Glissa, the Traitor nominated for a Chesley!

Just got word that Glissa here has been nominated for a 2012 Chesley in the 'gaming related' catagory! I'm really excited to be considered and humbled to be included along with such freakin amazing artists.

Also, for anyone in or around Vancouver B.C. this weekend, I'll be attending a Grand Prix tournament there for Magic: the Gathering. I'll be signing and sketching as usual so come on by.

The Hobbit: Over Hill and Under Hill

14 x 36 in., oil on masonite

This was one of those assignments that I just had to take. My schedule was already crazy and I knew it was going to be a lot of work but there was just no way I could turn down the chance to do my take on The Hobbit. It was also a really nice break from a long string of stark, gory and grim assignments that, while I love that stuff, can definitely wear on you after a while. 

What the Art Director asked for was basically a portrait of the Shire, including the Green Dragon Inn and Bag End, with Bilbo riding out still looking optimistic about the adventure.

detail

You can see on the final product that I wound up painting out past the frame on the box, so that the designers could pop out certain elements and wrap the image around the sides of the box. Plus it made for a better composition on the actual painting (which, by the way, my wife claimed before it was even finished).