SciFi and Fantasy Art: Strider

This is a really great picture, but there are a couple of things I disagree with. His eyes seem to be staring into space, as if he has had too much ale, or too little sleep. (Aragorn is supposed to look dangerous to the hobbits; this pic doesn't look dangerous to me, and I think it's the eyes.) I would picture Aragorn at this point staring directly at Frodo (= the viewer) under half-closed eyelids. And the folds of his cloak and hood are too stylized: too many and too even. But other than that, I really like the idea of an older-looking Aragorn, especially now that I'm 52; and when you get my age, you like the idea of the older guy getting to be the hero, and getting the girl besides... I think that if those eyes were to be staring directly into mine, I would be a little put-out, perhaps afraid. But I know what you mean. And I also agree the cloak is a little too contrived. Oh well, nonetheless, I'm glad that you see some value to the actual portrayal of this Aragorn, thanks a lot for the informative comment.

Congrats on the MODs!!! This is a beautiful picture. You did a wonderful job. I love the detail that is incorporated in this picture. I also love the colors. All I can say is great job!!!!Thank you very much is all I can say in reply!

What about his legs being stretched out before him and only being able to see the gleam of his eyes? Well, it's excellently done nonetheless.His legs are stretched out in front of him, though you may have a point about the gleam in his eyes. Thanks a lot.

Wonderful Strider picture. I never did get much past Bree when I was reading the book, but I got here and I love that scene! Well-conveyed.
(I'll confess: when I saw this, I immediately thought Anke...then I saw that your name is definitely not Anke Eissmann! ^_~)
Congrats on Mod's Choice and the fabulous work!Thank you very much indeed. I'll not deny there are certain similiraties in my work and Anke's, but I feel we envisage Tolkien's work in very much the same way. I would say that I've got a long way to catch up with her skills though!

Ah!
It's been such a long time since I've seen any of your art.

This one is a credit to you, it's absoloutly beautiful. I love your loyalty to tolkien's description - but also to what's real, and your own image of Aragorn. I don't think I can say anything else that hasn't already been said. Well done.Thank you very much.

The overshadow of the hood is kinda missed on the image but it's still captivating.
Good jobI'm glad you think this despite the discrepancy!

wow the details!! Thanks!

First off, congrats on the well deserved Mod's Choice. I like the smoke in this picture. You really are good at shading, especially when it comes to darker hues, so keep it up, and keep getting better! My apologies if the following critiques offend, but I think his left eye is a bit lower than his right. I too feel that he could have looked a bit more intimidating, his legs should be stretched, his face should be more covered by the hood, but for the glint of his eye, and that he should look more focused in a particular direction (Frodo, in this case). Though I attach no blame to you on that last matter. Its unbelievably hard (at least for me) to draw people looking 'straight into the camera' so to speak. I think however, that the rather even, stylised folds of the hood and cloak were intentional, and are rather reminiscent of Allen Lee. Its been said many times before, but while your works are definitely original, his 'influence' is clear. Okey... I hope you don't mind my saying this, but I think I have to disagree with how old Aragorn looks, despite his age. And I'm not saying this because of the movies. It's been awhile since I read LOTR, so I do hope you'll forgive me if I'm mistaken, but Aragorn would have lived about thrice the span of a 'lesser' Man (one whose blood was not mingled with the Eldar). I can't remember exactly how many years, but it would thus be logical to assume that he aged at about one third the rate of us 'normal' Men. His age at the time was 88. That would make him look about 30. Add the years of hardship, he would look almost 40. So while the movies do make him look young, Viggo Mortensen isn't that far off the mark either. Then again, perhaps I have no right to challenge your interpretation of Aragorn and how old he should look in your portrayal of him. Plus, that math was based on my (very likely faulty) memory of the books. At the end of the day, I suppose it was just the debater in me coming out, because I didn't envision him looking him this old. So pardon me if I've been an annoying nitpicker who's forgotten his facts. The picture itself is an excellent work of art!Sometimes you write so much, I feel I'm not worthy of such lengthy comments! As ever, I'm very glad you like this piece, with all it's positives and negatives. As for the 'how old should Aragorn look' discussion, I'm sure it's been discussed elsewhere by now .

The expression and textures....and color...bravo!Thanks a lot!

All in all it's a lovely picture, this, but why, why does he look like he's seventy years old?? Allright, so he is indeed more then 70 years anyway, but he's not suppose to show that he is so! Honestly, his face looks like it's taken right out of a childrens fairytale we've got here in Norway, roughly translated to "The seventh father" about, well, a house with seven fathers. The main character in this tale meets all the seven fathers in a row, and this face of Aragorn looks just like the seventh, except he doesn't have a long, white beard. The seventh father could barely speak, hear or see. Doesn't sound all too much like the Strider from the books, or what?

I'm sorry for this kind of whining, but Strider was and is my favourite character from the LotR books, fell in love with him from the first, wonderful description. Even got a little angry with Arwen for "stealing my precious" so you hopefully understand this is a soft spot for me and I mean no harm with my critism. And after all, it is a good picture.