The “Frowrers” Series II

The “Frowers” started as send off to some gouache palettes I’ve had for years. The first one was a sort of “all around” palette. This second one was initially created to paint parts of Mordor (and a bit Moria) for my Lord of the Rings map, “Paths of the Ring” (2014). It was getting down to it’s last legs as well, and it was a fun combo so I thought I’d give the same treatment - and 22 paintings so far, and it’s still kicking.

Broadly, these are a “cool down” painting at the end of the night just to have some fun painting, experimenting, and playing out some ideas. The are created in sets of twos, moving back between the pair.

The name “Frowrers” is courtesy of neighborhood toddler in a stroller. He was repeating the “word” loudly as he brushed his hand through a roadside stretch of Queen Anne’s Lace. It was incredibly joyful and cute, so thanks kid!

Each painting is gouache on Legion Stonehenge Paper, 8” x 11”, signed by me. You’ll notice holes in the left hand side (or rather a hole and a half) since this paper was a leftover from a silkscreen project. The holes are uses to keep the print registration precise - and I just like the added look of them

PS - So, yes along with the palette’s initial use there was a little nerdy LoTR subtext for me. What life would come to live in Mordor after the death of the Dark Lord Sauron? What little bit of life would find purchase on the slopes of the volcanically fertile and now dormant Mount Doom? What would goodness and joy coming back be like, and feel like? It was nice to think about.