Author Archive
April 1, 2013 at 12:01 am by Alyse
Another April Fools joke – courtesy of Ringer Mike…
APRIL FOOLS
From Weta Digital, comes this exciting press release about a certain something all fans of Sir Peter Jackson have missed…
Wellington, NZ (April 1st, 2013)–
In response to the lukewarm critical reception of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, Peter Jackson has announced that he will begin wearing his eyeglasses again.
“It was a public image decision,” Jackson says. “Fran and Philippa and I sat down and brainstormed, trying to figure out why the critics had panned the first ‘Hobbit’ film, despite its commercial success. And then we suddenly realized it wasn’t the film at all! The critics weren’t saying it out loud, but subconsciously they missed the ‘old’ Peter Jackson. And that means they wanted to see the eyeglasses.”
While Jackson hasn’t worn glasses for years and no longer uses his old prescription, he has planned a workaround to the problem. “I can simply pop the lenses out of my old frames, and we’ll be good to go– that is, if I can find them!” he laughs.
But putting the glasses back on is only the first step. Plans are also underway to add glasses back on to all of the behind-the-scenes footage of Peter that has been shot for the Extended Edition DVDs.
Since Weta Digital is already too busy working on effects shots for films two and three, Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop have been placed in charge of the eyeglass project.
“We want fans to feel like they’ve returned to the film-making world they have become acquainted with,” Taylor says. “Realistically inserting eyeglasses into Peter’s interview shots and B-roll footage will add that final crucial element of familiarity that will make this a truly nostalgic behind-the-scenes experience for the extended DVDs.”
Using a recently perfected technique combining advanced facial-recognition software with a slave-motion camera rig, the glasses will be added to Peter’s face using green screens and carefully crafted models.
Taylor has already commissioned a special 18-inch wide “bigature” of Peter’s glasses to be used in the project. “The miniatures department had felt a bit neglected lately, and they were overjoyed to take this on. One has to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship that is going into this model. Every screw and hinge, every curve of the frame is faithfully reproduced in larger-than-life detail.”
Weta Limited Edition replicas of the glasses will be available as a Comic Con Exclusive in July 2013.
Early fan reaction to the news so far has been positive, and representatives from Warner Bros. were optimistic as well, and in a statement have expressed confidence that the reintroduction of spectacles to Jackson’s image is the right way to go towards making up for the box office disappointment of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”.
Will the glasses really make a difference? What do you think? Sound off!
Posted in ComicCon, Peter Jackson, Production, The Hobbit, WETA Digital, WETA Workshop
February 17, 2013 at 5:54 pm by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is excited to announce that among the over 30 artists contributing work to ‘An Unexpected Art Show’, the incredibly talented and award-winning artist Tim Kirk will be in attendance! Celebrating The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will feature inspired art pieces — from paintings, drawings, and illustrations to prints — from a variety of artists.
A long time friend of the site, Tim Kirk earned his Master’s Degree in Illustration from CSU Long Beach. His thesis project consisted of a serious of illustrations based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. 13 of these illustrations were later published by Ballantine Books as a calendar in 1975, the first by an illustrator other than Professor Tolkien. Tim has gone on to illustrate numerous children’s books, science fiction books, and magazines. He has won five prestigious Hugo awards and has worked as an Imagineer for Walt Disney.
Tim will be on hand to do quick sketches for anyone who brings books or calendars to be signed. He will also be offering signed and remarqued (with a sketch) prints of some of his Tolkien work for sale. As well, some of his original oil paintings in beautiful custom frames will be on display for all to admire.
Join us for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. All ages are welcome to attend. Children 12 and under get in free. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. It’s all part of our Middle-earth Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘!
Purchase art show tickets today! – Party tickets are also still available!
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits
February 14, 2013 at 8:48 am by Alyse
We’re only a week away from ‘An Unexpected Art Show’, a unique celebration of artwork from over 30 artists around the world inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Our event is one night only – Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street.
All ages are welcome to attend. Children 12 and under get in free. There is plenty of free street parking and an adjacent lot offers parking for $10. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. Print and bring the above flyer for a $10 discount. There will be food and drinks for sale as well as a DJ set later in the evening.
Among the over 30 artists contributing work and attending in person are Tim Kirk, who illustrated the 1975 Tolkien Calendar — the first by an illustrator other than Professor Tolkien, and Jerry VanderStelt, an artist producing licensed reproductions for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films. Additional artists include Donato Giancola, Stephen Hickman, and Jay Johnstone. Purchase tickets today!
It’s all part of our Middle-earth Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘ on February 24th. Party tickets are still available!
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits, Fans
February 9, 2013 at 11:04 am by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is shining the spotlight on the diverse group of artists in ‘An Unexpected Art Show’. Over 30 artists will be showing off their work — using a wide variety of mediums, approaching their love of Tolkien from different perspectives and hailing from all over the world. We’re excited that U.K. based artist Jay Johnstone will have selected works on display.
Jay Johnstone has spent many years as a professional artist, but has only recently joined the ranks of the fine artists specifically associated with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Inspired by the idea that The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings had been transcribed from ancient manuscripts appealed to Jay. Using techniques from religious manuscripts, icon and fresco illustrations from the medieval period, Jay’s artwork uses a variety of mediums — oils, watercolors, acrylics, egg tempera with gold powder and leaf. Striking detail and traditional techniques give the impression of artwork that could have been produced in the real Middle-earth!
Jay has been hailed by Cor Blok and Ted Nasmith as a creative force meant to be seen years to come. He has in his supporters other well-known characters such as Ian Brodie and Christopher Paolini, and is in residence in the collections of Bernd Greisinger (Greisinger Museum, Jenins, Switzerland), Sir Richard Taylor and others, worldwide.
Join us for a night of artwork celebrating the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. Children 12 and under are free! A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. Skip the line and purchase art show tickets online.
It’s all part of our Middle-earth Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘! Party tickets are still available.
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits, Fans
February 7, 2013 at 12:41 pm by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is shining the spotlight on the diverse group of artists in ‘An Unexpected Art Show’. Over 30 artists will be showing off their work — using a wide variety of mediums, approaching their love of Tolkien from different perspectives and hailing from all over the world.
Today’s spotlight turns to Hogan McLaughlin. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Hogan began drawing at an early age. He eventually was given the opportunity to produce fashion pieces based on his highly detailed illustrations. The pieces were later featured in the windows of Barneys New York department store and on exhibit at The Museum at F.I.T. In September 2011, he released his first fashion collection to wide acclaim. Hogan has gone on to create custom pieces for Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way Ball” promotional images and garnered interest from various actresses, musicians, and models.
While fashion is happily his priority, Hogan continues to illustrate and has gained a following for his original pieces, as well as conceptualized interpretations of beloved characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, and many others. The work of Tolkien continues to be a driving inspiration in McLaughlin’s own work, in both art and fashion. Original illustrations by Hogan will be on display at ‘An Unexpected Art Show’.
Join us for a night of artwork celebrating the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. Children 12 and under are free! A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. Purchase art show tickets online.
It’s all part of our Middle-earth Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘! Party tickets are still available.
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits, Fans
February 5, 2013 at 7:08 am by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is shining the spotlight on the diverse group of artists in ‘An Unexpected Art Show’. 
Over 30 artists will be showing off their work — using a wide variety of mediums, approaching their love of Tolkien from different perspectives and hailing from all over the world.
Today’s spotlight turns to Cat Mallard. Cat is an artist with a lifelong love of mythology and fairy tales. Tolkien’s work is especially dear to her and she has created numerous ethereal pieces inspired by Middle-earth. Her illustrations and mixed media work have been featured in several publications including Somerset Studios and Better Homes and Gardens. Cat will have prints and originals for sale at “An Unexpected Art Show”, including a new watercolor “Luthien”, created for the show.
Join us for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. Children 12 and under are free! A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. Purchase art show tickets online.
It’s all part of our Oscar Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘! Party tickets are still available.
Posted in Artwork, Creations, Events, Exhibits, Fans
January 14, 2013 at 11:29 am by Alyse
Remember this stunning 7 and a half foot tall Tower of Orthanc built entirely out of LEGO bricks? Featured on Wired, CNN and countless other websites including TheOneRing.net, this LEGO creation premiered at BrickCon in Seattle back in November 2011. Complete with an 8 foot diameter base consisting of over 25 Ents and 100 Orcs battling, ‘The Last March of the Ents’ by OneLug will be on display at TheOneRing.net’s ‘An Unexpected Art Show’.
‘The Last March of the Ents’ LEGO model recreates the epic storming of Saruman’s stronghold depicted in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and directly inspired by the artwork of Alan Lee. The base of the model contains many details familiar to fans of the movie including an ent on fire, water flooding Isengard, and Treebeard leading the charge with Merry and Pippin holding on tight.
This is likely to be the last time this creation will be on display publicly. There will also be some new original LEGO creations on display from the members of OneLug, in addition to ‘The Last March of the Ents’. If you don’t want to miss seeing this incredible work of art in person or any of the other wonderful artwork that will be on display, buy a ticket to the art show today!
Join TheOneRing.net for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. All ages are welcome to attend. Celebrating The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will feature inspired art pieces — from paintings, drawings, and illustrations to prints — from a variety of artists. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street.
It’s all part of our Oscar Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party’! Tickets to ‘The One Expected Party’ are still available!
Posted in Artwork, Creations, Events, Exhibits, Fans, LEGO
January 7, 2013 at 11:33 am by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is excited to announce that among the over 30 artists contributing work to ‘An Unexpected Art Show’, award-winning fantasy artist Donato Giancola will be in attendance! Celebrating The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will feature inspired art pieces — from paintings, drawings, and illustrations to prints — from a variety of artists.
Donato creates truly stunning oil paintings blending Renaissance craftsmanship with the inspiring world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. As John Howe himself said in 2010,
“There’s more to Donato Giancola’s art than just a pretty face. Underneath the incredibly meticulous surface of his paintings is concealed a love of perspective and form, an intimate understanding of the human body, a historian’s knowledge of costume and armour, an infallible sense of implicit narrative, visual storytelling and mythical history. It’s just that you’re so rapt gazing at all the mind-blowingly pretty bits that you tend to miss it. Look again. There’s a lot more to see.”
Donato will be on hand with limited edition giclée prints available including his newest commission, an incredibly detailed portrait of J.R.R. Tolkien himself.
Join us for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. All ages are welcome to attend. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. It’s all part of our Oscar Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘!
Purchase art show tickets today! – Party tickets are also still available!
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits, Fans
January 4, 2013 at 2:11 pm by Alyse
TheOneRing.net is honored that among the over 30 artists contributing work to ‘An Unexpected Art Show’, Jerry VanderStelt will be attending in person! Celebrating The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will feature inspired art pieces — from paintings, drawings, and illustrations to prints — from a variety of artists.
Jerry VanderStelt is an acclaimed artist who has done various licensed print work for The Lord of the Rings and other properties like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Star Trek. Jerry has also been teasing us for weeks now, finally revealing his incredible licensed print for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (pending approval.) We will be auctioning off three limited edition lithographs from his The Lord of the Rings trilogy series. Jerry will also be on hand to sell his limited edition prints, giclées as well as canvas edition prints.
Join us for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. All ages are welcome to attend. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. It’s all part of our Oscar Celebration weekend culminating with ‘The One Expected Party‘!
Purchase art show tickets today! – Party tickets are also still available!
Posted in Artwork, Events, Exhibits, Fans
December 19, 2012 at 7:35 am by Alyse
Join us for ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7 PM to 1 AM. Celebrating The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will feature inspired art pieces — from paintings, drawings, and illustrations to prints — from a variety of artists. You can now purchase tickets!
Among the over 20 artists contributing work and attending in person are Tim Kirk, who illustrated the 1975 Tolkien Calendar — the first by an illustrator other than Professor Tolkien, Jerry VanderStelt, who has been teasing us with his upcoming licensed print for The Hobbit, and Donato Giancola, known for his acclaimed Renaissance style paintings of Middle-earth. Also on display will be ‘The Last March of the Ents’ from OneLug. This epic LEGO® creation features an 8 ft. diameter base and the Tower of Orthanc standing 228 LEGO® Bricks (7ft. 2in.) tall depicting a battle scene featuring 23 Ents and 100+ Orcs.
All ages are welcome to attend. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online and $20 at the door. ‘An Unexpected Art Show’ will be held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Historic Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, located at 613 Imperial Street. Purchase tickets today!
Posted in Events, Exhibits, Fans, Headlines
November 14, 2012 at 10:20 pm by Alyse
Last week we announced that the TheOneRing.net hosted art show has been pushed back to February 22, 2013. Here are more details as we are still accepting entries from the Tolkien Art Community until February 1, 2013.
TheOneRing.net presents An Unexpected Art Show to be held in Los Angeles, California on Friday, February 22, from 7pm to 1am. Live auction will be held at 9pm with selected artwork. The Art Show is being held at Lot 613, a blank-canvas special events space in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Lot 613 is located at 613 Imperial Street, Los Angeles.
All ages are welcome to enter the Art Show and to attend the event. There will be food and beverages available for a modest price. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 online in advance, and $20 at the door. Purchase art show tickets today!
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Posted in Events, Exhibits, Fans, Headlines
