LOTR - A Short Cut to Mushrooms

Wednesday's here and it brings yet another step in the hobbits' journey and my own illustrating "The Lord of the Rings"

"A Short Cut to Mushrooms" is another of those favorite chapters of mine because after all the dread and fear that the Black Rider weaved around its presence and the brief meeting with Gildor's company in the previous one, we're thrown back into The Shire for a last look at its simple living.
After leaving the place where they met the Elves, the hobbits cut accross Farmer Maggot's fields, and old acquaintance of Frodo's back when he was a young rascal. As it turns out, Mr. baggins used to steal some of the farmer's crops, especially his mushrooms, a particularly priced delicacy. Despite being terrified of him and his dogs, Frodo accepts Pippin's offer to talk to the old man and he discovers quite an interesting fellow whom helps them get to the Bucklebury Ferry to meet up with Merry after an amazing meal.

Tolkien, as usual, balances the Fantasy elements and everyday life in the rural Shire masterfully and the brief stay at the farmer's home is a welcome breather from their dangerous mission. We also learn that the old Hobbit had a run in with the Black Rider and after some talking, offers the aforementioned ride which I decided to depict here.

As much as The Lord of the Rings is High Fantasy, its grounding is very real and parts like these show that aspect like no other. Hence why I challenge myself to draw outside of my comfort zone and include as much background as possible as well as elements I wouldn't normally have the urge to depict; a covered wagon, for example It is no easy task, but a wonderfully rewarding one. The fog is a detail I'm particularly prod of too.

As with the previous ones in this series, I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think!

Nic.-