DeviantArt: peet/23069710's gallery

Maglor's Gap

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:49:44 PST

'Between the arms of Gelion was the ward of Maglor, and here in one place the hills failed altogether: there it was that the Orcs came into East Beleriand before the Third Battle. Therefore the Noldor held strength of cavalry in the plains at that place; and the people of Caranthir fortified the mountains to the east of Maglor's Gap.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion:: Chapter 14: Of Beleriand And Its Realms

----

A little bit of landscape watercolour practice. I imagine us looking N-NW, with the Hills of Himring beginning in the distance, and Maedhros' fortress and eventually the eastern walls of Dorthonion being many tens of miles away.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Myrddin's Prophecy

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:28:04 PST

Commissioned piece for Chapter 6 of Sean Poage, Author ‘Arthurian Age’ series, Book III: 'Three Wicked Revelations'.

The scene depicts Sean's retelling of a young Merlin / Myrddin alongside Vortigern and the druid Macaunt (and others of this order) atop Dinas Emrys in Wales.

Frustrated by the fact that the foundation of his desired fortress on the hill keeps crumbling, in time, Vortigern learns from Merlin of the 'Prophecy of the Two Dragons' (sometimes known as the Libellus Merlini of Geoffrey of Monmouth) - the first of the eponymous three wicked revelations ...

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Gelmir with the Noldorin Lamp

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:16:32 PST

'And then Gelmir brought forth one of those lamps for which the Noldor were renowned; for they were made of old in Valinor, and neither wind nor water could quench them, and when they were unhooded they sent forth a clear blue light from a flame imprisoned in white crystal.'

[Editor's Note]: The blue-shining lamps of the Noldorin Elves are referred to elsewhere, though they do not appear in the published text of The Silmarillion. In earlier versions of the tale of Túrin Gwindor, the Elf of Nargothrond who escaped from Angband and was found by Beleg in the forest of Taur-nu-Fuin, possessed one of these lamps (it can be seen in my father's painting of that meeting, see Pictures by J. R. R. Tolkien, 1979, no. 37); and it was the overturning and uncovering of Gwindor's lamp so that its light shone out that showed Turin the face of Beleg whom he had killed. In a note on the story of Gwindor they are called "Fëanorian lamps," of which the Noldor themselves did not know the secret; and they are there described as "crystals hung in a fine chain net, the crystals being ever shining with an inner blue radiance."

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: I. I.: Of Tuor and his Coming to Gondolin

----

Started what was meant to be a speed sketch over a year ago and added some finishing touches more recently. So it remains a speed sketch to my mind, even though some may dispute that!

Legolas

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:44:41 PST

'There was also a strange Elf clad in green and brown, Legolas, a messenger from his father, Thranduil, the King of the Elves of Northern Mirkwood.'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Book II, Chapter 2: The Council of Elrond

----

Been working on this for ages and managed to put some finishing touches to him. By my calculations, I haven't depicted Legolas for about a decade. So it's nice to explore and provide an updated depiction of how I see him (brown-haired and all )!

Mungo Baggins

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:24:39 PST

'S.R. 1207-1300 (T.A. 2807-2900)'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Appendix C: Family Trees (Hobbits): Baggins of Hobbiton

-----

I was flicking through an old sketchbook and came across this rough little Mungo Baggins sketch from several years ago. I quite like it still, so I spent half an hour adding some finishing touches him: the grandfather of Bilbo.

Melkor

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:34:53 PDT

‘His envy grew then the greater within him; and he also took visible form, but because of his mood and the malice that burned in him that form was dark and terrible. And he descended upon Arda in power and majesty greater than any other of the Valar, as a mountain that wades in the sea and has its head above the clouds and is clad in ice and crowned with smoke and fire; and the light of the eyes of Melkor was like a flame that withers with heat and pierces with a deadly cold.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AINULINDALË: The Music of the Ainur

----

So, I've portrayed Sauron a few times before. But not the big guy, the boss man: 'He Who Arises in Might'. I wasn't sure whether to go with a portrait of his face post-marring at the claws of Thorondor much later on. Or - as I went for in the end - this one, since I've come across far fewer representation of him from this period.

This is 80% or more graphite, with the rest being black pan pastel for the two areas either side of him. Incidentally, I listened to a track called 'One who Bares Fangs at God' quite a lot while drawing this - seemed apt.

Vortigern's Blunder

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:48:42 PDT

Commissioned piece for Chapter 5 of Sean Poage, Author's ‘Arthurian Age’ book series, Book III: 'Three Wicked Revelations'. Here we see Vortigern in a spot of bother, to say the least …

Word to the wise for leaders, politicians and policy-makers across all ages! Underestimate the common people at your peril!

I have to say that I’m deriving so much enjoyment from this project. Not only is it an absolute pleasure to indulge in my love for the Migration Period, but Sean's historical writing is exceptional and I can’t recommend him highly enough. It’s also nice to branch out from Tolkien, but still remaining relatively within the same ballpark in terms of subject matter and style

This series will amount to c.30 b/w illustrations once complete.

Graphite.

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Forweg

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:13:11 PDT

'... Forweg, as he named himself, the captain of the band, [was] a man with fair hair and unsteady glittering eyes, big and bold, but far fallen from the ways of the Edain of the people of Hador [...] Then Túrin halted, but he showed no fear. "Who are you?" he said. "I thought that only Orcs waylaid Men; but I see that I am mistaken."
"You may rue the mistake," said Forweg, "for these are our haunts, and we do not allow other Men to walk in them. We take their lives as forfeit, unless they can ransom them."'

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: NARN I HÎN HÚRIN
The Tale of the Children of Húrin

See the rest of the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here

---

Painted in watercolour.

Forweg here has been used as an experiment for some super-granulating watercolours. I like them a lot, though I think I'll need to use them more selectively in future, and that they'll shine more on Cold or Rough Pressed paper, rather than on Hot Press as in this case. It's also my latest depiction of a relatively lesser-explored Tolkien character.

Please consider following me on FB: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Abandoned Gondorian Fortress

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 07:12:15 PDT

‘Soon after a deadly plague came with dark winds out of the East. The King and all his children died, and great numbers of the people of Gondor, especially those that lived in Osgiliath. Then for weariness and fewness of men the watch on the borders of Mordor ceased and the fortresses that guarded the passes were unmanned.’

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Appendix A: (iv) Gondor and the heirs of Anárion

Painted in watercolour.
----

I totally forgot about this piece! At the end of last year I acquired a new watercolour set, so I picked this short quote as an excuse to test them with this smaller, fairly quick painting. The main aim was to test the contrasts between warm lights and cooler darks.

Given the climate and geology, I imagine this was once some indistinct fortress on the confines between South Gondor and southern Mordor - perhaps even skirting into the Near Harad / Khand area.

Consider following me on FB: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Theoden Smiled

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:56:30 PDT

''Dark have been my dreams of late,' he said, 'but I feel as one new-awakened. I would now that you had come before, Gandalf. For I fear that already you have come too late, only to see the last days of my house. Not long now shall stand the high hall which Brego son of Eorl built. Fire shall devour the high seat. What is to be done?'
'Much,' said Gandalf. 'But first send for Éomer. Do I not guess rightly that you hold him prisoner, by the counsel of Gríma, of him that all save you name the Wormtongue?'
'It is true,' said Théoden. 'He had rebelled against my commands, and threatened death to Gríma in my hall.'
'A man may love you and yet not love Wormtongue or his counsels' said Gandalf.'
'That may be. I will do as you ask. Call Háma to me. Since he proved untrusty as a doorward, let him become an errand-runner. The guilty shall bring the guilty to judgement,' said Théoden, and his voice was grim, yet he looked at Gandalf and smiled and as he did so many lines of care were smoothed away and did not return.'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Book III, Chapter 6: The King of the Golden Hall

----

Here's another graphite sketch lying dormant for months and months. There's more I can do, but I've decided to let it go. I've achieved what I wanted to, I think.

This, to me, is book Theoden. Not just a mighty warrior-King (such that he's likened to Oromë at one point), but also the 'kindly old man' (as Gandalf puts it to Pippin), whose memory later brought Merry to tears. An old man with a measure of humility, a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye, replete with the gallows humour throughout. I like how Tolkien juxtaposes him with the colder, loftier Denethor. It's part of the Professor's reverence for the underdog which permeates his work both overtly and subtly.

Consider following me on FB: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Destruction of the Lamps

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:58:31 PDT

‘But Melkor, trusting in the strength of Utumno and the might of his servants, came forth suddenly to war, and struck the first blow, ere the Valar were prepared; and he assailed the lights of Illuin and Ormal, and cast down their pillars and broke their lamps. In the overthrow of the mighty pillars lands were broken and seas arose in tumult; and when the lamps were spilled destroying flame was poured out over the Earth. And the shape of Arda and the symmetry of its waters and its lands was marred in that time, so that the first designs of the Valar were never after restored.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days

----

Time for some primeval Middle-earth, and a bit of an experimental piece! Of course this doesn’t depict the destruction of both lamps, since they’re at polar opposites in the world at this time. But whether it’s Ormal or Illuin I leave to you.

This is a sketch I completed earlier in the summer. I’ve probably been pencilling it on and off, snatching the odd hour here or there, for about a year or so. I’ve quite a lot of pieces like this, creating a bottle neck of works that I leave aside when nearly complete, since - if possible - I want some distance from the work before I can say it’s done. Unfortunately, this explains why some fall by the wayside!

I often wish I could work faster (many artists will agree I’m sure), but then we read about late-20C artists like Bernie Wrightson and Barry Windsor-Smith and many others who I highly admire, and of course the Old Masters which I think we should all aspire to, taking years on a single piece. So … it is what it is

Graphite. Consider following me on Facebook - Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Thorondor bore them back to Mithrim

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:38:32 PDT

'Again therefore in his pain Maedhros begged that he would slay him; but Fingon cut off his hand above the wrist, and Thorondor bore them back to Mithrim.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 13: Of the Return of the Noldor

----

Private commission. Graphite.

Consider following me on Facebook - Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Eofor

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:52:53 PDT

'There [at Aldburg] Eorl had his house; it passed after Brego son of Eorl removed to Edoras into the hands of Eofor, third son of Brego, from whom Éomund, father of Éomer, claimed descent.'

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales, III. V. : The Battles of the Fords of Isen, Appendix [Author's Footnote]

----

Latest miniature speed sketch and portrayal of someone I don't think anyone's covered before. Eofor was the youngest child of Brego (Second King of Rohan) and brother to Aldor the Old (Third King of Rohan).

This portrait is based off an image of a reconstruction of the helm of the Staffordshire hoard, dated to the 7-8th centuries. The Sutton Hoo hoard is often borrowed as inspiration by quite a few Tolkien artists, so I wanted to shake things up a little. My adjustments include replacing the mohawk plume for a horse mane and the addition of a boar motif, since Eofor is the Old English word for said animal.

Other than this, we essentially know nothing more about this character

Consider following me on FB: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Waes Hael

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 05:35:35 PDT

Commissioned work for Chapter Four of Sean Poage, Author's ‘Arthurian Age’ book series, Book III: 'Three Wicked Revelations'.

Vortigern looks down in confusion as Rothwen (Rowena), daughter of Hengist, offers him a sip in greeting from her drinking horn. Evidently, he is unaware of the Germanic custom of drinking to one's health - 'waes hael'!

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Lundein, 429 A.D.

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:42:29 PDT

Chapter Three of a commissioned project for Sean Poage, Author's ‘Arthurian Age’ book series, Book III: 'Three Wicked Revelations'.

This scene depicts Lundein (Londinium / London) after Rome's abandonment of the capital, as it slowly fell into decay and disrepair at around the turn of the 5th century. The exception to this state of affairs would have been the Roman basilica on Tower Hill which, according to the archaeologist who found it, was essentially a replica of the Cathedral of St. Tecla in Milan.

Here we are viewing the city from the south-eastern most tip of the old fortified Roman Wall, within which Londinium stood during the days of its glory. We are therefore facing approximately north / north-west in this scene, with the River Thames (and later the Tower of London once built in the 11th century) just behind us.

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Elured, Elurin and Elwing

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:37:29 PDT

'The sons of Dior and Nimloth were Eluréd and Elurín; and a daughter also was born to them, and she was named Elwing, which is Star-spray, for she was born on a night of stars, whose light glittered in the spray of the waterfall of Lanthir Lamath beside her father's house.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 22: Of the Ruin of Doriath

A quick little sketch just to get an idea down. I imagine the boys would look a lot like Elrond and Elros; and Elladan and Elrohir for that matter. Lots of twin males in that immediate family!

Consider following me on Facebook - Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Arthurian Age

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:29:49 PDT

Here's a latest commission for the 'Athurian Age' series by Sean Poage, Author

This is envisaged as a banner for promo material, etc., and it's currently being used as the artwork for Sean's latest article on his website - check it out using the link above!

It depicts Arthur, Cei (Kay) and Bedwyr (Bedivere) overlooking Cadubrega, or what is now the ruins of Cadbury Hillfort in Somerset and the mostly like candidate for a real life Camelot.

I'm currently working on up to c.30 b/w illustrations for the third instalment in the book series: 'Three Wicked Revelation'. Chaps 1-2 are already published online, and Chaps 3-4 are on the horizon!

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

The Return of Turin to Dor-lomin

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:38:45 PDT

“Thence he came to the passes into Dor-lómin; and snow came bitterly from the North, and the ways were perilous and cold. Though three and twenty years were gone since he had trodden that path it was graven in his heart, so great was the sorrow of each step at the parting from Morwen. Thus at last he came back to the land of his childhood. It was bleak and bare; and the people there were few and churlish, and they spoke the harsh tongue of the Easterlings, and the old tongue was become the language of serfs, or of foes.

Therefore Túrin walked warily, hooded and silent …”

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: NARN I HÎN HÚRIN: The Tale of the Children of Húrin

See the rest of the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here.

Private commission. Graphite.

Consider following me on Facebook for more regular posts and process pictures! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Neithan, the Wronged

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:19:16 PDT

"I am not your match," he said at length, shaking his head. "There is none here, I think. You may join us, for my part. But there is a strange look about you; you are a dangerous man. What is your name?"

"Neithan, the Wronged, I call myself," said Túrin, and Neithan he was afterwards called by the outlaws; but though he told them that he had suffered injustice (and to any who claimed the like he ever lent too ready an ear), no more would he reveal concerning his life or his home. Yet they saw that he had fallen from some high state, and that though he had nothing but his arms, those were made by Elven-smiths. He soon won their praise, for he was strong and valiant, and had more skill in the woods than they, and they trusted him, for he was not greedy, and took little thought for himself; but they feared him, because of his sudden angers, which they seldom understood. To Doriath Túrin could not, or in pride would not, return; to Nargothrond since the fall of Felagund none were admitted. To the lesser folk of Haleth in Brethil he did not deign to go; and to Dor-lómin he did not dare, for it was closely beset, and one man alone could not hope at that time, as he thought, to come through the passes of the Mountains of Shadow. Therefore Túrin abode with the outlaws, since the company of any men made the hardship of the wild more easy to endure; and because he wished to live and could not be ever at strife with them, he did little to restrain their evil deeds. Yet at times pity and shame would wake in him, and then he was perilous in his anger. In this way he lived to that year's end, and through the need and hunger of winter, until Stirring came and then a fair spring.”

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: NARN I HÎN HÚRIN : The Tale of the Children of Húrin

See the rest of the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here.

——

Every so often I gravitate back to Túrin Turambar, one of my favourite characters. I’ve created many portraits of him from various stages of his life in the past, and here we see him as a young man in his early twenties, at the onset of his double-exile.

Consider following me on Facebook! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Highland Huntsman

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 11:54:50 PDT

Second commission for Legend CCG (more to follow!).

This character is actually a Light Dwarf (rather than a 'man') and this is also a companion piece to The Highlands, which I created back in Autumn 2024 for the same project.

Painted in watercolour.

Consider following me on FB at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

River Ringwil

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:38:55 PDT

'On the west side of this gorge, where the short and foaming stream Ringwil tumbled headlong into Narog from the High Faroth, Finrod established Nargothrond.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 14: Of Beleriand and its Realms

-----

I really love painting water in watercolour! I've been thinking of using this as an 'excuse' to embark on another side project portraying the rivers of Arda. If you have any ideas, especially for those not rendered before (as far as we're aware), let me know your thoughts.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Handir

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:57:05 PDT

'In Brethil some few of the Haladin yet dwelt in the protection of their woods, and Handir son of Haldir was their lord ...'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 20: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad

Part of my personal drive to portray as many lesser-known characters from Tolkien's legendarium as I can (when my precious spare time allows!). Handir was the Fifth Chieftain of the Haladin and father of the slightly more familiar Brandir the Lame, an important secondary character in 'The Children of Húrin' - see the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Gwrlais' Death

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:17:15 PDT

Chapter Two of a commissioned project for Sean Poage, Author's ‘Arthurian Age’ book series, Book III: 'Three Wicked Revelations'. This scene depicts the death of the Duke of Cornwall Gwrlais (often called Gorlois) of Tintagel, while Uther Pendragon watches on bitterly.

Uther was the father of Arthur, the mother of whom was Gwrlais’ wife Igraine. In some versions of the legend, Arthur was illegitimately conceived on this very night, though Sean’s retelling leaves this rather ambiguous ... After this moment, Uther becomes Igraine’s second husband.

I think it's worth noting that Uther’s dragon-helm is a pictorial representation of an awesome real-life replica made for Sean. Check it out on his website and socials!

This series will total 20-30 black and white illustrations. Please do keep checking back for updates!

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Rainbow Hill

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:32:51 PST

Private commission for a (extremely patient!) client's private creation.

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Vortigern accepts Hengist and Horsa

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:43:46 PST

I’m really pleased to announce a new commissioned project for Sean Poage, Author's ‘Arthurian Age’ book series.

This scene (Chapter One) depicts the ill-fated arrival of the Germanic brothers Hengist and Horsa, leading, according to legend, to the fall of Vortigern, King of the Britons, and the beginnings of the Anglo-Saxon settlements following Rome’s abandonment of the British Isles in the early 5th Century.

The beauty of Sean’s writing is that he places the Arthurian legends firmly in their historical context, eschewing the common, anachronistic High Medieval setting in favour of the Migration Period (post-Rome). Sean is also a huge fan of Tolkien!

I’ll be creating c.20 black and white illustrations for Sean’s third book in the series, titled ‘Three Wicked Revelations’. This is a prequel to Book I: ‘The Retreat to Avalon’ and Book II: ‘The Strife of Camlann’.

You can see the growing collection here: Arthurian Age

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Gulf of Luhn

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 02:01:22 PST

'In the east, in Ossiriand, the walls of Ered Luin were broken, and a great gap was made in them towards the south, and a gulf of the sea flowed in. Into that gulf the River Lhûn fell by a new course, and it was called therefore the Gulf of Lhûn.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age

Happy New Year everyone, hope 2025 is a great one for you! Here's a relatively quick sketch in graphite.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Noldor Cavalryman

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 13:57:35 PST

'But their chief fortress was at Eithel Sirion in the east of Ered Wethrin, whence they kept watch upon Ard-galen; and their cavalry rode upon that plain even to the shadow of Thangorodrim, for from few their horses had increased swiftly, and the grass of Ard-galen was rich and green.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 14: Of Beleriand And Its Realms

Graphite.

Consider following me on FB at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

The Highlands

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:45:13 PST

Home of the Light Dwarves.

Commission for the upcoming collectable card game Legend CCG . Please help the page grow by following their socials!

This is an exciting, growing venture - so expect more illustrations from me (and many other fantastic artists) for this series in future!

See the companion card artwork to this one here: Highland Huntsman

Painted in watercolour.

Consider following me on FB at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

One of the Seven

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 09:01:06 PST

'The Dwarves indeed proved tough and hard to tame; they ill endure the domination of others, and the thoughts of their hearts are hard to fathom, nor can they be turned to shadows. They used their rings only for the getting of wealth; but wrath and an over-mastering greed of gold were kindled in their hearts, of which evil enough after came to the profit of Sauron.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age

Graphite. Private commission.

Consider following me on FB at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

Child of the Twilight

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 04:13:00 PST

'And Aredhel bore to Eöl a son in the shadows of Nan Elmoth, and in her heart she gave him a name in the forbidden tongue of the Noldor, Lómion, that signifies Child of Twilight ...

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 16: Of Maeglin

Graphite. Private commission.

Consider following me on Facebook so I can create more art! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

All hobbits, of course, can cook ..

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:53:37 PDT

'All hobbits, of course, can cook, for they begin to learn the art before their letters (which many never reach): but Sam was a good cook, even by hobbit reckoning ...'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Book IV, Chapter 4: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit

Graphite.

Samwise the Chef, cooking up a storm during calmer times back at No. 3 Bagshot Row. But what's on the menu?

Consider following me on Facebook so I can create more art! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Ulrad

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 11:39:25 PDT

"Then two of the outlaws cried out against him; and one was a friend of the fallen man. Ulrad was his name. "A strange way to gain entry to a fellowship," he said: "the slaying of one of the best men."
"Not unchallenged," said Túrin. "But come then! I will endure you both together, with weapons or with strength alone; and then you shall see if I am fit to replace one of your best men." Then he strode towards them; but Ulrad gave back and would not fight.'

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: NARN I HÎN HÚRIN
The Tale of the Children of Húrin

See the rest of the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here

Graphite.

Consider following me on Facebook so I can create more art! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Another underrepresented character, the type that I like to give some attention to. Ulrad was sadly later to attempt torturing Beleg with a fire brand, before being stopped in the nick of time by a remorseful Túrin.

The Gaurwaith, of which Ulrad was a member, really interest me: former noble Edain, fallen on hard times after the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, outcasts, houseless and given to petty (and at times not so petty) misdemeanours just to survive. And all this forced on them by an incredibly harsh life in the wild, set within an increasingly ruined Beleriand. Tolkien is often criticised for being too dichotomous in his representations of good and evil, but there are plenty of examples of shades of grey in between ...

Gorthaur / Sauron

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:24:48 PDT

'Among those of his servants that have names the greatest was that spirit whom the Eldar called Sauron, or Gorthaur the Cruel. In his beginning he was of the Maiar of Aulë, and he remained mighty in the lore of that people. In all the deeds of Melkor the Morgoth upon Arda, in his vast works and in the deceits of his cunning, Sauron had a part, and was only less evil than his master in that for long he served another and not himself. But in after years he rose like a shadow of Morgoth and a ghost of his malice, and walked behind him on the same ruinous path down into the Void.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: VALAQUENTA: Account of the Valar and Maiar according to the lore of the Eldar

Watercolour.

If you appreciate my work, consider following me on Facebook! Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator
------

I started this piece in late-2023 and then added some finishing touches at the beginning of 2024. But I held off publishing any new watercolour work until my older works were put out there.

I find people give up on reading The Silmarillion early, as they can't get beyond AINULINDALË or the VALAQUENTA. For me, it helps to read these sections in the semi-abstract, and this is how I tend to portray the Valar and Maiar when depicting this part of Tolkien's work.

Ar-Gimilzor

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:34:18 PDT

'But worse was yet to come. For Ar-Gimilzôr the twenty-third king was the greatest enemy of the Faithful. In his day the White Tree was untended and began to decline; and he forbade utterly the use of the Elven-tongues, and punished those that welcomed the ships of Eressëa, that still came secretly to the west-shores of the land.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Graphite.

If you appreciate my work, please follow me on Facebook: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Mount Gundabad

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:38:16 PDT

Mount Gundabad (2022)

The twelfth and final illustration commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

---

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age (Map)

Painted in watercolour.

Please consider following me: Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Umbar in the Second Age

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 14:15:05 PDT

The eleventh of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

----------

‘But the fleet came at last to that place that was called Umbar, where was the mighty haven of the Númenóreans that no hand had wrought.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Graphite.

If you appreciate my work, please follow me on Facebook at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator!

Annuminas

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 08:29:20 PDT

The tenth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

‘Elendil was cast up by the waves in the land of Lindon, and he was befriended by Gil-galad. Thence he passed up the River Lhûn, and beyond Ered Luin he established his realm, and his people dwelt in many places in Eriador about the courses of the Lhûn and the Baranduin; but his chief city was at Annúminas beside the water of Lake Nenuial.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my work, please follow me on Facebook at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator!

Thorongil

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:48:27 PDT

Thorongil (2024)

'Ecthelion II, son of Turgon, was a man of wisdom. With what power was left to him he began to strengthen his realm against the assault of Mordor. He encouraged all men of worth from near or far to enter his service, and to those who proved trustworthy he gave rank and reward. In much that he did he had the aid and advice of a great captain whom he loved above all. Thorongil men called him in Gondor, the Eagle of the Star, for he was swift and keen-eyed, and wore a silver star upon his cloak; but no one knew his true name nor in what land he was born. He came to Ecthelion from Rohan, where he had served the King Thengel, but he was not one of the Rohirrim. He was a great leader of men, by land or by sea, but he departed into the shadows whence he came, before the days of Ecthelion were ended.'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Appendix A: The Stewards

Graphite.

If you appreciate my artwork, please follow me on my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Tol Eressea

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 11:46:27 PDT

The ninth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

---------

‘For in those days Valinor still remained in the world visible, and there Ilúvatar permitted the Valar to maintain upon Earth an abiding place, a memorial of that which might have been if Morgoth had not cast his shadow on the world. This the Númenóreans knew full well; and at times, when all the air was clear and the sun was in the east, they would look out and descry far off in the west a city white-shining on a distant shore, and a great harbour and a tower. For in those days the Númenóreans were far-sighted; yet even so it was only the keenest eyes among them that could see this vision, from the Meneltarma, maybe, or from some tall ship that lay off their western coast as far as it was lawful for them to go. For they did not dare to break the Ban of the Lords of the West. But the wise among them knew that this distant land was not indeed the Blessed Realm of Valinor, but was Avallónë, the haven of the Eldar upon Eressëa, easternmost of the Undying Lands.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please follow me on my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Huan and Luthien Flee Nargothrond

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 12:05:14 PST

'Now Huan devised a plan for the aid of Lúthien; and coming at a time of night he brought her cloak, and for the first time he spoke, giving her counsel. Then he led her by secret ways out of Nargothrond, and they fled north together ...'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 19: Of Beren and Lúthien

See the rest of the Lay of Leithian series here.

Just in time for International Women's Day.

Graphite.

If you appreciate my artwork, please follow me on my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator

Earendil the Blessed

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 12:59:46 PST

'Now fair and marvellous was that vessel made, and it was filled with a wavering flame, pure and bright; and Eärendil the Mariner sat at the helm, glistening with dust of elven-gems, and the Silmaril was bound upon his brow.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 24: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath

Graphite.

If you appreciate my artwork, please do follow my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

Temple to Melkor

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 09:43:09 PST

The eighth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

---------

‘Thereafter the fire and smoke went up without ceasing; for the power of Sauron daily increased, and in that temple, with spilling of blood and torment and great wickedness, men made sacrifice to Melkor that he should release them from Death. And most often from among the Faithful they chose their victims; yet never openly on the charge that they would not worship Melkor, the Giver of Freedom, rather was cause sought against them that they hated the King and were his rebels, or that they plotted against their kin, devising lies and poisons. These charges were for the most part false; yet those were bitter days, and hate brings forth hate.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Painted in watercolour.

[Based on a visit to a certain location in London, in lieu of a visit to a certain location in Oxford, which allegedly inspired Tolkien's conception of the Temple]

If you appreciate my artwork, please consider following my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

Haldad

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:15:47 PST

'Now the Haladin did not live under the rule of lords or many together, but each homestead was set apart and governed its own affairs, and they were slow to unite. But there was among them a man named Haldad, who was masterful and fearless ...'

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 17: Of the Coming of Men into the West

[I find I have so much less time for full watercolour paintings these days; and yet, I have so many ideas that I just want to get out of my system and share. So, I guess there'll be quite a few more graphite and ink illustrations on the horizon from now on, like this one.]

Graphite and ink.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to follow my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

Tar-Minastir Upon Oromet

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 12:41:40 PST

The seventh of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

---------------

‘This name [Tar-Minastir] he had because he built a high tower upon the hill of Oromet, nigh to Andúnië and the west shores, and thence would spend great part of his days gazing westward. For the yearning was grown strong in the hearts of the Númenóreans. He loved the Eldar but envied them.’

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: ‘THE LINE OF ELROS: KINGS OF NÚMENOR, from the Founding of the City of Armenelos to the Downfall’

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

The Courtship of Earendil and Elwing

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:46:50 PST

'Bright Eärendil was then lord of the people that dwelt nigh to Sirion's mouths; and he took to wife Elwing the fair, and she bore to him Elrond and Elros, who are called the Half-elven.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 24: Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath

* A little sketch for a Happy Valentines Day x

If you appreciate my artwork, please do follow my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator.

Pelargir in the Second Age

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 11:20:01 PST

The sixth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

The black swans are my homage to Roger Garland's classic depiction of the same location.
---------------

‘In all this the Elf-friends had small part. They alone came now ever to the north and the land of Gil-galad, keeping their friendship with the Elves and lending them aid against Sauron; and their haven was Pelargir above the mouths of Anduin the Great.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Mount Doom Reawakens

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:29:22 PST

The fifth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.
---------------

‘Now Sauron prepared war against the Eldar and the Men of Westernesse, and the fires of the Mountain were wakened again. Wherefore seeing the smoke of Orodruin from afar, and perceiving that Sauron had returned, the Númenóreans named that mountain anew Amon Amarth, which is Mount Doom.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: ‘Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age’

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks.

Andunie

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 07:33:04 PST

The fourth of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.
---------------

‘Of old the chief city and haven of Númenor was in the midst of its western coasts, and it was called Andúnië because it faced the sunset.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Galdor the Tall

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:29:42 PST

'The sons of Hador were Galdor [the Tall] and Gundor ...'

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 17: Of the Coming of Men into the West

[I went to a Hans Holbein the Younger exhibition the other day, and was inspired to paint this portrait which has been on the back burner for quite a while. Happy NY all, and here's hoping this one is better than the last!]

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Lothlorien

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 07:05:13 PDT

The third of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's recently released 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

------

‘Thus it was that in two domains the bliss and beauty of the Elves remained still undiminished while that Age endured: in Imladris; and in Lothlórien, the hidden land between Celebrant and Anduin, where the trees bore flowers of gold and no Orc or evil thing dared ever come.’

RR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Emyn Beraid (Tower Hills)

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 07:42:03 PDT

The second of 12 illustrations commissioned for David Day's recently released 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023). All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

------

‘It is said that the towers of Emyn Beraid were not built indeed by the Exiles of Númenor, but were raised by Gil-galad for Elendil, his friend; and the Seeing Stone of Emyn Beraid was set in Elostirion, the tallest of the towers.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Of The Rings of Power and the Third Age

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Armenelos

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 03:16:24 PDT

I’m thrilled to announce the release of a series of 12 new works, commissioned for David Day’s latest – and recently released – book: 'The Illustrated World of Tolkien: The Second Age' (2023)!

Although I’ve luckily contributed to Peter Jackson’s Hobbit movie franchise in the past, having my work published in a Tolkien book is a particularly special feeling for me.

I’ll be uploading my Second Age illustrations (predominantly landscapes) roughly once a week in the next few months, starting with Armenelos above. But if you’re eager, please do check the book out. My work is published alongside many other wonderful Tolkien illustrators, some of whom I’m really happy to say I can call friends – so I guarantee it’s worth it!

All works completed in the summer of 2022.

© Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. Please do not use without permission.

----------

‘At the feet of the mountain were built the tombs of the Kings, and hard by upon a hill was Armenelos, fairest of cities, and there stood the tower and the citadel that was raised by Elros son of Eärendil, whom the Valar appointed to be the first King of the Dúnedain.’

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: AKALLEBÊTH: The Downfall of Númenór

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Barrowdowns in the Age of Arnor

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:53:34 PST

'It is said that the mounds of Tyrn Gorthad, as the Barrowdowns were called of old, are very ancient, and that many were built in the days of the old world of the First Age by the forefathers of the Edain, before they crossed the Blue Mountains into Beleriand, of which Lindon is all that now remains. Those hills were therefore revered by the Dúnedain after their return; and there many of their lords and Kings were buried.'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: Appendix A

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Mount Dolmed

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:06:14 PST

'Far to the east were the most ancient dwellings of the Naugrim, but they had delved for themselves great halls and mansions, after the manner of their kind, in the eastern side of Ered Luin; and those cities were named in their own tongue Gabilgathol and Tumunzahar. To the north of the great height of Mount Dolmed was Gabilgathol, which the Elves interpreted in their tongue Belegost, that is Mickleburg; and southward was delved Tumunzahar, by the Elves named Nogrod, the Hollowbold.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 10: Of the Sindar

Previous: Next:

* Merry Christmas everyone! *

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Hyarrostar Coastlands

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:13:57 PDT

'The promontories of the Hyarnustar and the Hyarrostar were splayed wide apart, and on those long shores sea and land came gently together, as nowhere else in Númenor ... for many miles on either side were wide white beaches and grey shingles, and here the fisherfolk mostly dwelt, in villages upon the hards among the marshes and meres, of which the chief was Nindamos.

In the Hyarrostar grew an abundance of trees of many kinds, and among them the laurinquë in which the people delighted for its flowers, for it had no other use. This name they gave it because of its long hanging clusters of yellow flowers; and some who had heard from the Eldar of Laurelin, the Golden Tree of Valinor, believed that it came from that great Tree, being brought in seed thither by the Eldar; but it was not so. From the days of Tar-Aldarion there were great plantations in the Hyarrostar to furnish timber for shipbuilding.'

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF NÚMENOR

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Pinnath Gelin

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:55:56 PDT

'...and there was great concourse of people, for the tidings had gone out into all parts of Gondor, from Min-Rimmon even to Pinnath Gelin ...'

JRR Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Book VI, Chapter 5: The Steward and the King

Previous: Next:

Just a quick little watercolour sketch of a region I've not seen depicted before. This will have to tide us over until next year when I'll be releasing 12 new illustrations as part of my contribution to a new 2023 Tolkien book!

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Meneltarma

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:10:42 PDT

'Near to the centre of the Mittalmar stood the tall mountain called the Meneltarma, Pillar of the Heavens, sacred to the worship of Eru Ilúvatar. Though the lower slopes of the mountain were gentle and grass-covered, it grew ever steeper, and towards the summit it could not be scaled; but a winding spiral road was made upon it, beginning at its foot upon the south, and ending below the lip of the summit upon the north.'

JRR Tolkien: Unfinished Tales: DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF NÚMENOR

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Bregolas

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 05:28:25 PDT

'The son of Boromir was Bregor, whose sons were Bregolas and Barahir ...'

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 17: Of the Coming of Men into the West

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Adanedhel

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:01:48 PST

'In the time that followed Túrin grew high in favour with Orodreth, and well-nigh all hearts were turned to him in Nargothrond. For he was young, and only now reached his full manhood; and he was in truth the son of Morwen Eledhwen to look upon: dark-haired and pale-skinned, with grey eyes, and his face more beautiful than any other among mortal Men, in the Elder Days. His speech and bearing were that of the ancient kingdom of Doriath, and even among the Elves he might be taken for one from the great houses of the Noldor; therefore many called him Adanedhel, the Elf-Man.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chaper 21: Of Túrin Turambar

Previous: Next:

See the rest of the NARN I HÎN HÚRIN series here.

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!

Mountains of Mithrim

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:27:50 PST

'Fingolfin and Fingon his son held Hithlum, and the most part of Fingolfin's folk dwelt in Mithrim about the shores of the great lake; to Fingon was assigned Dor-lómin, that lay to the west of the Mountains of Mithrim.'

JRR Tolkien: The Silmarillion: Chapter 14: Of Beleriand And Its Realms

Previous: Next:

Painted in watercolour.

If you appreciate my artwork, please show your support by taking a few short moments to 'Like' my Facebook Page, at Peter Xavier Price - Illustrator. Many thanks!