollum in the foreground, while Osgiliath looms in the background (sold)

Pixie/Sprite Harvester Planter (pencil on paper sketch)

2010-12-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

Work in progress. A quick sketch of a Pixie/Sprite that might be turned into a painting. The idea being that this woodland creature appears in Autumn/Spring and either gathers crops or plants them; still undecided which, hence the notes around the sketch so I don't forget any ideas that may be used later.

Orcs of the white hand Tolkien inspired art (Oil on canvas)

2010-11-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Orcs of Isengard in pursuit of the fellowship (sold).