Hugo award-winning artist Donato Giancola, widely known for his extensive work with the characters and themes in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, has been commissioned to paint the 2015 Game of Thrones calendar.
Donato posted a exploratory sketch on the group art blog Muddy Colors, writing: “George’s world is so rich and varied, I wish there were thirty-six months to each year so I could fill the calendar with inspired imagery.” The sketch—titled “You Know Nothing, Jon Snow”—features Jon and Ygritte during a particularly steamy scene from A Storm of Swords.
If Donato approaches this project the way he does Tolkien’s world, he’ll be making a conscious effort to stay away from existing depictions of Westeros and its inhabitants used in the television show. I for one am anxiously looking forward to seeing what Donato comes up with!
I agree – about looking forward to it, and to hoping he charts his own path with regard to the imagery. Some of the show delighted me visually, and other parts fell short. After watching a season, my inner eye lost its clarity, and all I saw was the show. Seeing what he paints after going back to the source will be really enjoyable.
As their year length is variable, maybe there are 36 months in Westeros’s year this year.