Lord of the Rings Artist Interview: Álvaro Jiménez

Epic storytelling, sprawling landscapes, compelling characters — The Lord of the Rings provides endless inspiration for artists such as Álvaro Jiménez. The Black Rider Fine Art Print and Fellowship of the Ring Fine Art Print by Jiménez delve into the heart of a beloved fantasy franchise, illustrating both the impact of the series as well as the artist’s love for the genre.

From moody atmospheres to complex character layouts, Jiménez pours his fandom into his work. And the result is compelling, emotionally evocative artwork celebrating each indelible aspect of The Lord of the Rings prints. Let’s uncover the depths of his fandom — and even excavate a few hidden details — in our interview with the talented Álvaro Jiménez!

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Álvaro Jiménez Artist Interview

Firstly, you’ve previously shared with us that you’re a massive Lord of the Rings fan. When did you become a fan, and what do you love most about LOTR?

Hi there!

Well, back in 2001, when I was 12, I went to the cinema to see a movie of which I had never heard nor read anything before. That was the turning point for me. Although I was barely a child at that moment, The Fellowship of the Ring overwhelmed me in such a way that I started to draw even more after that. Of course I couldn’t wait for the sequels so I asked my parents for the whole book trilogy — hahaha, imagine that, a child asking for books for Christmas instead of toys or video games.

What I love the most about it, I guess, is the sensation of “that could really have happened.” I mean, the whole Tolkien universe is so rich and so well constructed that it feels like an ancient civilization. Also the dynamics between characters, the friendship bonds, and of course the powerful message of “even the little ones can change the fate of the world” is so magnificent and heartwarming.

Of the films and series in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit franchise, do you have a favorite? If so, which, and why?

The Fellowship of the Ring, it was the first one, the first time I approached this wonderful world and I don’t know but for me it has a different vibe regarding the rest. All films are incredible and beautiful, The Hobbit trilogy is so enjoyable, The Two Towers has the best battle scene ever seen in cinema, and the epicness of The Return of the King is just unbeatable; but as I said before, the first one has something the rest don’t, even a bit of grimdark feeling for me.

How did you decide the arrangements and placements of the characters in The Fellowship of the Ring Fine Art Print?

It was a challenge for sure, but once I started sketching it came out very easy. The idea was to focus on my personal Big Three — in the first movie they are always looking after the main Hobbits so this is why Frodo and Sam are below them. Then I wanted to put in the top of the compo three characters that are from the same race: Gandalf, the Balrog, and Sauron hinted between them, all of them are Maiar. Gandalf looks after the main characters and the others being the main threat that looms over them. Then I wanted to make two areas, one for enemies and the other for allies.

Very simple in the end, haha.

Do you have a favorite relationship/dynamic in The Lord of the Rings, and what compels you most about them?

I guess that, like me, a lot of people are going to feel identified, but the best dynamic is the one that Frodo and Sam share with each other — two old friends that even in the worst are always supporting each other in all possible ways.

The Black Rider Fine Art Print is very moody and atmospheric with all those shadows and mist. How did you approach capturing the fear and emotion of that tense movie scene?

I always think that nothing is as spooky as a misty forest. There is plenty of light yet you can’t see what is lurking behind the mist, so I wanted to make this iconic scene that way — also to make my own version, and of course, always respecting the original source.

We actually heard there was a specific moment from your life that inspired you to create The Black Rider. Can you tell us that story?

Hahaha, yes, indeed. Well, actually it is less epic than you could imagine: I was walking my dog in my hometown in Cáceres, Extremadura, the midwestern region of Spain. It was Christmas Day and my town is very close to the river, so in winter, almost all days the mist takes down the whole town and surroundings. It happens that in the outskirts there are plenty of roads that almost look like walking in the Shire, so it came to my mind, “What if a Nazgûl suddenly appears from the mist?” and I started taking pictures with my phone to have some doc. That’s all!

Can you point to any specific details in either art print that you hope die-hard fans will notice?

The Nazgûl piece has two that I love especially:

• Pippin hugging the cabbage he took from Maggot’s crop
• Merry with all the bugs, looking with fear at the spider he has over his shoulder

The Fellowship piece has plenty of them, but the ones I would love for fans to notice are these:

• The Eye of Sauron surrounding all the piece
• Aragorn’s sword position, foreshadowing the fate of Lurtz, also Arwen’s necklace in his left hand
• This is very, very tiny, and I really hope that it can be seen in the print: the eyes of Galadriel reflecting the lights from the trees of Valinor
• Boromir protecting the Hobbits from the creature of the lake in front of the Gates of Moria

Your work encompasses quite a few fantasy properties. Are there any fantasy fandoms that are still on your wish list to paint someday?

A lot of them, I’m a die-hard fan of the Warcraft franchise, Conan, The Witcher, the Diablo saga, Elric of Melniboné … Star Wars™ (yep, to me it’s fantasy instead sci-fi).

Finally, just for fun — If you lived in Middle-earth, would you rather be a Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, or Man, and why?

When I was a kid, I always thought that being an Elf would be terrific. Now, with 36 years at my back, I would like to be a Hobbit without any hesitation, you know? Farming in the morning, looking after some plants, enjoying 7 lunches per day (at least), and enjoying nature and spending time with my friends at the Green Dragon.

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Bring your fandom to life when you collect The Black Rider Fine Art Print, The Fellowship of the Ring Fine Art Print, and other LOTR artwork! Middle-earth awaits your curation.

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