Your time has come to step into the fabled Elven wood known as LothlĂłrien. As the Fellowship of the Ring’s epic journey begins, Frodo Baggins has a terrifyingly enchanting encounter with Galadriel, the powerful Elf queen. Their interaction is captured in exquisite detail in artist Peter Diamond’s The Mirror of Galadriel Fine Art Print.
We had the opportunity to learn more about Diamond’s art process and his collaboration with Moor-Art Gallery’s Creative Director James Hobson â as well as a special print signing that will have Lord of the Rings fans starstruck.
Keep reading to learn more about the print below! (And to find out how you could have a chance to win a special signed copy.)
Interview with Artist Peter Diamond and Moor-Art Creative Director James Hobson
James, what compelled you to reach out to Peter about Lord of the Rings, and collaborate on this project specifically? Had you worked together previously?
James Hobson: Iâve been a fan of Peterâs work for years, having first seen his theatrical fantasy work for Black Dragon Press. His work in the alternative movie poster scene is distinctive and unlike anything else out there. Peterâs love of crafting and process is evident not only in the final artworks but in his documentation â using tea over pencil marks to add tone, carefully inking with precise but expressive flourishes. We first worked on a Transformers piece, offered up as Peter is a fan. His artwork was suitably grandiose with a twist of the macabre; Starscream replete with crown upon the throne, as Megatronâs head lies motionless. Weâve since tabled together at cons and discussed various projects. But this one seemed to suit all parties. For me, Peterâs work is sooo perfect for fantasy, being utterly fantastical itself.
Peter, could you please describe your style? What influences, if any, helped or inspired you to develop such a unique illustrative technique?
Peter Diamond: It’s hard to sum it up concisely, since it’s the product of a lifetime of drawing. But I would say most of my foundational influences have been very graphic approaches based on strong linework, including Franco-Belgian comics, Stan Sakai, Arthur Rackham, and Japanese woodblock prints. When it comes to how I shape that line-based drawing approach into a larger design, I’m heavily influenced by turn-of-the-century European illustration with its decorative, symbolistic tendencies and its melding of ancient and modern principles. On top of all that, discovering Gustav Klimt’s work upon moving to Vienna triggered a bit of an obsession with trying to reconcile flat graphic work with texture and the modeling of form within the same piece.
Would you share more about your love for The Lord of the Rings? How long have you been fans? What are your favorite scenes and characters, and why?
PD: It’s probably my favorite book, it speaks to me on such a fundamental level that it’s hard to really describe. But fortunately, so many people have that same experience of it that I really don’t have to. If you know, you know.
My first Tolkien exposure was Bakshi’s animated versions. I saw them back in the ’80s or maybe the early ’90s. Later I had a book-on-tape of The Hobbit with Tolkien’s watercolor of Smaug on the front. So those characters and all that art were known to me, and I was aware that all the Warhammer and TSR fantasy art I was seeing was deeply indebted to Tolkien’s world. And I saw Peter Jackson’s films when they came out. But I didn’t actually read the book until a few years ago, so for me the text is at once incredibly fresh and deeply familiar.
I’d say Gollum, Gandalf, Galadriel and Sam are probably my favorites. I love the giving of gifts as the fellowship leaves LothlĂłrien, the opening scenes playing out in the Shire, Sam sending Shelob packing, and so many other scenes.
PD: In the films, I love everything with Gollum, Gandalf in hand-to-hand combat, and “You bow to no one.”
JH: I saw the movies upon original theatrical release and since then itâs been a regular trilogy to dip into, especially around Christmas time. I cherished and watched the extended editions on DVD. I love behind the scenes footage, documentaries and commentaries. Those editions had so much of that. I still have them. My first screenprint purchase was a LOTR piece by Ise Ananphada. Too many favorite scenes so Iâll just say anything with the Shire as it bookends the trilogy and is so idillic.
Of the films and series in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit franchise, do you have a favorite? If so, which, and why?
PD: I think it has to be Fellowship for me. I think a really important part of the book is the way the Shire is so richly painted right from the start, I identify with it right away and that sets the stakes for the whole story. The film does that beautifully.
JH:Fellowship. Itâs the one thatâs most memorable and I love the sense of adventure and camaraderie.
How did it feel to render this film scene in your style? Is there any detail or section of the print that youâre particularly happy with as both a fan and artist? Are there any details you hope fans will especially notice an appreciate?
PD: It felt pretty good, if a little eye-numbing after the 500th little leaf. I think what’s come through well in the final piece is just the overall vibe. The moonlit forest glade, that sense of Faerie. It’s familiar but strange, ever so slightly psychedelic.
I didn’t drop any Easter eggs in there or anything of that nature, it’s not that kind of print. I just hope it’s something that people can sink into a little bit, wander around in for a while and feel something good. And of course I hope fans will find it fitting to the film and the book.
And how did you arrive at this specific scene as the subject for the print? James, did you pitch the idea to Peter, or did he come to the table with a vision for what he wanted to do?
PD: Honestly I’m not sure what it was about this scene in particular. There’s so much I love in Lord Of The Rings, and I think here it’s a combination of this scene being a personal favorite while also not being one you often see portrayed, and also my being a bit fixated on drawing dense foliage at the time.
As I recall James asked if I wanted to do something for LOTR, which I always do, and this scene was my frontrunner pretty much instantly.
JH: I approached Peter with the idea of a LOTR print and there were a couple of ideas that Peter came back with. This was a scene that hasnât been covered before and I thought the foliage would look stunning in his style.
Closeup of marble effect paper with copper metallic ink for Peter Diamond’s Mirror of Galadriel Art Print Variant
What was the process for coming up with the screenprint variants? Can you tell us more about their features?
JH: Peter sent over a file which showed the ink work on its own and I thought it was beautiful and merited its own variant. To add further tone, I thought about printing onto parchment for an “in universe” look, but the screenprinter I’m working with in the UK suggested a marble effect paper which looked luxurious and along with the copper metallic ink, really suited the feel of LothlĂłrien. Itâs the last team of that paper stocked in the UK! A secret limited edition on gold pearlescent paper is also available. Itâs in a secret section on our website. You have to do some searching but you might find it in “the Shire⌔
You shared that this project took over 16 months to complete. What were a few of the biggest rewards (and challenges) over that period?
PD: Yes, this one took a long time. That 16 months has more to do with the difficulties of scheduling a busy illustration practice with just one set of hands, there were a few big gaps when I couldn’t attend to it. I’d say there’s about three weeks’ work in this piece, all told.
As with most of my pieces, the most rewarding part is the inking (or the painting, in cases where that’s the medium). That’s where most of the difficult decisions and troubleshooting are done (until the colors rear their heads) and I can just draw and enjoy the satisfaction of it. The most challenging bit is after, when I have to ruin a perfectly good ink drawing with horrible colours and then rebuild it until it sings again.
Describe the experience of soft launching/debuting the prints at Vienna Con. How was the show, and are you a frequent exhibitor?
PD: It was nice to hang out with James for a bit and see the con. The soft launch of the prints was mostly about taking advantage of Elijah Wood being at the con. He was good enough to sign a small stack of the prints, which James then offered to Moor-Art customers at the official drop.
VIECC is a good time, it’s a really big convention which I’ve tabled at a couple of times. The kind of work I do is only peripherally at home in an Artist Alley at a comic con, but that’s part of the appeal too because people will find me who hadn’t been aware of my work before.
Tell us about the signing with Elijah Wood. What was his reaction to the artwork? What was the reaction to signed prints? We heard they were gone pretty quickly â and is there any way left to get one?
JH: Elijah loved the artwork and was genuinely enthused about its production and reproduction. We geeked out about printing techniques and after I mentioned our screenprint edition, he enquired if Moor-Art shipped to the states and took a card! A few lucky customers purchased at the con and the rest of the signed prints sold out in around 20 seconds from our website.
(As for how to get one of these prints for yourself, Sideshow and Moor-Art are hosting a joint giveaway for one lucky winner to receive a print signed by Elijah Wood! Learn more about the contest and how you could have a chance to win with details below.)
Finally, if you lived in Middle-earth, would you rather be a Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, Man, and why?
PD: I’d probably be a Hobbit obsessed with Elves. JH: A Hobbit. To live in a Hobbit-hole!
The Mirror of Galadriel Signed Print Giveaway
Are you channeling a bit of Gollum in your need for an Elijah Wood-signed print? Sideshow and Moor-Art are hosting a limited-time giveaway, where one lucky winner will receive this precious prize.
Contest Details
The contest runs from 12 AM PT on Thursday, December 18 to 11:59 PM PT on Friday, December 26. No purchase necessary to enter. See full contest Terms & Conditions for more information. Enter now for your chance to win!
Contest Details
Contest Start
12/18/2025 12:01am PT
Contest End
12/26/2025 11:59pm PT
Contest Terms
ONE (1) randomly chosen person that enters this giveaway before it closes will win The Mirror of Galadriel (Signed by Elijah Wood) Fine Art Print by artist Peter Diamond.
The potential winners will be contacted by email with confirmation instructions, so watch your inbox!
*Limit one entry per person. All winners agree to pay shipping on any prizes granted by Sideshow Collectibles during any contest or giveaway.
Important Prize Shipping Information: The Mirror of Galadriel (signed by Elijah Wood) Fine Art Print will be shipped to the winner once it arrives into our warehouse, which is expected to arrive sometime between January 2026 and February 2026.
Congratulations to our Sideshow & Moor-Art Gallery The Mirror of Galadriel (Signed by Elijah Wood) Fine Art Print Giveaway winner!
Contest Winner:
A. Whitt
Location:
OSSEO,
United States
Contest Terms
ONE (1) randomly chosen person that enters this giveaway before it closes will win The Mirror of Galadriel (Signed by Elijah Wood) Fine Art Print by artist Peter Diamond.
The potential winners will be contacted by email with confirmation instructions, so watch your inbox!
*Limit one entry per person. All winners agree to pay shipping on any prizes granted by Sideshow Collectibles during any contest or giveaway.
Important Prize Shipping Information: The Mirror of Galadriel (signed by Elijah Wood) Fine Art Print will be shipped to the winner once it arrives into our warehouse, which is expected to arrive sometime between January 2026 and February 2026.
If you’re looking to add Peter Diamond’s The Mirror of Galadriel Fine Art Print to your collection, be sure to pre-order this breathtaking piece before it’s too late. Limited to an edition of only 250 pieces and available unframed or in a custom contemporary frame, this print is a must-have for fans of The Fellowship of the Ring.
