Tolkien Etchings

10 1/4″ x 7 3/4″

“A Knife in the Dark”, is the only etching on this site depicting a scene from one of Tolkien’s books, that was not not created specifically for my current series. It actually dates from my college years, and involves Frodo being attacked on Wheathertop, by the Witch King of Angmar; another of those very powerful Tolkien scenes. Looking back at this piece I have a variety of feelings about it. On the one hand, I really enjoy it’s spontaneity: both Frodo and the especially the Nazgul have a sense of dynamic movement. On the other hand, the background figures look like stiff statues. And, though the lower part of the Nazgul’s robe is poorly drawn, the part that is rippling across his chest is some of the best etching I’ve done. Being simultaneously spontaneous, and in control of ones medium is a goal much to be desired.