Deviation Actions
Description
"The Debate of Finrod and Andreth"
Commision, coloured pencils and crayons on Schoeller paper, 50 X 35 cm, autumn 2002.
© Ilías Patrinós
Inspired by a very interesting conversation between the elf-lord Finrod Felagund, son of Finarfin, and Andreth, a mortal woman of the House of Bëor, about the different natures and fates of Elves and Men in life and in death.
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[Finrod:] 'We are both, Elves and Men, in Arda and of Arda; and such knowledge as Men have is derived from Arda (or so it would appear). Whence then comes this memory that ye have with you, even before ye begin to learn?
‘It is not of other regions in Arda from which ye have journeyed. We also have journeyed from afar. But were you and I to go together to your ancient homes east away I should recognize the things there as part of my home, but I should see in your eyes the same wonder and comparison as I see in the eyes of Men in Beleriand who were born here.’
‘You speak strange words, Finrod,’ said Andreth, ‘which I have not heard before. Yet my heart is stirred as if by some truth that it recognizes even if it does not understand it. But fleeting is that memory, and goes ere it can be grasped; and then we grow blind. And those among us who have known the Eldar, and maybe have loved them, say on our side: “There is no weariness in the eyes of the Elves”. And we find that they do not understand the saying that goes among Men: too often seen is seen no longer. And they wonder much that in the tongues of Men the same word may mean both “long-known” and “stale”.
‘We have thought that this was so only because the Elves have lasting life and undiminished vigour. “Grown-up children”, we, the guests, sometimes call you, my lord. And yet – and yet, if nothing in Arda for us holds its savour long, and all fair things grow dim, what then? Does it not come from the Shadow upon our hearts? Or do you say that it is not so, but this was ever our nature, even before the wound?"
~J.R.R. Tolkien, History of Middle-Earth, vol.10
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But first, some positive- the colors are absolutely splendid, especially on the tree trunks- they really stand out wonderfully. I do love the little house in the background, as well. Your uses of many colors to create the light and shading is well done.
But there are a few things that you can improve on- mostly with human anatomy. If you have not taken a life drawing class (and legally can wherever you live), I *highly* recommend doing so. I've only taken one semester thus far and saw a huge improvement in my people. If you cannot, buy some life drawing and anatomy books, and read them, and practice from them. Draw, from photo or RL references, bodies, nude or clothed, both are helpful. That is where you need the most practice on- you'll find that Aegnor's elbows should be much lower, the legs much thicker, and overall less stiff in the full body. The ear is also too far right on the face (a mistake I still do, myself- ears are pretty close to the eyes, in reality).
Best of luck!