Archive for April 15, 2010
The Hobbit, part three
Posted by: Sam Bosma
Book: The Hobbit (purchase on Amazon)
Apologies for lateness, but things are done when they are done.
This chapter was both a pleasure to illustrate and a bear to deal with. The chapter centers around one event (the finding of moon letters on Thorin’s map) and a whole lot of nothing. It seems like a given to illustrate Elrond holding the map before the moon and discovering those runes telling of the key to the secret passage into the Lonely Mountain. However…there are precious few rests to The Hobbit, and this is one of them, and that in itself is worth visiting.
When it comes to illustrating a passage where the central point is that nothing is happening to our protagonist, a new set of problems arises. How do you make a narrative image with no conflict without it becoming boring or trite or cliched? I guess it’s all about activating the senses. I wanted to evoke that sense that Bilbo is feeling, where you wouldn’t want to leave this place ever again. I don’t know if I’m there, but that was the goal.
I picture the elves as existing in perpetual June, at least in The Hobbit. They are beautiful and exude strength and vivacity, which can be a bit frightening (at least to little Bilbo), though their demeanor is pleasant. They have absolutely no worries at this point, or if they do, they disguise them well. They spend their days, months, and years doing the things we have to wait until the best days in summer to do. Their clothing is made of linen and cotton and is without much decorative ornamentation. It is beautiful, simple, and comfortable. They are the ancient Athenians of Middle Earth at this point.
Tomorrow you’ll be treated to two posts, you lucky devils, so stay tuned for Julia and John’s terrific work!
