This gorgeous #LordoftheRings #oilpainting by William O'Connor (@woconnorstudios) is entitled "Race to Minas Tirith.” In this piece inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Minas Tirith towers above the surrounding landscape, standing as a beacon of hope as the capital of Gondor, the Kingdom of Men. However glorious this monolithic city might be, though, the destructive force of Mount Doom looms in the distance, with the shadow of its volcanic clouds spreading over the land. The glowing tower of lava and the growing dark skies are symbolic of the expanding threat of danger and destruction from the evil forces of the dark lord, Sauron, who reside in the foothills of the fiery mountain of doom. It is also interesting to note how the darkness appears to have spread as fog over the ground, perhaps indicating that, unbeknownst to the citizens of Gondor, the evil from Mount Doom might have already tainted the city to some extent. I really enjoy William’s depiction of the White City, as it’s almost impossibly tall physique helps to pull us into the fantasy world that Tolkien created It is also intriguing to see how the cloudscape can appear both beautiful and threatening at the same time, which might show how the destructive evil of Sauron could be shrouded in the temptation of power. Very nice work, William. (And thanks to @jd_artwork for recommending William for us to artshare.) :::::: #fantasy #fantasyart #paintingart #fantasyarchitecture #lotr #adventuring #architecturedrawing #clouds #conceptart #landscapeart #magic #tower #worldbuilding #castle #volcano #symbolism #minastirith #forest #painting #woconnorstudios [Original Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaRR72CndZb/; Artist: @woconnorstudios]