John Howe to provide Artwork for Doug Adams Book

Post by **Alatar** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:20 pm

http://themusicofthelordoftheringsfilms ... -lotr.html

Tonight, I'm incredibly proud to announce that it is this very discord that has inspired the great John Howe to draw "Melkor's Theme," a new work of art that will be featured in The Music of the Lord of the Rings Films.

John and I have been in communication for the better part of the last several months. His final draft was delivered this Monday, and it's a stunning work -- a vortex of detail that exposes layers of details and nuance with each viewing. Here Howe has depicted, for the first time that I'm aware, the face of Melkor and the fury of his contact with a dawning world.

Now if you're expecting a full reveal of the work here... you don't know me very well. But I'm certainly not averse to offering a taste.

Post by **sauronsfinger** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:24 pm

Thanks for that news Alatar. I wonder just how much work Howe did for this project? The fragment which is shown is very tiny and appears to be in a rough pencil medium.

Post by **Elentári** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 10:32 pm

Very exciting news, thanks Al!

I am intrigued by the teaser, and can't wait to see Howe's interpretation of Melkor in full. It's hard to find an interpretation of Melkor before he became Morgoth, with all the armour & silmarils in the crown, etc.

I hope John goes on to portray some of the other Valar as well; mind you, I have a feeling that Alan Lee's dreamy quality to his work might suit the Music of the Ainur better. Thoughts?

Post by **sauronsfinger** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:31 pm

Elen - there are things I hope he avoids --- the Clash of the Titans Greek god look would hopefully be not used ... anything that shows cliche status like crowns, scepters, ...... and please no toga party get ups .....

Post by **Elentári** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:28 pm

So how would you portray them, Sauron?

Post by **sauronsfinger** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:42 pm

Good question Elen. And I do not know. Not being an illustrator - that is beyond my expertise. To be really honest with you, that part of the SIL is my least favorite part.

But I do like Howe and am eager to see his work on this project.

Post by **Elentári** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 5:25 pm

I like Howe's work too - one of my favourite paintings of his is "The Door of Night" with just the glimpse of Eärendil's white ship light by the Silmaril, gliding through the portal, and the lovely contrast between it and the dark, evil creatures adorning the arches.

http://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gall ... age_id=320

His Smaug is "magnificent" - I do hope GDT goes with John's vision.
http://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gall ... image_id=4

and, of course, "Bilbo's Front Hall" with all the wonderful detail and view out of the door.

It's interesting what he said to Nin about featuring older music because if you look at his painting of "An Unexpected Party" he portrays many of the Dwarves with early instruments.

http://www.john-howe.com/portfolio/gall ... image_id=6