Drawing The Works of Curufinwë Illustrations

[Server Room Gremlin]

Curufin and Fëanor

Fëanor talking to a 'six' year old Curufin (stage of development rather than actual age in years). The scene is from a story I'm writing, which will probably take a while, since my imagination thinks in pictures (a bit like a silent film, mostly events, interactions, action and expression with the occasional important dialogue). Describing everything I'm seeing in prose form and including additional dialogue takes a lot of thought.

I drew this by hand and coloured it with watercolour pencils. However, I did not add water, and instead finished the colouring and lighting with my digital art software (krita).

 

[Server Room Gremlin]

I have decided to turn this into a thread for artwork directly relating to my fanfiction 'The Works of Curufinwë'.

Fanfic - The Works of Curufinwë

The Works of Curufinwë (Or: Curufin and Celebrimbor) by S.R.G. 1. The Green Gem (you are here!) [1813 words] 2. His Son [2013 words] 3. Oath, Sword and Dagger [2735 words] 4. Band of Steel [1279 words] 5. Fortress [1442 words] 6. Dark Horse and Straight Shot [2013 words] 7. Fearful Hearts (...

thetolkien.forum

While writing it, I had many ideas for drawings, and now that the fanfiction is complete and in the process of being posted, I can start work on them. The above artwork is based on a moment from its first chapter, 'The Green Gem'.

 

[Server Room Gremlin]

Araman

Jagged peaks stand darkly against the star-strewn sky, growing ever more imposing as the remaining ships crawl slowly up the coastline, which has been veering steadily to the east for some time. The lights borne by those wearily marching on the shore stand out against the shadowy rock, yet they cannot illuminate it, insignificant pinpoint dots against the silent mountains and cold sky. The sea is entirely still and dark, giving Curufin the impression their ship is drifting through an inkwell. Both he and Maedhros are standing at the bow, mutely keeping watch. Celebrimbor sits by his feet. Hardly a word has passed between the three of them since the storm.

- Chapter 2, 'His Son'

I drew this from Curufin's point of view. Therefore we only see Maedhros, but there is a second shadow beside him, cast by Curufin. The lighting for this was a bit funny to work out, as there are two lamps on the ship. One hanging on the left side of the prow (or swan figurehead), and one on the mast (which would be higher up and further away). So there's light coming from in front of us and from behind us.

 

[WatcherWraith]

I think I liked Maedhros' hair most in this picture. The texture makes every strand look soft. I wanna pet his hair.

 

[Server Room Gremlin]

I think I liked Maedhros' hair most in this picture. The texture makes every strand look soft. I wanna pet his hair.

It was the first part of him I worked on! It's actually only made up of four layers.

 

[Tyelkormo the Fair]

I find everything so real life looking. Every detail is so on point and simply perfect. The shadows on the deck of the shop, the shadows created by the source of light, and my own favorite part, the sky.

I've already told you, but I think Maedhros' hair looks awesome!

 

[Server Room Gremlin]

I find everything so real life looking.

I agree. 🤔 Though it does not have all the details a photograph would (such as the grain/texture of the wood, for example), I think the details I added suggest all the other details enough that it has a realistic look to it.

If you look closely at the torch lights on the very left of the picture, where they are closest/largest, you can faintly see the light reflecting on the faces of the elves carrying the torches.