Here's what we know:
* Sketches and Drawings: He drew numerous sketches, especially of landscapes and creatures from Middle-earth. These often accompanied his writing process and helped him visualize the world he was creating. Some examples include:
* Maps: He made detailed maps of Middle-earth, including The Shire, Rivendell, and Mordor.
* Creatures: He sketched hobbits, orcs, elves, dragons, and other beings from his stories.
* Buildings and Structures: He drew buildings like Rivendell and the Mines of Moria.
* Paintings: He also created a few watercolors and oil paintings, mostly depicting landscapes, though some included figures from his mythology. These are rarer and less known than his sketches.
* The Tolkien Estate: The Tolkien Estate owns a collection of his artwork, but it's not publicly available.
* Published Collections: There are some publications featuring Tolkien's artwork:
* "The Tolkien Treasures" by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (2007) includes a selection of his sketches and drawings.
* "The Art of J.R.R. Tolkien" by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (2011) provides a more comprehensive collection of Tolkien's art.
While Tolkien's artwork is less famous than his writing, it offers valuable insights into his creative process and the world of Middle-earth. It reveals his attention to detail, his ability to visualize the world, and his deep connection to nature.