CURRENT WORK IN PROGRESS (WIP)

"The Doom of Doriath " is the working title for my current bit of artwork. The story of Beren & Luthien in The Silmarillion has always deeply touched me, and I have always wanted to capture an image of this story. All my previous images are action...action...action somehow missing the beauty of the stories of Middle-Earth.

...Among the tales of sorrow and of ruin that come down to us from the darkness of those days there are yet some in which amid weeping there is joy and under the shadow of death light that endures. And of these histories most fair still in the ears of the Elves is the tale of Beren and Luthien...

.."Bring to me in your hand a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown; and then, if she will, Lúthien may set her hand in yours. Then you shall have my jewel; and though the fate of Arda lie within the Silmarils, yet you shall hold me generous."

Thus he wrought the doom of Doriath, and was ensnared within the curse of Mandos...

That moment that King Thingol declares what Beren has to do in order to win the hand of Luthien is the moment that I want to capture. No sword swinging, no ugly orcs - just drama!  

I have started a few preliminary renders straight out of Poser 6 to get an idea the first of the 4 characters done - Luthien. Thingol, Beren and Melian and Thingol's gown and his throne follow!