"Hope Is Kindled"

"Hope is Kindled"

2023

'See! The beacons of Gondor are alight, calling for aid. War is kindled. See, there is the fire on Amon Dîn, and flame on Eilenach; and there they go speeding west: Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and the Halifirien on the borders of Rohan.'

-"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King", by J.R.R. Tolkien

One of the most gorgeously iconic scenes in Return of the King, and a perfect showcase of the beautiful cinematography and soundtrack in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I like the contrast between this scene and the earlier one at Minas Morgul, where the war beacon from Mordor was a single, great sorcerous beam, discernible from miles around; here, Gondor's beacons are but tiny specs of flame in the mountains, insignificant by comparison, but put together they have the power to change the tides of destiny. 

"Wanderer"

2023

African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

"The Palantír"

2023

'Then he came. He did not speak so that I could hear words. He just looked, and I understood.'

-"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers", by J.R.R. Tolkien

It is strange to realize that Pippin, of all people, is among the few main characters to have met or interacted with Sauron himself (albeit indirectly, via the Orthanc-stone). The youngest, most carefree member of the Fellowship, coming face to face (or eye to eye, lol) with evil incarnate; one can't help but feel bad for Pippin when seeing this scene, and then admire him and his hobbit-strength for not breaking, and resisting Sauron for as long as he did.

"Flower Boy"

2023

"Pride"

2023

The dude from the photo I referenced this from was cute as hell, but his face was a pain to draw. Took me almost a week to get right. 

"Groovin'"

2023

Strangely, cel shading takes a lot more effort and time from me than when I do a more rendered piece. But this came out quite well.