I'm also very much on board with Ruch Lacon, her stuff is fantastic.

How about a Michael Herring illustrated 'Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien'?

I second Deagol--I really like Tomás Hijo's art.

I agree with those who have said that Ruth Lacon's Hobbit art is pretty good. I think it suits the material (far better than the more "serious" art that has been used to illustrate in some past versions).

My vote: Canadian artist Charles van Sandwyk. Fans of the Folio Society will likely know his work. I find his Wind in the Willows illustrations particularly appealing. He is apparently a very avid Tolkien fan. I had a brief correspondence with an eBay seller who apparently was, at one time, quite close with CvS. He told me:

"CvS talked about Tolkien all the time. 75 years after the author's death, restrictions drop and publishers may create their own version. With that in mind, CvS has already painted several of the characters. Gandolph [sic] hangs in his studio and is his favorite piece....I tried to purchase it with no success...lol....best rendering of the character I've ever seen.
By the time the 75 years go by, CvS may not be able to paint as well anymore, or he may have passed....his family will take on the task of getting his work published."

I would like to see the Silmarillion created by Benjamin Harff

http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/9 ... iew-Edel-Silmarillion.php

I have been buying Jim Kay's illustrated Harry Potter books for my nieces, and think he could do a very good illustrated Hobbit.

http://www.jimkay.co.uk/gallery/

Ruth Lacon, especially for Hobbit!

I am all for Ted Nasmith. I thought his works on the Silmarillion were bold and exquisite. I hope that he could have the chance to carry on the same bravado on the rest of the books too.

Patrick Wynne, Silmarillion. Hands down.

Aelfwine wrote:
Patrick Wynne, Silmarillion. Hands down.

Agreed, I love his art!