Smaug was always my favorite dragon, growing up. I would sit and watch the old Rankin and Bass animated film over and over again. I had all of Smaug's lines memorized. Heck, I now have almost that entire book memorized. With the new film out this past winter, I knew they were going to have to do Smaug just right, or it would ruin the entire film. I wasn't sure about the casting of Cumberbatch as the scaly menace, but after having seen it, I admit, his Smaug grew on me.

Here's my take (one of many!) on old Smaug, as seen in the film. Though the film makes it hard to tell with it's dark lighting, Smaug was always a red dragon, as per the book. A red drake from the North, whose greed for gold brought him to the Lonely Mountain. There's no better place for a dragon than curled up on his hoard.

Art markers, ink and gel pens on bristol.

This piece is available as prints at any of this year's conventions. If you happen to be in the Little Rock area this weekend, check out River City Comics Expo, where I'll be in the artist alley, and see the piece for yourself!

Smaug © Tolkein, New Line Cinema
Artwork © Nicole "AnimeCat" Holland
All rights reserved. Please do not reuse, repost or redistribute.