The Hobbit and Some Really Old Work

I was grateful to be able to spend the holidays with my family in Michigan this year, and though it was a quick (and rather cold) trip - we made the most of our time together.

One thing we were all hoping to get to was a showing of The Hobbit. I had already seen the movie once, but I was anxious to see it with others that shared my excitement for the previous 3 films. The day after Christmas (in the midst of a terrific snow storm) we all piled in the car and made our way (slowly, but surely) to the movie theatre.

While in the seats awaiting the start of the movie my sister and I regaled each other with our fond memories of experiencing The Lord of the Rings trilogy together. We share a deep mutual affection for the books and movies, and it was exciting to be on the verge of another multi-year fantastical event.

I started to think about how much influence the books and films have had on my life, when I was gobsmacked by a rather hefty realization. I've always loved drawing, Ever since my squishy little toddler fingers could grasp a crayon, but it was reading/watching The Hobbit, The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings that finally gave me the direction to pursue art. It wasn't exactly subtle either.

After seeing The Fellowship of the Ring, I found myself enamored with the work of Alan Lee and John Howe and spent nearly every day of my first semester at college trying to recreate their work. You might ask at this point, "how does a college kid have that much time on her hands?" Well, I didn't. I drew so much, that my grades suffered. I was enrolled in the Biology program, but was spending so much time with my art - that my Bio homework was taking a serious backseat.

It was then, in the middle of painting my interpretation of the lands of the elves in the Silmarillion that I felt lightening. It was so obvious that it was silly. I had no business being a Biology major. I was failing to see that the one thing I loved and could actually see myself doing for the rest of my life, was right there.

So I switched schools and enrolled in Studio Art. Suddenly, my hours spent making things was actually encouraged and rewarded. It was awesome. I'll always have a fondess for the films, specifically for providing me with the kick in the butt I needed to discover my path (also for their awesomeness in general).

While I was up north and contemplating all this, I scrounged around for my old sketchbooks and actually managed to find my old Tolkien-inspired book from 2002-2003.

Here are a few sketches from that book, 10 years ago... (yikes, has it really been that long?)

And then here's a quick mini-sketch I did after seeing The Hobbit.

In other news, the Art Studies Showcase is this week! I'll be showing 3 new pieces and will be there for the entire event. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello!