best beloved

silm art dump

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rough concept and final design for Ecthelion of the Fountain, done in 2024

extensive ramblings from what I can remember of my thoughts under the cut:

My version of Gondolin isn't based on a single Chinese historical period, but blends elements of visual language from several dynasties with the classical Tolkienian fantasy look. I'm usually categorically against plate mail in first age Arda, but I do like it for the Gondolindrim and their more advanced arms and armour. For Ecthelion especially, I wanted him to feel visually weighed-down with layers of plate, mail, and fabric as a nod to his death (sinking "steel-laden" into the fountain).

His armour is combat-functional, but ornate and ceremonial - it was important that he read as both a skilled military officer and of noble bearing. Its gleaming silver is bedecked with crystal per descriptions in The Fall of Gondolin. The shape language and detailing is reminiscent of flowing water (or otherwise water-associated, like the glimmering scale mail) and the plume of his helm mimics a tiered fountain.

The twelve crystal water droplets surrounding the fountain on his cuirass represent the twelve houses of Gondolin, and there are some nods to his relationship with Glorfindel in the wedding ring (worn on the right index finger per LaCE) and the charm on his belt (I imagine Glorfindel wears a matching one in silver and blue). He also wears his flute in a case on his hip. ⛲️

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Unfinished illustration for The Fall of Gondolin, 2024

closeup + some commentary below

I painted this for a narrative illustration class I was taking a few years back - I remember putting a lot of hours into it, but ultimately being unable to make it work. It's very unfinished (if you zoom in you'll see 3D models and sketch lines all over the place), but I thought I'd release it into the wild rather than letting it rot on my harddrive. I do like this Ecthelion and my costume design for Tuor, so maybe one day I'll revive it. For now it can live on Tumblr :)

Also considering posting all the thumbnails I tried for this piece (I remember the instructor wanted like 20+ options) and the design reference for Ecthelion, so those may come later if I can dig them up.

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Ecthelion of the Fountain, painted early last year

some closeups under cut

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little doodle of finwe & indis’ kids :-)

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Laurefindele & Ehtelelin meet in the gardens of Lórien

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final goodbye / in the square of the king 

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I was gonna reblog the art of finrod w/ the tag "and then he gets railed" but figured that might be crossing a line but THEN I saw your original tags and I've gotta say I'm so glad your intent is also for him to get railed lmao

LMAO god bless anon

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finrod discovers Men

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Lord of the Fountain

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springtime in gondolin 💐

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I can't believe I didn't follow you sooner! Your art is awesome, and I've seen it pop up on my dash many times <3

thank you! :-) @blueberryrock

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tilion and arien 🌙☀️

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morning in ondolindë 🌞

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family portrait day!

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gates of angband

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(welcome to my kitchen vine voice) welcome to my art blog