Aragorn captures Gollum
Aragorn capturing Gollum, I figured he’d tempt him out with a “coney”. Then leap at him with a bag to carry him. This scene is based on the idea of Aragorn capturing Gollum in order that the elves and then Gandalf might question him.
“Gollum is released from Mordor. He is taken by Aragorn in the Dead Marshes, and brought to Thranduil in Mirkwood.” - RotK, Appendix B
“And then, by fortune, I came suddenly on what I sought: the marks of soft feet beside a muddy pool.”
“I brought him there at last and gave him to the Elves, for we had agreed that this should be done; and I was glad to be rid of his company, for he stank. For my part I hope never to look upon him again; but Gandalf came and endured long speech with him.” - FotR, Book II, Ch 2, The Council of Elrond
First final version of the image. My preferred version. With Aragorn looking rugged and bearded…
One version of the image. Probably more accurate, though not my fave. After reading around the texts a bit more and reading Tolkien’s own letters on the subject, I went back in and added a little more salt and pepper hair, and got rid of that beard…
Early, less menacing version of Gollum.
First rough sketch/thumbnail