Category: J. R. R. Tolkien

This section contains the largest collection of images: examples of my work from the 1970’s to the present inspired chiefly by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, but also The Hobbit and The Silmarillion.

The Riddle Game (Early Work)

Media: Acrylic Dimensions: 11 in × 11 in This is an early example of my work, part of a number of acrylic works painted in the ’70s. It shows a tendency to treat the characters as more ‘cartoonish’ as I progressed towards a more comprehensive, realistic approach to Tolkien illustration.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/the-riddle-game-early-work/

An Unexpected Morning Visit

Media: Gouache on illustration board First appeared in the 1992 (Centenary) Tolkien Calendar, published by Grafton Books. (It was the painting for May.) Also used on the cover of some editions of The Hobbit, and other Tolkien publications.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/an-unexpected-morning-visit/

Gollum is Defeated

Media: Watercolour First appeared in the 1988 Tolkien Calendar, published by Ballantine. (It was the painting for March.)

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/gollum-is-defeated/

Eagles to the Rescue

Media: Watercolour First appeared in the 1988 Tolkien Calendar, published by Ballantine. (It was the painting for April.)

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/eagles-to-the-rescue/

At Beorn’s Hall

Media: Watercolour First appeared in the 1988 Tolkien Calendar, published by Ballantine. (It was the painting for May.)

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/at-beorns-hall/

The Arkenstone

Media: Watercolour First appeared in the 1988 Tolkien Calendar, published by Ballantine. (It was the painting for November.)

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/the-hobbit/the-arkenstone/

The Unexpected Party

Media: Acrylic Photos of this painting (including detail shots) were sent to J.R.R. Tolkien in 1972 along with some other work. He responded a few weeks later with a letter typed and signed by his personal secretary both praising the work and making the comment that Bilbo seemed too childlike.This was invaluable feedback for a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/the-unexpected-party/

Smaug the Destroyer

Media: Gouache on illustration board

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/smaug-the-destroyer/

The Heart of the Mountain

Media: Gouache on illustration board

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/the-heart-of-the-mountain/

Eagles to the Carrock

Media: Gouache on illustration board

Permanent link to this article: https://www.tednasmith.com/tolkien/eagles-to-the-carrock/