Hello All,
No I haven't retreated into a cabin in the Northern Forests--well yet at least (but now that I write it...hmmmm). No, but an artist can have a tendency to get distracted easily--all that inner ranging, and a kind of 'efficiency-challenged' nature, I admit. And then my little website gets neglected at times (along with paying bills and book-keeping).
Anyway, I've been enjoying something of a lull lately, after the wonderful exhibition of my art held in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire in September. There are no new trips planned until about next March (The Silmarillion Conference--details pending), and I've been able to settle into an extended period of painting, drawing, and continued work on the CD project.
The latter is getting to the final stage quickly now, but of course it's been in production since February, and I've realized that my provisional deadlines have been off by months. However, the good news is that the work has been steadily progressing, aside from my busy summer travel schedule. I am working with a talented sound engineer, Robin Short, and we have been refining the songs, tweaking and trimming as needed. And just today, Bruce Nasmith added some more recorder lines to Where Beauty Dwells, and some live violin to To the Woody End.
I am also fast becoming conscious that I must hurry to get the graphics done or I'll have a CD without notes or artwork soon! If it isn't finished and available by Christmas, it will be very soon in the New Year, I'm sure.
Otherwise, the drawing and painting has produced several (mostly) LotR sketches, and I just completed Elves in the Woody End, a beautiful depiction of this very magical scene in the Shire with the three hobbit companions happening upon Gildor and his company at night. I've been intending to paint it for many years. Other new works include Tol Brandir, The Blue Wizards Journeying East Gandalf and the Balrog Upon Celebdil and Green Hill Morning. [Note: These and other new works have not been added to the artwork on the site mainly because I'm in need of a new webmaster since August, and admit I haven't made it a priority. I do sincerely apologize.]
Beyond those, I've taken on a few new automotive commissions, and expect more of these in the near future.
Lastly, I am negotiating with Random House regarding a large commission for some landscape paintings of the various castles for a planned book of art inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. It is expected to be published in spring 2008. It will represent a major project in fantasy not connected with Tolkien, and I welcome it.
I'll also be travelling to England in April for my next exhibition in Gloucestershire (details pending), and we're planning it to coincide with the publication of The Children of Hurin. We've approached none other than Mr. Alan Lee to appear and exhibit his illustrations at the exhibition, too, and I beleve he has accepted.
Cheers for now!
Posted by Ted on November 29, 2006
