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IsabelStar β Grasping in the Dark
Published: 2009-09-24 05:10:00 +0000 UTC; Views: 6571; Favourites: 153; Downloads: 106
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Description
This is an image inspired by the Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth where the tale of Andreth and Aegnor, whose hands "touched in the darkness" even across the abyss separating their fates, is (briefly), told.The Athrabeth is a conversation between Finrod, lord of elves, and Andreth, a Wise woman, concerning the fates of both elves and men, particularly after death and in regards to Eru's designs for both races. It's a very thought provoking debate, made all the more gripping by Andreth's very personal experiences.
For those not familiar with it, it is found in Morgoth's Ring, the tenth volume of HoME, which expands the story found in the published Silmarillion.
The drawing was a visual representation of what I thought would be this touching of the hands, this understanding, I think, despite the differences. It did not require, really, more than two hands touching, but I didn't want the hands to be completely anonymous, so I decided to incorporate Finarfin's device's designs in Aegnor's bracers, and the colours of the house of BΓ«or in Andreth's jewerly, not that anyone will notice. <.<
Um, that's it for explanations. I'm really proud of this.
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Comments: 32
Not enough people illustrate this particular story. This is a beautiful way to highlight it, well done.Β
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I did notice. Β And I really like that attention to detail. Β It is a lovely picture and I think it represents their tragedy well.
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I love this story and I really like this representation.
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I've never read the Debate of Finrod and Andreth, as I can't get my hands on a copy of Morgoth's Ring (too expensive as of now). But I have looked up the tale and read as much about it as I could, and though I know I'm missing part of the story, I've already been struck by this beautiful, tragic love story. Luthien and Beren were the ultimate tale of love beyond death, but I love Andreth and Aegnor slightly more because they're the story of tragic love that's never fated to be. It's just so...
A beautiful, sad tale...but of course, what else does one expect with Tolkien?
And now for your artwork. Fantastic! I've just recently started doodling hands, and I'm working on getting the muscles and tendons right, along with the shading. You have just given me more inspiration to work!
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I know exactly what you mean! My copy of Morgoth's Ring was a gift to myself a few Christmasses ago: I suggest looking for used copies if you want to get your hands on it, it's true that it's ridiculously expensive. (There are, of course, files with the Athrabeth floating around the internet for those who care enough to find them). Oh, I do still prefer LΓΊthien and Beren's story as a whole, because it is both rooted in their love and trust for one another and has deep consequences in the world around them. But you're right, Andreth and Aegnor just make me FEEL so much for them and their plight, though, ultimately, I choose their read their story as one of hope, of love beyond death and the world's ending.
Thank you so so so much for your comment! This is actually the first piece I ever drew where I was happy how the hands turned out, haha, and I owe it all to referencing. I actually used my own hands for it and adjusted to give them particular features. I really really recommend using yourself as your own model whenever possible, with the aid of a mirror or a camera/webcam. I'm so very glad you appreciate the details on the vambraces, because I had so much fun designing them 
Haha, sorry, I'm rambling now! THANK YOU AGAIN for your thoughtful and kind comment!!
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It's stunning ^o^(Ooohh) with just a touch of the hands, I love it
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Thank you very much! <3
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Actually, I did notice the device. :3 I always thought their tale was rather tragic. 
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Awwwh, yay! I'm glad you noticed. Thank you so very much. My tip for drawing hands is to stare at them a lot and to challenge yourself to draw them in interesting positions. Before this picture, I hadn't actually really drawn hands before.
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I cried when I read that... I have never cried before nor leater reading anything. It's my favourite Tolkien love story. Oh I love the symbolism of this piece.
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Thank you very much. The story touched me deeply as well. I felt it intensely. Tolkien's a great writer, isn't he?
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LOVELY how you drew the hands so perfectly *____*
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Lovely concept and execution -- this is one of my favourite stories. 
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Mine too! Sometimes I wish we could have gotten to read more about it, but I think the way Tolkien presents it gives it a certain charm.
Thanks a lot!
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Really beautiful: the idea, the smbolism and the way to illustrate this moment
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Thank you very much!
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wow! this is a beautiful piece, for the scene it represents and for the great work you did
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Thanks a lot! I'm glad you thought so.
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Oh, this is lovely. The simplicity is so striking, and I absolutely love how slight the touch is. So sad...
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Thank you for the lovely comment. When I read the story I was stricken by how sad and pretty it was, too.
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You're quite welcome (:
There's so much emotion to draw from in all of Tolkien's writing - I love seeing talented artists tap that!
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*Agrees with Chaka*
It's absolutely gorgeous.
*loves the wrist guard...* >>
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Gah, love, love, love this piece, Izzy. <3 It's great. Eeeee. -heart-
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