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Description

This picture was originally intended for a Czech Tolkien fan art contest O Gondorský semenáček ("For a seedling of Gondor"), similarly to the Ainulindalë picture two years ago. The prompt for the contest this year was the quote “Courage is found in unlikely places.”
Unfortunately, I somehow couldn't find the right inspiration for a long time. I originally wanted to draw Sam facing Shelob and only later I realized that the perfect thing to paint for it was the hobbits in the barrow, where Frodo's finding of courage is literally discussed by Tolkien. So I started this picture shortly before the deadline, but then I was very busy with work and other things, so I soon realized that I would have to either submit it in a very unfinished state or miss the contest this time (again).
I chose the latter but I do not regret it. Certainly the pressure helped me start with it (which is always most difficult for me, especially after a long time when I haven't painted much) and I did the first phase of work very quickly, so hopefully I will be able to finish it soon. Also thanks to this warm-up I decided to take part in (Tolkien-themed) inktober again.

By now, the picture is already almost finished – if you want to see more work-in-progress pictures, you can join me on Patreon . But I think it might be nice to post at least one WIP stage here as well.

Description

This picture was originally intended for a Czech Tolkien fan art contest O Gondorský semenáček ("For a seedling of Gondor"), similarly to the Ainulindalë picture two years ago. The prompt for the contest this year was the quote “Courage is found in unlikely places.”
Unfortunately, I somehow couldn't find the right inspiration for a long time. I originally wanted to draw Sam facing Shelob and only later I realized that the perfect thing to paint for it was the hobbits in the barrow, where Frodo's finding of courage is literally discussed by Tolkien. So I started this picture shortly before the deadline, but then I was very busy with work and other things, so I soon realized that I would have to either submit it in a very unfinished state or miss the contest this time (again).
I chose the latter but I do not regret it. Certainly the pressure helped me start with it (which is always most difficult for me, especially after a long time when I haven't painted much) and I did the first phase of work very quickly, so hopefully I will be able to finish it soon. Also thanks to this warm-up I decided to take part in (Tolkien-themed) inktober again.

By now, the picture is already almost finished – if you want to see more work-in-progress pictures, you can join me on Patreon . But I think it might be nice to post at least one WIP stage here as well.