tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43345134533633313922024-03-12T20:10:22.428-07:00Matthew Stewart IllustrationMatt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-10596867097140637522017-01-07T09:00:00.001-08:002017-01-07T09:07:15.053-08:00The Meeting of Aredhel and Eol. The <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj4BxgQDBZM/WHEc7H8Ot6I/AAAAAAAABEI/s4K28t7Ltqs8R59StU0LhbWpS-SXFWgBgCLcB/s1600/The%2BEnchantment%2Bskbk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj4BxgQDBZM/WHEc7H8Ot6I/AAAAAAAABEI/s4K28t7Ltqs8R59StU0LhbWpS-SXFWgBgCLcB/s400/The%2BEnchantment%2Bskbk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Meeting of Aredhel and Eol<br />
Approx. 16"x 20", black watercolor pencil<br />
©Matthew Stewart</td></tr>
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The ill-fated meeting of Aredhel and Eol the dark elf, from <i>The Silmarrilion</i>. This piece in my sketchbook started as a study of a door overgrown with tree roots. I kept adding to it, using photos and inspiration from a visit to Wistman's Wood in Devon, England last May.Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-52924231973121980452016-10-16T10:20:00.001-07:002016-10-16T10:20:09.442-07:00Dragon study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVXYgrPcF_Q/WAO1hmrH0DI/AAAAAAAABDo/Dvygbz-DiA4HIWsX-j8QMz0ySEFcrhbDwCLcB/s1600/dragon%2Bstudy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVXYgrPcF_Q/WAO1hmrH0DI/AAAAAAAABDo/Dvygbz-DiA4HIWsX-j8QMz0ySEFcrhbDwCLcB/s400/dragon%2Bstudy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This could be Fafnir, or Glaurung. I was interested in the scale patterns. Since he is flightless, he should be heavily protected. There's a lot of komodo dragon in this one. From my large moleskin sketchbook. Its graphite on paper, the two page spread being about 16" x 22".Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-49872362801909916932016-09-21T10:52:00.001-07:002016-09-21T10:52:37.583-07:00The Teeth of Scatha<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcpFJKqIPMQ/V-LGl0bzwhI/AAAAAAAABDU/xhTvZf-Sy1s45T-aZgq3ZgYhm8EOE4NcACK4B/s1600/The%2BTeeth%2Bof%2BScatha%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcpFJKqIPMQ/V-LGl0bzwhI/AAAAAAAABDU/xhTvZf-Sy1s45T-aZgq3ZgYhm8EOE4NcACK4B/s400/The%2BTeeth%2Bof%2BScatha%2Bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Teeth of Scatha<br />oil on panel, 24" x 32"<br />©Matthew Stewart</td></tr>
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<i>“Jewels such as these you will never match in your treasuries, for they are hard to come by.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Appendix A, The Lord of the Rings,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>By J.R.R. Tolkien</i></div>
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Here’s a new painting I’ll be showing for the first time in
a few days at the <a href="http://www.illuxcon.com/">IX Preview Weekend</a>, held at the Delaware Museum of Art. </div>
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It’s a scene from the appendices of “The Lord of the Rings.”
A legend of Rohan, the hero Fram has slain Scatha the Worm. A necklace made of
the dragon’s teeth and the words above are Fram’s defiant answer to the
dwarves’ claims on the treasure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Images of Fram and Scatha would decorate the tapestries seen
by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they entered Edoras hundreds of years later.
The small silver horn that Eowyn gives to Merry came from the hoard of Scatha.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketchbook drawing of <i>The Teeth of Scatha</i><br />Graphite, approximately 16" x 22"</td></tr>
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Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-30531014614084842002015-09-30T13:03:00.000-07:002015-09-30T13:04:18.834-07:00The Evolution of Makindi Sliderunner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBjtt-jAhE4/Vgw-XX8UykI/AAAAAAAABCY/yH70w7U_P8Q/s1600/Makindi%2BSliderunner%2Balt1%2Bsketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBjtt-jAhE4/Vgw-XX8UykI/AAAAAAAABCY/yH70w7U_P8Q/s400/Makindi%2BSliderunner%2Balt1%2Bsketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makindi Sliderunner (1st attempt)<br />
graphite on paper, 8.5" x 11"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makindi Sliderunner (2nd attempt)<br />
graphite on paper, 8.5" x 11"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makindi Sliderunner (that's more like it)<br />
graphite on paper, 8.5" x 11"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPns94tCMIA/Vgw-VaDJdJI/AAAAAAAABCQ/RGW8FSTgvVU/s1600/Makindi%2BSliderunner%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPns94tCMIA/Vgw-VaDJdJI/AAAAAAAABCQ/RGW8FSTgvVU/s400/Makindi%2BSliderunner%2Bb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makindi Sliderunner<br />
oil on paper mounted to mdf, 12" x 16"<br />
©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-23149243362951196872015-08-03T09:03:00.003-07:002015-08-03T09:05:08.971-07:00infraREAL: The Art of Imaginative Realiam at the Jonathan Levine Gallery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6CpY6_dZLU/Vb-MrCgdqXI/AAAAAAAABBk/7yNclc0fQh0/s1600/Ozymandias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6CpY6_dZLU/Vb-MrCgdqXI/AAAAAAAABBk/7yNclc0fQh0/s400/Ozymandias.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ozymandias</i><br />
oil on panel, 20" x 27"<br />
©Matthew Stewart</td></tr>
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On Wednesday this week, <a href="http://jonathanlevinegallery.com/">Jonathan Levine Gallery</a> will host an opening for infraREAL, a special exhibition of Imaginative Realism art. The show is curated by Patrick Wilshire, who along with his wife Jeannie are have been collecting art for over twenty years and are the organizers of the highly successful annual <a href="http://www.illuxcon.com/">IlluxCon</a> conventions. It's an honor for me to be included with such a prestigious roster of artists.<br />
My contribution "Ozymandias" sprang from a sketchbook exploration below. Not a literal illustration of the poem by Percy Shelley, the title refers to the theme of the poem- Nothing escapes the ravages of time, and the contemporary glory is fleeting.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC4fXiJdjlI/Vb-MvnJ2CQI/AAAAAAAABBs/WQyHinG2aDE/s1600/Sphinx%2Bdrawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC4fXiJdjlI/Vb-MvnJ2CQI/AAAAAAAABBs/WQyHinG2aDE/s400/Sphinx%2Bdrawing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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infraREAL-the Art of Imaginative Realism<br />
August 5-August 22, 2015<br />
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Opening Reception with the Artist<br />
August 5th (at two locations)<br />
557C West 23rd Street: 6-8 pm<br />
529 West 20th Street:7-9pmMatt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-13782461719548055572015-07-17T10:00:00.000-07:002015-07-17T20:24:56.976-07:00"I will not say the day is done"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0st_k2piP4/VaWPwrgFeCI/AAAAAAAABBE/BU1RAMM_2CQ/s1600/I%2Bwill%2Bnot%2Bsay%2Bthe%2BDay%2Bis%2Bdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0st_k2piP4/VaWPwrgFeCI/AAAAAAAABBE/BU1RAMM_2CQ/s400/I%2Bwill%2Bnot%2Bsay%2Bthe%2BDay%2Bis%2Bdone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I will not say the day is done"<br />
red pencil on toned paper, 11" x 14"<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">©Matthew Stewart</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Having climbed to the top of the tower of Cirith Ungol in pursuit of the orcs who have taken his master, he finds a dead end. Believing Frodo to be now beyond rescue he sits down and begins to sing. This is one of my favorite scenes in the book. </span></div>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-91590599766416950472015-07-14T15:37:00.001-07:002015-07-14T15:37:53.749-07:00Honored Hierarch<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Pj348rt0E/VaWK6NA1sEI/AAAAAAAABAo/V7YWYJWCtgg/s1600/Honored%2BHierarch%2Boma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52Pj348rt0E/VaWK6NA1sEI/AAAAAAAABAo/V7YWYJWCtgg/s400/Honored%2BHierarch%2Boma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honored Hierarch<br />oil on paper on masonite, 12" x 16"<br />©Wizards of the Coast<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Honored Hierarch is one of the two card illustrations I painted for the new <i>Origins</i> set for <i>Magic:the Gathering</i>. Magic fans would recognize him as an inhabitant of Bant from armor and golden sigils he wears. The man is the keeper of a sacred olive grove. I originally intended to paint a younger man, as seen in the preliminary sketch below. After submitting the sketch, I thought it would give him more gravitas, more of an implied history, if he were an older man. Rather than just the caretaker, he proudly looks on the grove of trees he planted and raised from saplings. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honored Hierarch (drawing)<br />8 1/2" x 11", graphite on paper<br />©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-36849689308681064332015-04-07T10:43:00.001-07:002015-04-07T10:43:52.218-07:00Recent Drawings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Some Tolkien inspired drawings I've done over the last few months that I don't think I've shown here yet. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzWX3GrH8Vk/VSQVntBwIJI/AAAAAAAAA_s/hLmyuvso5Bc/s1600/Bard%2Bthe%2BBowman%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzWX3GrH8Vk/VSQVntBwIJI/AAAAAAAAA_s/hLmyuvso5Bc/s1600/Bard%2Bthe%2BBowman%2Bb.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bard the Bowman<br />18" x 24" , red and white pencil on toned paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bard the Bowman II<br />18" x 24" , red and white pencil on toned paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvDzLrNI95w/VSQVnuv_EYI/AAAAAAAAA_w/68bc8JgnD9Q/s1600/Beneath%2Bthe%2BDragon%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvDzLrNI95w/VSQVnuv_EYI/AAAAAAAAA_w/68bc8JgnD9Q/s1600/Beneath%2Bthe%2BDragon%2Bb.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beneath the Dragon<br />11"x 14", red and white pencil on toned paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRDOJ9x9nGU/VSQVon31OLI/AAAAAAAAA_4/q0-J0N4Rwi8/s1600/In%2BMoria%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRDOJ9x9nGU/VSQVon31OLI/AAAAAAAAA_4/q0-J0N4Rwi8/s1600/In%2BMoria%2Bb.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Moria<br />11"x 14", red pencil on toned paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJye8Y8fYKI/VSQVqPt6oOI/AAAAAAAABAE/VknFWkGbi7g/s1600/Ring%2Ba%2Bdong%2Bdillo%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJye8Y8fYKI/VSQVqPt6oOI/AAAAAAAABAE/VknFWkGbi7g/s1600/Ring%2Ba%2Bdong%2Bdillo%2Bb.jpg" height="400" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ring a dong dillo<br />11"x 14", red pencil on paper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvKjLywGy0/VSQVqWETFYI/AAAAAAAABAI/iXvpQLcLvdI/s1600/Samwise%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvKjLywGy0/VSQVqWETFYI/AAAAAAAABAI/iXvpQLcLvdI/s1600/Samwise%2Bb.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samwise<br />11"x 14", red pencil on paper</td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-77661400040186622002015-01-16T23:55:00.000-08:002015-01-16T23:55:16.629-08:00Abzan Skycaptain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIz8LREwQuo/VLQU28DaW1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/ODK3faXwGwM/s1600/Abzan%2BSkycaptain%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UIz8LREwQuo/VLQU28DaW1I/AAAAAAAAA-o/ODK3faXwGwM/s1600/Abzan%2BSkycaptain%2Bb.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abzan Skycaptain<br />
oil on paper mounted to mdf, 12" x 16"<br />
available for purchase for $1,250<br />
©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<i>Abzan Skycaptain </i>was done for the <i>Fate Reforged </i>expansion set for Magic: the Gathering. I've painted these anthropomorphic birds for Magic in the past, basing my designs on golden eagles or snow owls. The supplied concept image for the aven design in this set looked like a vulture. So I based the Skycaptain on a griffon vulture, which is native to the near east and central Asia. The Abzan clan takes its inspiration from the medieval empires of this region, so it seemed only appropriate. Also, maintaining the feeling that the creature is flying while it holds its weapons with its wings was surprisingly tricky, but I think I'm happy with the results.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm-dBz0wL1k/VLQU3RiKZiI/AAAAAAAAA-w/DjqaqhR9sa8/s1600/Abzan%2BSkycaptain%2Bdrawingb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gm-dBz0wL1k/VLQU3RiKZiI/AAAAAAAAA-w/DjqaqhR9sa8/s1600/Abzan%2BSkycaptain%2Bdrawingb.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abzan Skycaptain preliminary sketch<br />
graphite on paper, 8 1/2" x 11"<br />
available for purchase for $225<br />
©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6COlNlG5lFY/VLQU2018u_I/AAAAAAAAA-k/5vwNgyK1QXs/s1600/abzanskycaptain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6COlNlG5lFY/VLQU2018u_I/AAAAAAAAA-k/5vwNgyK1QXs/s1600/abzanskycaptain.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-51780789439999739002014-11-17T16:37:00.002-08:002014-11-17T16:43:27.977-08:00Ivorytusk Fortress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9FgVYKLbhiw/VGqOzUA8ZjI/AAAAAAAAA94/Dlhjfd0F6lQ/s1600/Ivorytusk%2BFortressB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9FgVYKLbhiw/VGqOzUA8ZjI/AAAAAAAAA94/Dlhjfd0F6lQ/s1600/Ivorytusk%2BFortressB.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ivorytusk Fortress</i><br />
14" x 18", oils on mdf<br />
©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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Here's a bit on the process that <i>Ivorytusk Fortress </i>went through from thumbnail to final. For some pieces I know right away what I'd like to do. For others, which is most of the time, the image must go through many incarnations before I'm happy with it. </div>
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Small thumbnail sketches, sometimes pages of them, are done. Promising ones are imported into photoshop for further development. I like to think about value and color as early as possible, and photoshop allows me to do that rather easily. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldohpjG8yNo/VGqRMA1kNeI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JgquT8y_2Xs/s1600/Ivortusk%2Bthumbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldohpjG8yNo/VGqRMA1kNeI/AAAAAAAAA-E/JgquT8y_2Xs/s1600/Ivortusk%2Bthumbs.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A page from my sketchbook. Not pretty. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFoeSqd2JGU/VGqVqiCOKFI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/O96pKUIqskg/s1600/Ivorytusk%2Bprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFoeSqd2JGU/VGqVqiCOKFI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/O96pKUIqskg/s1600/Ivorytusk%2Bprocess.jpg" height="640" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various thumbnails, developed further and with values and color added</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">When I arrive at a rough I like, I usually go back to pencil and paper to really nail the composition down, adding information from reference, and working on the details. With everything worked out, the painting of the final image goes a lot smoother. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_m144ORZA/VGqKHdJjUdI/AAAAAAAAA9c/DG_nUcDE4F0/s1600/Ivorytusk%2BFortress%2Bsketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4_m144ORZA/VGqKHdJjUdI/AAAAAAAAA9c/DG_nUcDE4F0/s1600/Ivorytusk%2BFortress%2Bsketch.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final drawing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekviznlUb8A/VGqKINL3BLI/AAAAAAAAA9g/yb59i23ZEGE/s1600/IvorytuskFortress%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekviznlUb8A/VGqKINL3BLI/AAAAAAAAA9g/yb59i23ZEGE/s1600/IvorytuskFortress%2Bcard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The image as it appears on the card, in foil. </td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-13892665200614450182014-09-10T13:32:00.000-07:002014-09-10T13:33:10.228-07:00In the Forest Under Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJAeVl0wNjs/VBCo6yakgiI/AAAAAAAAA88/4kP2D3dYZ-0/s1600/In%2Bthe%2BForest%2BUnder%2BNight-Gwindor%2Bin%2BTaur-nu-Fuin%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJAeVl0wNjs/VBCo6yakgiI/AAAAAAAAA88/4kP2D3dYZ-0/s1600/In%2Bthe%2BForest%2BUnder%2BNight-Gwindor%2Bin%2BTaur-nu-Fuin%2Bb.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the Forest Under Night</i><i><br /></i>oil on panel, 30"x48"<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Matthew Stewart</span></td></tr>
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<i> "A wandering Elf, a thrall escaped, whom Beleg met and comforted,' said Gwindor. 'Yet once I was Gwindor son of Guilin, a lord of Nargothrond, until I went to the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, and was enslaved in Angband.'"</i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>J.R.R. Tolkien</i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Of Turin Turambar, The Silmarillion</i></div>
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<i>In the Forest Under Night </i>is a scene from the tale by J.R.R. Tolkien that appears in both <i>The Silmarillion</i> and in a longer form in <i>The Children of Hurin</i>. Gwindor is a Noldor Elf lord captured in the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, also known as "The Battle of Unnumbered Tears". At this catastrophic defeat, the kingdoms of the Noldor elves were smashed by Morgoth. As one of the Noldor, skilled in mining and smithing, Gwindor was kept alive as a slave. He escaped, however, into the forest Taur-nu-Fuin, which in the elvish language means "great forest under night". He has lost a hand in his escape, and carries with him a Feanorian lamp in the other. It is light of this lamp that Beleg, in pursuit of the captured Turin, sees and finds Gwindor. You can read the story and decide for yourself if Gwindor would have been better off left alone.<br />
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I'll have both this painting and the drawing seen below, along with many other pieces on display next week at <a href="http://www.illuxcon.com/">Illuxcon 7</a> at the Allentown Art Museum. The show runs from Wednesday, Sept 17 to Sunday, Septemebr 21st.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csF1ZvW_3kw/VBCo-9qIsDI/AAAAAAAAA9E/OFEAMnIm4r8/s1600/In%2Bthe%2BForest%2BUnder%2BNight-Gwindor%2Bin%2BTaur-nu-Fuin(drawing)b.jpg(drawing).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csF1ZvW_3kw/VBCo-9qIsDI/AAAAAAAAA9E/OFEAMnIm4r8/s1600/In%2Bthe%2BForest%2BUnder%2BNight-Gwindor%2Bin%2BTaur-nu-Fuin(drawing)b.jpg(drawing).jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the Forest under Night</i><br />
preliminary drawing for the painting<br />
red pencil on paper, 21" x 33"<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Matthew Stewart</span></td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-84409005658573384492014-07-20T13:35:00.001-07:002014-07-20T13:35:27.365-07:00Master of Predicaments<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiydkiyYEGI/U8whrHt0P0I/AAAAAAAAA8c/GlN7hFyA2_I/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiydkiyYEGI/U8whrHt0P0I/AAAAAAAAA8c/GlN7hFyA2_I/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+b.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Master of Predicaments</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">12" x16" , oil , Photoshop.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">©Wizards of the Coast</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<i>Master of Predicaments</i> was done for the new M15 core set for Magic the Gathering. The art description called for a cruel looking sphinx, who enjoys forcing those unfortunate to come across him to choose their doom behind the doors. Originally I was asked to paint three doors, but changes in the card design while I was painting the illustration made only two doors necessary. I try to make the changes in oils when I can, but with schedule constraints, along with the fact that the changes were architectural (lots of straight, evenly spaced edges, along with a shiny floor that would also have to be repainted too), doing the changes digitally made a lot more sense. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMODOvdPQt8/U8whsyu-MaI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Ho9GKzRKt8Q/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+sketch+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMODOvdPQt8/U8whsyu-MaI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Ho9GKzRKt8Q/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+sketch+b.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master of Predicaments (preliminary drawing)<br />8.5" x 11", pencil on paper<br />©Wizards of the Coast<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I liked the slender doors with the vertical orb windows in the sketch. I was afraid, however, that they would get lost when the image is reduced to card size. Though its a creature card, the background doors had to be very clear for the illustration to work. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXkmwpmZ48s/U8whsAoZTkI/AAAAAAAAA8o/knmfe613X9I/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+%2528oil%2529b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXkmwpmZ48s/U8whsAoZTkI/AAAAAAAAA8o/knmfe613X9I/s1600/Master+of+Predicaments+%2528oil%2529b.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Master of Predicaments</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">12" x16" , oil on paper mounted to board</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">©Wizards of the Coast</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rifIpI1CHic/U8whqNJTzQI/AAAAAAAAA8U/ERQV7L36I3M/s1600/MP+card+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rifIpI1CHic/U8whqNJTzQI/AAAAAAAAA8U/ERQV7L36I3M/s1600/MP+card+b.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-30037321485427242432014-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:002014-05-23T11:03:58.918-07:00Power Play<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFche9FMgu0/U3-Jcg6ITiI/AAAAAAAAA74/OItOO0EL-eA/s1600/Power+Play+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFche9FMgu0/U3-Jcg6ITiI/AAAAAAAAA74/OItOO0EL-eA/s1600/Power+Play+b.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Marchesa Enthroned</i> aka. <i>Power Play</i><br />oil on board, 16" x 24"<br />©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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Here's the second painting of Marchesa, The Black Rose I created for Magic's new <i>Conspiracy</i> set. I really enjoy painting these vertical full format cards. It's a nice change from the usual horizontal format, and being that the text box is covering the bottom half, it allowed me to indulge myself in painting all the the marble throne details without having to put anything too important in the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYVBVgVj-GY/U3-JcwdQ_nI/AAAAAAAAA8E/ouRMOnEipRI/s1600/Power+Play+drawing+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYVBVgVj-GY/U3-JcwdQ_nI/AAAAAAAAA8E/ouRMOnEipRI/s1600/Power+Play+drawing+b.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preliminary drawing for <i>Marchesa Enthroned</i><br />Red Brown pencil and white chalk on toned Canson paper, 14.75" x 22 image area<br />©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXXDcOIM4w/U3-JcjzhHsI/AAAAAAAAA70/sRsAvsTDwpY/s1600/Power+play+mtgcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXXDcOIM4w/U3-JcjzhHsI/AAAAAAAAA70/sRsAvsTDwpY/s1600/Power+play+mtgcard.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-63172713961666664152014-05-19T11:13:00.000-07:002014-05-19T14:26:08.480-07:00Marchesa, The Black Rose<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbJPQVHWVh8/U3pFhEjZlHI/AAAAAAAAA7c/EPZErv3eppk/s1600/Marchessa,+The+Black+Rose+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbJPQVHWVh8/U3pFhEjZlHI/AAAAAAAAA7c/EPZErv3eppk/s1600/Marchessa,+The+Black+Rose+b.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Marchesa, the Black Rose</i><br />
Oil on paper mounted to board, 12" x 16"<br />
©Wizards of the Coast<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Marchesa, The Black Rose</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, for the new </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Conspiracy</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> set for Magic. Our femme fatale has just eliminated a mark through the use of a poisonous pin hidden in one of her rings. She also carries deadly needles in her hair. I enjoyed painting all the lush costume details and Italian renaissance/baroque feel that characterizes this set. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I got to paint this character twice, the other piece being on the card <i>Power Play</i>, which was just spoiled last night, but I'll get into that one in an upcoming post. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preliminary drawing for <i>Marchesa, The Black Rose</i><br />
graphite and white chalk on toned paper, image area 9.5" x13"<br />
©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-78895916393053800742014-05-10T14:52:00.002-07:002014-05-10T14:52:33.261-07:00Sage of Hours on Ebay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpwuzezTpis/U26e5DAaT1I/AAAAAAAAA60/co3-DDoxXd0/s1600/Sage+of+Hours+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpwuzezTpis/U26e5DAaT1I/AAAAAAAAA60/co3-DDoxXd0/s1600/Sage+of+Hours+b.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
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The original oil painting <i>Sage of Hours</i> is up for auction on Ebay. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=141283537449">Click here to see the auction</a>. Happy bidding!Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-52078605160203484322014-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:002014-04-25T00:00:13.284-07:00Cyclops of Eternal Furies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclops of Eternal Furies<br />Oil/Digital<br />©Wizards of the Coast<br /></td></tr>
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In Theros, certain inhabitants are living enchantments, creations of the gods. When we see these creatures, where shadows would normally be, we see through to the plane of Nyx, which is the home of the gods. Unfortunately for me when I painted it early on in the set, I didn't quite understand the effect. As you can see below in the oil painting, I thought all shadows in each illustration would show the effect. Pressed for time, and not especially adept at painting star fields in oils, I chose to continue the painting in Photoshop. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclops of Eternal Fury (unfinished)<br />oils on paper mounted to mdf, 12" x 16"<br />©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XtmoVyNmVU/U1hElCd2XpI/AAAAAAAAA6U/XgAnJ0Waugg/s1600/Cyclops+of+Eternal+Fury+MTG+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XtmoVyNmVU/U1hElCd2XpI/AAAAAAAAA6U/XgAnJ0Waugg/s1600/Cyclops+of+Eternal+Fury+MTG+card.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-14724372667449043892014-04-23T15:32:00.000-07:002014-04-23T15:32:09.304-07:00Sage of Hours<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sage of Hours</i><br />12" x 16" oil on paper mounted to board<br />©Wizards of the Coast</td></tr>
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A new one for new "Journey to Nyx" set for Magic: The Gathering. The inspiration for this piece came from the working title in the art description, "Clock Architect". I was asked to paint a human scholar standing proudly beside an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism">antikythera mechanism</a>, an ancient analog computer used to predict the positions and phases of planets, moons, stars. The man was to be within a "mystical structure of stone tablets and glowing air-writings " It was to have a "mysteries of time" mood. The word "architect", however, immediately implanted in my mind the idea that the mechanism was massive, with huge turning gears and chains, powered by waterwheels. Less mystical, more mechanical. Not sure that my interpretation would fly, I did two sketches. One with a more accurately sized antikythera mechanism and a more wizard like human and another other with my giant machine idea. I was pleased they went with the latter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clock Architect #1</i><br />pencil on paper, 8 1/2" x 11"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clock Architect #2</i><br />pencil on paper, 8 1/2" x 11"</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCdQ6-eAEVA/U1gvkie9bMI/AAAAAAAAA6E/3I0w97CEqqo/s1600/Sage+of+hours+MTGcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCdQ6-eAEVA/U1gvkie9bMI/AAAAAAAAA6E/3I0w97CEqqo/s1600/Sage+of+hours+MTGcard.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-14767411784013976862014-02-16T15:44:00.002-08:002014-02-16T15:44:53.510-08:00Original Art for Tromokratis on Ebay!The original oil painting for <a href="http://mattstewartartblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/tromokratis.html">Tromokratis </a>is up for auction on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/141195027159?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">Ebay</a>. Happy Bidding!!Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-52948041106674673072014-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:002014-02-03T00:00:04.491-08:00Tromokratis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BSaR36NU0/Uu7Sj48sY6I/AAAAAAAAA5E/Flbja5c_6AM/s1600/Tromokratis+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1BSaR36NU0/Uu7Sj48sY6I/AAAAAAAAA5E/Flbja5c_6AM/s1600/Tromokratis+b.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Tromokratis</i></span></div>
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<i>Tromokratis</i> is my contribution for the upcoming <i>Born of the Gods</i> expansion set for <i>Magic: The Gathering.</i> It's a Theros version of the mythological Kraken, an immense monster that lurks in the depths of the ocean only to emerge and squash cities. Though there are other Kraken (Krakens?) in the set, this one is supposed to be a singular and legendary character. There was a longer design process on this one than what is normal for me. I guess that's par for the course when doing "important" cards. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdSjyG32ck/Uu7ShobvFdI/AAAAAAAAA4g/NqsNLE7PbqQ/s1600/Tromo+1st+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdSjyG32ck/Uu7ShobvFdI/AAAAAAAAA4g/NqsNLE7PbqQ/s1600/Tromo+1st+sketch.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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My initial sketch. The creative team at Wizards thought it was a bit too much like the other Kraken already depicted in the set. Tromokratis had to be different. Before proceeding to the second version, they asked if I could submit some quick concepts. Just a couple different designs that they could choose from. So went to my sketchbook and played around with some ideas. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--phfj1t5lGg/Uu7ShWtamXI/AAAAAAAAA4c/haCN4EtvFWs/s1600/Tromo+concept+design+1+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--phfj1t5lGg/Uu7ShWtamXI/AAAAAAAAA4c/haCN4EtvFWs/s1600/Tromo+concept+design+1+b.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first sketch was kind of a cross between a lobster and a scorpion. Adding in other influences such as snapping turtles, goblin sharks, and squids varied the design a bit more, giving it what I felt was a look all its own. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqd9QvWDoSw/Uu7SiDsrZQI/AAAAAAAAA4o/GT4H07Ej9ns/s1600/Tomokratis+sketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqd9QvWDoSw/Uu7SiDsrZQI/AAAAAAAAA4o/GT4H07Ej9ns/s1600/Tomokratis+sketch2.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-7931263498296109442013-12-17T22:24:00.000-08:002013-12-17T22:34:07.379-08:00The Hound of the BaskervillesAround this time last year, I was approached by The Easton Press to illustrate an edition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes mystery <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles. </i>I jumped at the chance. I had always wanted to illustrate a novel with book plate interiors since my days in art school. It was also an opportunity to try something outside of my high-fantasy comfort zone. To be chosen to take on such a literary classic with one of the most famous characters in literature was a tremendous honor for me. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj_WjQ_ITBo/UrE_cZn9PkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/6qC4ejVUrgs/s1600/HOB+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj_WjQ_ITBo/UrE_cZn9PkI/AAAAAAAAA3o/6qC4ejVUrgs/s320/HOB+book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The book is available in deluxe limited edition of 1200 copies, each one signed by yours truly. The edition feature 10 full color book plates, as well as chapter head vignette drawings.<a href="http://www.eastonpress.com/prod/BDD/THE-HOUND-OF-THE-BASKERVILLES_2871.aspx"> It's available here at The Easton Press website</a>. Below is a little sampling of my work featured in this edition. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOFJuzeKASE/UrFBpNU5g8I/AAAAAAAAA4M/tN0iwqvVAUI/s1600/The+Hound+of+the+Baskervilles+b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOFJuzeKASE/UrFBpNU5g8I/AAAAAAAAA4M/tN0iwqvVAUI/s400/The+Hound+of+the+Baskervilles+b.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Hound of the Baskervilles</span></i></div>
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<i>"Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smoldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined with a flickering flame. Never in the delirious dream of a disordered brain could anything more savage, more appalling, more hellish, be conceived than that dark form and savage face." </i></div>
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<i>"I assure you there is a reign of terror in the district, and that is a hardy man who will cross the moor at night"</i></div>
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<i>"He might have been the very spirit of that terrible place."</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeH87dXvZRU/UrFBYrcrIdI/AAAAAAAAA4E/OkHQfBKXoqI/s1600/Sherlock+Holmes-A+Concentrated+Atmostphere+b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeH87dXvZRU/UrFBYrcrIdI/AAAAAAAAA4E/OkHQfBKXoqI/s400/Sherlock+Holmes-A+Concentrated+Atmostphere+b.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>"It is a singular thing, but I find a concentrated atmosphere helps concentration of thought."</i></div>
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Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-8537206014545204052013-10-11T11:00:00.001-07:002013-10-11T11:00:28.934-07:00Waste Not <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVrvfEw-fd4/Ulg1QpkVZ_I/AAAAAAAAA10/O7Nn8Fj9Quc/s1600/Waste+Not+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVrvfEw-fd4/Ulg1QpkVZ_I/AAAAAAAAA10/O7Nn8Fj9Quc/s400/Waste+Not+B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">oil on paper mounted to board, 12" x 16" </span></div>
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Over at <a href="http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/1340">Daily MTG</a>, the final image for Waste Not has been revealed. <a href="http://www.mattstewartartblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/you-make-card-waste-not.html">Back in July</a> I was asked to create an image for a magic card where that was created by the fans.<br />
Below are the sketches of the three options, without the digital color I added to them for the voting.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Waste Not A</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Waste Not B</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Waste Not C</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11"</span></div>
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Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-75266077682256146182013-09-29T21:16:00.000-07:002013-09-29T21:16:05.604-07:00Insatiable Harpy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ZTB9QyQss/Ukj5mEJv3DI/AAAAAAAAA1g/NmlX9vqvnAs/s1600/Insatiable+Harpy+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ZTB9QyQss/Ukj5mEJv3DI/AAAAAAAAA1g/NmlX9vqvnAs/s400/Insatiable+Harpy+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Insatiable Harpy</i><br />oil on paper mounted to board, 12" x 16"<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Wizards of the Coast</span></td></tr>
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Last but not least, <i>Insatiable Harpy</i> rounds out my contribution to the Theros expansion set. I love the flavor text for this one.<br />
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<i>Gold coin, battered helmet, broken wrist bone-all have the same value in the eyes of a harpy.</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVtawNmFNu0/Ukj5mJpCT5I/AAAAAAAAA1c/Z2BO5piMBRc/s1600/Insatiable+harpy+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xVtawNmFNu0/Ukj5mJpCT5I/AAAAAAAAA1c/Z2BO5piMBRc/s320/Insatiable+harpy+card.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-78888090157940877752013-09-11T23:32:00.000-07:002013-09-11T23:32:04.297-07:00Agent of the Fates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ggUk4L8dc/UjFcet8IpFI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ZT2WjlmcQu8/s1600/Agent+of+the+Fates+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_ggUk4L8dc/UjFcet8IpFI/AAAAAAAAA1M/ZT2WjlmcQu8/s400/Agent+of+the+Fates+B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Agent of the Fates</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">oil on paper mounted on board, 12" x 16"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Wizards of the Coast</span></div>
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Another piece for <i>Theros. </i>Probably my personal favorite of the pieces I did for this set. After seeing some great Egyptian ceremonial knives in the Louvre on our trip to Paris last year, the daggers in the sketch looked a bit medieval, so I repainted them when I got back.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_UUxla0uTo/UjFcemo-faI/AAAAAAAAA08/d6wDANS92AA/s1600/agent+of+the+fates+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_UUxla0uTo/UjFcemo-faI/AAAAAAAAA08/d6wDANS92AA/s320/agent+of+the+fates+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The submitted sketch</span></div>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-74322766173448200192013-09-09T22:03:00.001-07:002013-09-09T22:05:04.258-07:00Fanatic of Mogis<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Fanatic of Mogis</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">oil on paper mounted to board, 12"x 16"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Wizards of the Coast</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's another one from Theros. A minotaur acolyte of the deity Mogis. I tried to render some really matted and greasy looking fur. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u5RLshZ58s/Ui6kglxVSSI/AAAAAAAAA0s/_OMkvDMu5R8/s1600/Fanatic+of+Mogis+sketchB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u5RLshZ58s/Ui6kglxVSSI/AAAAAAAAA0s/_OMkvDMu5R8/s320/Fanatic+of+Mogis+sketchB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> The sketch, done in red pencil</span></div>
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Also, click<a href="http://massivefantastic.com/?p=4362"> here </a>to read me blather on in an interview for MassiveFantastic.com. It's a cool website that celebrates Fantastic art. Thanks to Eric Super Villan for the pub! </div>
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4334513453363331392.post-89153683254272607732013-09-04T19:31:00.001-07:002013-09-04T19:31:49.680-07:00The Voice of Isengard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWyF896SiDI/UiffnAiWfWI/AAAAAAAAAzc/tBTVh0eb_3E/s1600/The+Voice+of+Isengard+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWyF896SiDI/UiffnAiWfWI/AAAAAAAAAzc/tBTVh0eb_3E/s400/The+Voice+of+Isengard+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The Voice of Isengard</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">oil on panel, 20" x 40"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©Fantasy Flight Games</span></div>
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A covetous Saruman the White and Grima Wormtongue standing in the foothills above the Wizards Vale, looking out towards Rohan. I've been waiting to show this one for a while. <i>The Voice of Isengard</i> was done for box of the latest expansion set of The Lord of the Rings -The Card Game, published by Fantasy Flight Games. </div>
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Where they're standing. The client wanted Fangorn to be seen on the extreme right, and the tower of Orthanc had to be a bit more prominent so that it would show up on the box, so the geography was condensed a bit.<br />
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Digital sketches of my initial idea, which focused more on the view of Rohan. I tried to work in a rainbow somewhere in the image to hint at Saruman's eventual transformation into Saruman of Many Colours. In the final image, it's in the prism on the end of his staff. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tUBVAJP1Qk/UiffpIdc7EI/AAAAAAAAAzk/XYkGvGJBeyo/s1600/dingle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tUBVAJP1Qk/UiffpIdc7EI/AAAAAAAAAzk/XYkGvGJBeyo/s320/dingle+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A view from Conor Pass, on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. I find myself constantly recalling the trip my wife and I took there a couple years ago as inspiration for many of the imaginary locales I've been painting since.<br />
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<br />Matt Stewarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308748126647763298noreply@blogger.com1