John Howe or Alan Lee which is your favorite? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mordor136 · 04-20-2003, 06:08 PM

just pick one and try to explain why.
Mione just happens to be John Howe because of his rigidness and he is good at the evil stuff.

elven maiden Earwen · 04-20-2003, 07:12 PM

John Howe definitly. I love Alan Lee but John Howe's painting seem to be so much more relistic. They paint so diferntly but John Howe has this smoth kind of flow in his paintings that makes them look great because he uses these bright colors and it all stands out. Alan Lee uses darker color and it kinda looks like how Suerat paints with all the little dots.... [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Manwe Sulimo · 04-20-2003, 07:18 PM

John Howe, because of the subjects of his paintings, and his style. It's just...what I imagine, on paper.

Liriodendron · 04-20-2003, 07:34 PM

Alan Lee moves me. I love the "old style" look. His work looks like the vintage children's books I collect. Lee's illustrations have a light, fairy tale quality, while John Howe's strike me as slick shiny poster work. There is a "light" that radiates from the illustrations of Alan Lee that is comforting to me. Howe's work, often strikes me as somewhat slick, cold, and even cruel! To each his own. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: Liriodendron ]

Estelyn Telcontar · 04-20-2003, 11:49 PM

A discussion of Lee's and Howe's illustrations isn't limited to the movies, so I'm moving this thread to the Novices and Newcomers forum. Please continue there.

MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie · 04-20-2003, 11:59 PM

I'm gonna have to go with John Howe. They're both great, but I really can't stand what Alan Lee did in the movies with Moria. I can't stand that geometrical thing he decided to do. And does anyone know who decided to have one of Gimli's axe's blades be sort of like a quarter circle? It kind of reminds me of that geometrical style Lee did, so I think it might be him. Which of course I don't like. However, I did like Lee's interpetation of Orthanc...

Iargwath · 04-22-2003, 01:04 AM

Both artists deem to be inspiring. However to pick a favourite from the two, i'd have to choose John Howe. Since the medium's and overall outcome of his works are fantastic. His use of water colour, designer inks and guoache for highlights are definitely something i can not achieve in my artworks, thus i admire his talent in illustration. His interpretations of Middle earth are very close to what i had imagined and interpreted from the decriptions in the books; especially the artworks Eowyn and the Nazgul and Elwig's Tower.
Furthermore for any artists who wish to ask questions to John, you can do so via his Official Forum. He will answer any of your enquiries regarding his work.

davem · 04-22-2003, 02:00 AM

I seem to be in a minority, but I prefer Alan Lee (also, anyone seen his illustrations for the recent edition of The Mabinogion?).
I think the problem I have with John Howe, much as I love his work, is his emphasis on the 'darker' side of the mythology. I really disliked his 'pop-up' Hobbit. I don't think Tolkien would have chosen those subjects. He seemed to choose the darkest & ugliest parts of the story to illustrate. I do prefer Lee's more 'lyrical' approach. There is a kind of 'english' light & atmosphere which I feel captures the spirit of Tolkien's world.
Finally, am I the only one who hates the 'shiny' pristine ME of the Brothers Hildebrandt?

Dain · 04-22-2003, 02:56 AM

MLD-GKW, If you see Lee's painting of Moria, it's nothing like the film, which I agree was a bit too square and "geometrical." However, I like the feel of a lot of lee's work, and while at first I didn't feel he drew characters very well, I've changed my mind. Howe's textures are very nice and smooth and bold, but I like Lee's designs more, most of the time--Howe's dragons and such look odd to me. Ted Nasmith also does some good stuff (caradhras), but he's not as good at characters, to me. Alan Lee gets the closest to what I like.
I really like the art, the interpretations, in the graphic-novel Hobbit (well, the elves look odd, but I don't care about elves... [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] ), though that's not the same catagory...

Liriodendron · 04-22-2003, 06:04 AM

Oh man! The Hildebrandts can be so corny and goofy! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] Some of their stuff looks like it came from the same page as The Three Little Pigs! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

04-23-2003, 12:38 AM

John Howe is my personal favourite, though he is alot darker then Alan Lee. I also like his paintings about the scenes from Silmarillion. I wonder why there is no pictures about Feanor, he is, afterall, a very important character. Well, maybe he didnt mean much to the artists though. I had to mention also a very beautiful pictures of Karin Eissmann and a person called Darkmage who has a strangest style of mixing anime and art deco, but it works pretty well. Ohhyes, and he has portrayed Feanor. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Beruthiel · 04-23-2003, 02:49 AM

I really like both of them. Some of my favourite pictures areThe Grey Wanderer and Smaugby John Howe (The grey wanderer is the cover of my LOTR book)
and by Alan Lee
Rivendell and The Mirror of Galadriel

But I think overall I like John Howe better, only by a bit though. I really didn't like the way Orthanc was, in the book it said it was smooth but in the movies it was all pointy and jagged and stuff.

[ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ]

Ainaserkewen · 04-23-2003, 01:20 PM

Ohh, good topic, I've been sorta waiting for someone to bring this up.
They're obviously the best Tolkien animators that I've seen, but I can't deside who's better. They both worked on the movie with set design, ohh, it's just too hard to pick. I'll think about it and come back.

*Varda* · 04-23-2003, 03:19 PM

Personally, I think I preferred Alan Lee. His illustrations just seem to have the lighter feel and to me, really captured Middle Earth. Saying that, I did like John Howe's illustration of Smaug.

Morgul Queen · 04-26-2003, 04:08 PM

actually I quite like both, only I find john howe makes his colors a bit too bright, giving it a fantasy feel, while Alan Lee does his as we would a real structure, especially the Isengard one, I just love how he tones the sharpness of the black of the stone down with the fog surrounding the Tower giving it a surreal quality while at the same time making it totally believable.

Both artists pay close attention to detail (Alans Grima clutching a piece of wreakage and swimming towards the door of Orthanc, and Johns Smaug's claw scratches in the sand of his lair) and i absolutly love John's 'gate's of dread' and Alan's 'Rivendell'.

However I'm biased because I had a conversation with Alan Lee at the TTT premire
that lasted at least 15 minutes and we discussed artwork, Alan's and John's work on the film , Tolkien and all of his works.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to go with Alan Lee, because I tend to lean towards his works that little bit more (anyone seen his Helm's Deep, absolutly amazing) than John's and well, I got to talk to him dangit!!!!

Talon Stormcrow · 04-26-2003, 08:37 PM

I think they are both wonderful artists but I prefer John Howe. I like the color scheme he uses and the way it comes to life for me. However the style that Alan Lee uses, as if its been painted long ago, is beautiful but i dont like the paleness of some of his paintings. I like color! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[ April 26, 2003: Message edited by: Talon Stormcrow ]

04-20-2003, 06:08 PM	#1
mordor136 Wight Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: snowboarding with Morgoth in the void Posts: 221	John Howe or Alan Lee which is your favorite? just pick one and try to explain why. Mione just happens to be John Howe because of his rigidness and he is good at the evil stuff. __________________ It's not A.D.D I'm just ignoring you. I'm like a super-hero with no powers or motivation

04-20-2003, 07:12 PM	#2
elven maiden Earwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A world that never was and never will be Posts: 1,315	John Howe definitly. I love Alan Lee but John Howe's painting seem to be so much more relistic. They paint so diferntly but John Howe has this smoth kind of flow in his paintings that makes them look great because he uses these bright colors and it all stands out. Alan Lee uses darker color and it kinda looks like how Suerat paints with all the little dots.... [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] __________________ We pillage and plunder, we rifle and loot, Drink up me hearties, Yo Ho. the looniest site in the world!!!

04-20-2003, 07:18 PM	#3
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	John Howe, because of the subjects of his paintings, and his style. It's just...what I imagine, on paper. __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

04-20-2003, 07:34 PM	#4
Liriodendron Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 532	Alan Lee moves me. I love the "old style" look. His work looks like the vintage children's books I collect. Lee's illustrations have a light, fairy tale quality, while John Howe's strike me as slick shiny poster work. There is a "light" that radiates from the illustrations of Alan Lee that is comforting to me. Howe's work, often strikes me as somewhat slick, cold, and even cruel! To each his own. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: Liriodendron ] __________________ http://www.lizmargason.com

04-20-2003, 11:49 PM	#5
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,535	A discussion of Lee's and Howe's illustrations isn't limited to the movies, so I'm moving this thread to the Novices and Newcomers forum. Please continue there. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

04-20-2003, 11:59 PM	#6
MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 573	I'm gonna have to go with John Howe. They're both great, but I really can't stand what Alan Lee did in the movies with Moria. I can't stand that geometrical thing he decided to do. And does anyone know who decided to have one of Gimli's axe's blades be sort of like a quarter circle? It kind of reminds me of that geometrical style Lee did, so I think it might be him. Which of course I don't like. However, I did like Lee's interpetation of Orthanc... __________________ Do Not Touch -Willie

04-22-2003, 01:04 AM	#7
Iargwath Wight Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 237	Both artists deem to be inspiring. However to pick a favourite from the two, i'd have to choose John Howe. Since the medium's and overall outcome of his works are fantastic. His use of water colour, designer inks and guoache for highlights are definitely something i can not achieve in my artworks, thus i admire his talent in illustration. His interpretations of Middle earth are very close to what i had imagined and interpreted from the decriptions in the books; especially the artworks Eowyn and the Nazgul and Elwig's Tower. Furthermore for any artists who wish to ask questions to John, you can do so via his Official Forum. He will answer any of your enquiries regarding his work. __________________ 'I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry'-Psalm 40 My M-e Forum

04-22-2003, 02:00 AM	#8
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I seem to be in a minority, but I prefer Alan Lee (also, anyone seen his illustrations for the recent edition of The Mabinogion?). I think the problem I have with John Howe, much as I love his work, is his emphasis on the 'darker' side of the mythology. I really disliked his 'pop-up' Hobbit. I don't think Tolkien would have chosen those subjects. He seemed to choose the darkest & ugliest parts of the story to illustrate. I do prefer Lee's more 'lyrical' approach. There is a kind of 'english' light & atmosphere which I feel captures the spirit of Tolkien's world. Finally, am I the only one who hates the 'shiny' pristine ME of the Brothers Hildebrandt? __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

04-22-2003, 02:56 AM	#9
Dain Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Iron Hills Posts: 127	MLD-GKW, If you see Lee's painting of Moria, it's nothing like the film, which I agree was a bit too square and "geometrical." However, I like the feel of a lot of lee's work, and while at first I didn't feel he drew characters very well, I've changed my mind. Howe's textures are very nice and smooth and bold, but I like Lee's designs more, most of the time--Howe's dragons and such look odd to me. Ted Nasmith also does some good stuff (caradhras), but he's not as good at characters, to me. Alan Lee gets the closest to what I like. I really like the art, the interpretations, in the graphic-novel Hobbit (well, the elves look odd, but I don't care about elves... [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] ), though that's not the same catagory... __________________ Only I have looked through the shadow of the Gate. Beyond the shadow it waits for you still: Durin's Bane.

04-22-2003, 06:04 AM	#10
Liriodendron Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 532	Oh man! The Hildebrandts can be so corny and goofy! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] Some of their stuff looks like it came from the same page as The Three Little Pigs! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ http://www.lizmargason.com

04-23-2003, 12:38 AM	#11
sigrid Guest Posts: n/a	John Howe is my personal favourite, though he is alot darker then Alan Lee. I also like his paintings about the scenes from Silmarillion. I wonder why there is no pictures about Feanor, he is, afterall, a very important character. Well, maybe he didnt mean much to the artists though. I had to mention also a very beautiful pictures of Karin Eissmann and a person called Darkmage who has a strangest style of mixing anime and art deco, but it works pretty well. Ohhyes, and he has portrayed Feanor. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

04-23-2003, 02:49 AM	#12
Beruthiel Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Set adrift on the Great Sea Posts: 374	I really like both of them. Some of my favourite pictures areThe Grey Wanderer and Smaugby John Howe (The grey wanderer is the cover of my LOTR book) and by Alan Lee Rivendell and The Mirror of Galadriel But I think overall I like John Howe better, only by a bit though. I really didn't like the way Orthanc was, in the book it said it was smooth but in the movies it was all pointy and jagged and stuff. [ April 23, 2003: Message edited by: Beruthiel ] __________________ ~I am not young enough to know everything~ Oscar Wilde

04-23-2003, 01:20 PM	#13
Ainaserkewen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A cosmic waiting room Posts: 662	Ohh, good topic, I've been sorta waiting for someone to bring this up. They're obviously the best Tolkien animators that I've seen, but I can't deside who's better. They both worked on the movie with set design, ohh, it's just too hard to pick. I'll think about it and come back. __________________ Solus... I'm eating chicken again. I ate chicken yesterday and the day before... will I be eating chicken again tomorrow? Why am I always eating chicken?

04-23-2003, 03:19 PM	#14
Varda Maiden of Tears Join Date: May 2002 Location: Valinor. Posts: 572	Personally, I think I preferred Alan Lee. His illustrations just seem to have the lighter feel and to me, really captured Middle Earth. Saying that, I did like John Howe's illustration of Smaug. __________________ 'It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: someone has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them' ~Frodo "Life is hard. After all, it kills you." - Katharine Hepburn

04-26-2003, 04:08 PM	#15
Morgul Queen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dontgonearthe Castle Posts: 414	actually I quite like both, only I find john howe makes his colors a bit too bright, giving it a fantasy feel, while Alan Lee does his as we would a real structure, especially the Isengard one, I just love how he tones the sharpness of the black of the stone down with the fog surrounding the Tower giving it a surreal quality while at the same time making it totally believable. Both artists pay close attention to detail (Alans Grima clutching a piece of wreakage and swimming towards the door of Orthanc, and Johns Smaug's claw scratches in the sand of his lair) and i absolutly love John's 'gate's of dread' and Alan's 'Rivendell'. However I'm biased because I had a conversation with Alan Lee at the TTT premire that lasted at least 15 minutes and we discussed artwork, Alan's and John's work on the film , Tolkien and all of his works. I'm afraid I'm going to have to go with Alan Lee, because I tend to lean towards his works that little bit more (anyone seen his Helm's Deep, absolutly amazing) than John's and well, I got to talk to him dangit!!!! __________________ Athrabeth is still doing the wave for Boromir the Disco-King Oh...and call me Morgy!

04-26-2003, 08:37 PM	#16
Talon Stormcrow Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Realm of the Sons of Elendil the Fair Posts: 43	I think they are both wonderful artists but I prefer John Howe. I like the color scheme he uses and the way it comes to life for me. However the style that Alan Lee uses, as if its been painted long ago, is beautiful but i dont like the paleness of some of his paintings. I like color! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [ April 26, 2003: Message edited by: Talon Stormcrow ] __________________ -Talon- "Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens" -Gimli Son of Gloin.