To be honest, I am really not sure what made me start reading JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit and the entire trilogy of the Lord of The Ring all over again. I first read these books almost 20 years ago when I graduated from uni, and at the time, I thought LOTR was waaayy too long-winded and descriptive. Perhaps I’ve matured with time, and I am in much less of a hurry these days, but the second reading was much better. Thanks also to my kindle, which made handling such thick books a heck of a lot easier.
I took my time. Savoured each word, each sentence. And even looked through the many song verses, rather than skipping right past them. Took a little detour through the Internet looking for the origins of some of his ideas for his Middle Earth. Watched The Hobbit DVD trilogy (where Peter Jackson has certainly taken some liberties with various characters, but I still enjoyed it anyway). And I enjoyed every moment of it.
I got really intrigued with Middle Earth. The whole magical world he created. I was particularly fascinated by the elves, these immortal, glamorous and magical creatures who were near perfect beings. And their affinity with the natural world was nothing short of fantastical. Who wouldn’t want to be able to talk to trees, command rivers and communicate with animals? Who wouldn’t want to live forever in a frozen state of adult agelessness, but with none of the frailty that comes with normal ageing? Who wouldn’t want perfect physiques, with keen vision and hearing, and lightness of feet?
The more I read, the more I BURNED to paint my impression of this beautiful natural world inhabited by these magical creatures. So I did just that. Obviously I ignored all the ugly evil things like the Ringwraiths, Sauron, Morgoth, and nasty man-eating spiders, but it’s my painting, right? I can paint whatever I want. I put an elk in there for good measure, because I have a human-crush on the Elvenking Thranduil Oropherion, who rides an elk in the movies (but not in the books, sadly). How utterly cool is that.
Well, I’m very happy to report that this painting received 3 offers to purchase. So it’s been sold and I’m very glad that it will be going to a good home in Western Australia. I’ve taken a good photo of it, so I can make a print of it for myself whenever I want one. And perhaps I might do so just for my work office.
