This is a new piece I’ve been working on between commissions. In The Lord of the Rings, Strider the one of the many names and pseudonyms that Aragorn goes by in his travels to conceal his true identity and the heir to the long empty throne of Gondor. This is how we first meet him though, rough looking with mud caked boots and a weather-stained cloak. Though it’s a fairly literal interpretation of the text, I felt it also illustrates who Aragorn is at this time in the story. Strider’s face is obscured in shadow, just like his true identity and lineage is hidden. Just as he is waiting for the hobbits, he is waiting for the time to be right to reveal himself and confront Sauron openly and claim his rightful throne.
Oil on board, 24” x 30”
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKyle makes a pretty darn convincing Strider! I love how you just start to notice the bad-ass sword right out in the open with the cool cast shadow pointing at the figure. I want those boots, you know, for some killer ass-kickery.
ReplyDelete@Patch: I art directed those boots, you know. :)
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Thanks Patch, Kyle did a great job posing. He brought along a good shirt that his mother had made in the sixties, which added to the costume
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you Gina for A.D.-ing the boots. You're right about the boots. As usual :p
Holy crap, Matt. This is gorgeous! I really like how you chose this moment when we first are introduced to Strider.
ReplyDeleteTotally freaking awesome. If Chris doesn't see this and ask for a print, I'll be a monkey's uncle.
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