Matěj Čadil
@matejcadil.bsky.social
Tolkien-inspired artist 🇨🇿 Illustrator of Middle-earth & beyond
📜 Bringing Tolkien’s words to life in art
🏔 Inspired by wild hills, ancient halls & forgotten roads
✨ Exploring beauty, myth & light in dark places
My shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MatejCadil
📜 Bringing Tolkien’s words to life in art
🏔 Inspired by wild hills, ancient halls & forgotten roads
✨ Exploring beauty, myth & light in dark places
My shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MatejCadil
"Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters – meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it."
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
November 13, 2025 at 1:24 PM
"Mr. Bilbo has learned him his letters – meaning no harm, mark you, and I hope no harm will come of it."
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
Line art, but I am going to make a fully coloured illustration. What do you think of it so far?
The Doors of Durin are among the most iconic images in Tolkien’s world. There are many illustrations where they are shown closed, but I wanted to capture a different moment: when the riddle is solved and the doors open.
November 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
The Doors of Durin are among the most iconic images in Tolkien’s world. There are many illustrations where they are shown closed, but I wanted to capture a different moment: when the riddle is solved and the doors open.
How do you imagine the Crown of Gondor? 👑
In the book it is described beautifully, a jewelled silver helm with pearl wings. But it's difficult to actually depict. No wonder there are few illustrations and the film depicted it totally differently.
So, obviously, I had to try it myself. 😁
In the book it is described beautifully, a jewelled silver helm with pearl wings. But it's difficult to actually depict. No wonder there are few illustrations and the film depicted it totally differently.
So, obviously, I had to try it myself. 😁
November 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
How do you imagine the Crown of Gondor? 👑
In the book it is described beautifully, a jewelled silver helm with pearl wings. But it's difficult to actually depict. No wonder there are few illustrations and the film depicted it totally differently.
So, obviously, I had to try it myself. 😁
In the book it is described beautifully, a jewelled silver helm with pearl wings. But it's difficult to actually depict. No wonder there are few illustrations and the film depicted it totally differently.
So, obviously, I had to try it myself. 😁
A little comparison of my two illustrations, which capture scenes just moments apart from Chapter 5 of the Hobbit: "There is a Shadow by the Door" and "Buttons on the Doorstep".
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
A little comparison of my two illustrations, which capture scenes just moments apart from Chapter 5 of the Hobbit: "There is a Shadow by the Door" and "Buttons on the Doorstep".
Ever wondered what it feels like to light a fire in the heart of Mirkwood? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️
October 31, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Ever wondered what it feels like to light a fire in the heart of Mirkwood? 🔥👁️🦇🕷️🕸️
After months of sketching, planning, and layering colour, I’m thrilled to share my finished illustration for Chapter 5 of The Hobbit – “Riddles in the Dark”.
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
October 28, 2025 at 4:08 PM
After months of sketching, planning, and layering colour, I’m thrilled to share my finished illustration for Chapter 5 of The Hobbit – “Riddles in the Dark”.
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
What do you think of how this illustration turned out?
#tolkienart #thehobbit #tolkien
Today’s piece (for Inktober 2025 Day 22 prompt "Button") is a moment from The Hobbit, just after Bilbo’s escape from the goblin tunnels. On the rocky doorstep lie the remnants of his struggle: the shiny brass buttons that burst off as he squeezed through the door.
October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Today’s piece (for Inktober 2025 Day 22 prompt "Button") is a moment from The Hobbit, just after Bilbo’s escape from the goblin tunnels. On the rocky doorstep lie the remnants of his struggle: the shiny brass buttons that burst off as he squeezed through the door.
For the Inktober prompt "Arctic", I was inspired by a passage from the Appendix to the Lord of the Rings, about Arvedui the last king of Arnor, who escaped from the fall of Fornost to the far north to the shore of the Ice bay of Forochel and waited for the rescue by the elven mariners of Círdan.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 PM
For the Inktober prompt "Arctic", I was inspired by a passage from the Appendix to the Lord of the Rings, about Arvedui the last king of Arnor, who escaped from the fall of Fornost to the far north to the shore of the Ice bay of Forochel and waited for the rescue by the elven mariners of Círdan.
The Tower Hall of Minas Tirith, based on the passage when Pippin and Gandalf first come to Denethor.
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
October 19, 2025 at 10:15 PM
The Tower Hall of Minas Tirith, based on the passage when Pippin and Gandalf first come to Denethor.
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
What do you think, is it fitting for the Inktober 2025 prompt "Ornate"?
#inktober2025ornate #tolkienart
What began as a small bookmark has grown into one of my most beloved works.
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
October 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
What began as a small bookmark has grown into one of my most beloved works.
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
The Road Goes Ever On, based on Bilbo’s walking song, showing the Road as a river flowing through Middle-earth.
Prints and bookmarks: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1449...
#TolkienArt #Tolkien #MiddleEarth
“In western lands beneath the Sun…” Sam’s song carries hope through shadow. My illustration captures that moment — light remembered in dark places.
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
October 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM
“In western lands beneath the Sun…” Sam’s song carries hope through shadow. My illustration captures that moment — light remembered in dark places.
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
🖼️ Hand-embellished art prints here: matejcadil.etsy.com/listing/1302...
For the #Inktober2025 prompt "Drink" I chose one scene where a drink has a profound impact on the plot: The butler and the chief guard of the Elvenking's halls in The Hobbit share a drink together, which allows Bilbo to rescue his friends from the jail.
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
October 13, 2025 at 5:56 PM
For the #Inktober2025 prompt "Drink" I chose one scene where a drink has a profound impact on the plot: The butler and the chief guard of the Elvenking's halls in The Hobbit share a drink together, which allows Bilbo to rescue his friends from the jail.
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
#inktober2025drink #tolkienart
For the #Inktober prompt "Sting" (I know, late), I couldn't draw anything else but a certain little sword that served Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
October 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
For the #Inktober prompt "Sting" (I know, late), I couldn't draw anything else but a certain little sword that served Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam.
At last I managed to draw something for this year's Inktober. 😅 More because I finally found some time to draw, than because I was especially keen on this prompt "Heavy", for which I finished it too late anyway. 😄
October 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
At last I managed to draw something for this year's Inktober. 😅 More because I finally found some time to draw, than because I was especially keen on this prompt "Heavy", for which I finished it too late anyway. 😄
There is a Shadow by the Door (2023)
The awful moment when Bilbo is stuck in the door out of the goblin-tunnels – invisible himself, but his shadow has just been spotted by the goblins.
What do you think of my depiction of that moment?
The awful moment when Bilbo is stuck in the door out of the goblin-tunnels – invisible himself, but his shadow has just been spotted by the goblins.
What do you think of my depiction of that moment?
October 1, 2025 at 4:56 PM
There is a Shadow by the Door (2023)
The awful moment when Bilbo is stuck in the door out of the goblin-tunnels – invisible himself, but his shadow has just been spotted by the goblins.
What do you think of my depiction of that moment?
The awful moment when Bilbo is stuck in the door out of the goblin-tunnels – invisible himself, but his shadow has just been spotted by the goblins.
What do you think of my depiction of that moment?
Finished line art for my new illustration of "Riddles in the Dark".
Bilbo sits on the dark shore of the lake, while Gollum lurks in his little boat. Around them, circular vignettes show the riddles, with the text, hand-drawn into curved decorative bands.
What do you think of it so far?
Bilbo sits on the dark shore of the lake, while Gollum lurks in his little boat. Around them, circular vignettes show the riddles, with the text, hand-drawn into curved decorative bands.
What do you think of it so far?
September 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Finished line art for my new illustration of "Riddles in the Dark".
Bilbo sits on the dark shore of the lake, while Gollum lurks in his little boat. Around them, circular vignettes show the riddles, with the text, hand-drawn into curved decorative bands.
What do you think of it so far?
Bilbo sits on the dark shore of the lake, while Gollum lurks in his little boat. Around them, circular vignettes show the riddles, with the text, hand-drawn into curved decorative bands.
What do you think of it so far?
The King's Tree that I finished a few days ago was not my first illustration inspired by Tolkien's story Smith of Wotton Major. I made one illustration titled "In Faery" in 2022.
September 19, 2025 at 9:52 PM
The King's Tree that I finished a few days ago was not my first illustration inspired by Tolkien's story Smith of Wotton Major. I made one illustration titled "In Faery" in 2022.
The King's Tree from Tolkien’s short story "Smith of Wootton Major", made for the last prompt of the Amon Hen art challenge “Tales from other realms”. I love to illustrate these lesser known stories by Tolkien.
September 17, 2025 at 10:27 PM
The King's Tree from Tolkien’s short story "Smith of Wootton Major", made for the last prompt of the Amon Hen art challenge “Tales from other realms”. I love to illustrate these lesser known stories by Tolkien.
Work in progress: Next Hobbit chapter illustration, Riddles in the Dark. At the centre will be Bilbo and Gollum in their fateful riddle-game, while around them I’m drawing ten small vignettes, each one showing a riddle.
September 12, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Work in progress: Next Hobbit chapter illustration, Riddles in the Dark. At the centre will be Bilbo and Gollum in their fateful riddle-game, while around them I’m drawing ten small vignettes, each one showing a riddle.
On the slopes of Mount Doom, the Ring destroyed, the quest has been achieved, but it seems that all is over for Frodo and Sam. Frodo, who has long held on with endurance beyond hope, is resigned that this is "the end of all things", whereas Sam, with unquenchable hope, doesn't want to give up yet.
September 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
On the slopes of Mount Doom, the Ring destroyed, the quest has been achieved, but it seems that all is over for Frodo and Sam. Frodo, who has long held on with endurance beyond hope, is resigned that this is "the end of all things", whereas Sam, with unquenchable hope, doesn't want to give up yet.
HUMAN artists, use only one piece to convince people to follow you
September 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
HUMAN artists, use only one piece to convince people to follow you
For the last prompt of the #amonhen Art Challenge "Tales from Other Realms" I decided to draw the King's Tree from Tolkien's short story Smith of Wootton Major. It's still a work in progress, I need to work on the background, but I hope to finish it while listening to some talks of Oxonmoot online.
September 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
For the last prompt of the #amonhen Art Challenge "Tales from Other Realms" I decided to draw the King's Tree from Tolkien's short story Smith of Wootton Major. It's still a work in progress, I need to work on the background, but I hope to finish it while listening to some talks of Oxonmoot online.
Over Hill and Under Hill – the next illustration in my series based on the chapters of The Hobbit. Unlike the previous ones, it is not divided into panels but flows as one continuous cross-section of the Misty Mountains, showing scenes, as the chapter title suggest, both over hill and under hill.
August 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Over Hill and Under Hill – the next illustration in my series based on the chapters of The Hobbit. Unlike the previous ones, it is not divided into panels but flows as one continuous cross-section of the Misty Mountains, showing scenes, as the chapter title suggest, both over hill and under hill.
The Grey Wanderer for #AmonHen and #TolkienTrewsday Art Challenge "Wandering but not lost". 🧙♂️
August 28, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The Grey Wanderer for #AmonHen and #TolkienTrewsday Art Challenge "Wandering but not lost". 🧙♂️
There’s nothing quite like good old plein-air sketching. TBH I can’t even remember the last time I drew or painted outside.
Last week we visited the castle of Červená Lhota. I sat down on a bench by the pond across from the castle, I only had a pencil with me, but I am quite happy with the result.
Last week we visited the castle of Červená Lhota. I sat down on a bench by the pond across from the castle, I only had a pencil with me, but I am quite happy with the result.
August 25, 2025 at 6:47 PM
There’s nothing quite like good old plein-air sketching. TBH I can’t even remember the last time I drew or painted outside.
Last week we visited the castle of Červená Lhota. I sat down on a bench by the pond across from the castle, I only had a pencil with me, but I am quite happy with the result.
Last week we visited the castle of Červená Lhota. I sat down on a bench by the pond across from the castle, I only had a pencil with me, but I am quite happy with the result.