Orthanc

36" x 36" Oils on Panel.

Tolkien's Lord of the Rings inspired work depicting Orthanc.

"This was Orthanc, the Citadel of Saruman, the name of which had (by design or chance) a twofold meaning; for in the Elvish speech Orthanc signifies Mount Fang, but in the language of the Mark of old the Cunning Mind.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers, "The Road to Isengard"

Painted in 2024, this painting was showcased at Illuxcon 2024 by Donato. Unfortunately I was unable to attend Illuxcon that year. By chance I contacted Donato to inquire as to any Middle Earth inspired paintings he may be working on. He showed me an image of this painting. At the time there was no lightning or sun beams shining on the tower. He let me know that he had plans to make those modifications. When I saw the result I really loved it - and purchased it.

Donato had this to say about the painting: "I’ve always been a big fan of Orthanc/Isengard as it is a ‘wizard’s vale’ and central with the narrative of the Ents, thus I’ve wanted to tackle it for years! The main push came recently with the construction of a new tower here in Brooklyn, black and gold, 85 stories tall, just a few blocks away. Hilariously I am literally living within the wizard’s vale here. A recent visually inspiring thunderstorm with dramatic clouds and lighting had me on my roof top shooting scores of photos as inspirational reference for fun (I’ve learned to stop everything and grab my camera at times like that!), and it was then I realized I had the right feel and impetus to tackle Orthanc. The storm and lighting provided the contrasting mood and energy of Saruman, dark and beautiful, which was the complement I needed for the tower. The timing is placed during the War of the Ring, gone are the lush trees, the iron and stone columns line the roads leading to the tower, and sulfur plumes emanate from the hidden chambers below. In the background right is Fangorn Forest, sunlit, with the nearest slopes denuded of trees."