Thorin Oakenshield by francoclun on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Overall

Vision

Originality

Technique

Impact

VISION/ORIGINALITY

This piece was intended as an homage to the character Thorin Oakenshield from The Hobbit, and the references create exactly that. To me, the different references each explain a different part of this character and his role in the story. The central image presents him as a warrior, clad in chain-mail and (judging by his eyes) set for battle. The piece on the right shows him as a member of the fellowship, protecting the Ring. The portrait on the left, however, shows are gentler and calmer image of the warrior. Between the three references, the character is comprehensively portrayed and described.

TECHNIQUE

Once again the artist has produced a masterpiece. The hair and furs in the two portraits are executed to the utmost detail, and each of the 15 forms on the right are outlined properly. Additionally, the references are blended together well. My one critique on technique is that the piece seems off-balance to me. Putting the full-head portrait on the left, while blending nicely into the mountainside of the right image, throws the weight of the piece heavily to the top-left corner. I can't think of a way that it could be placed in the center and work with the other two references, but this would be an improvement if it could be done.

IMPACT

This piece is a beautiful rendition of the character from The Hobbit. The three images together paint a varied and interesting portrait of Thorin. I look forward to seeing the next work from Franco Clun.