So I have less than a week to make my stepdad a lord of the rings or the hobbit themed painting. The canvas I got to make it on is a 20x20. Im having some trouble getting an idea in my head of what scene to make that wouldn't be off my skill level. (DA link on my profile if you're curious to see arts). I can't do like...a castle theme but maybe something with the dragon would be cool? I have the biggest artist block when I need it most lol Thanks for any help, subeta. It's appreciated :3

[-Disease] From what I remember of the movies, the Eye of Sauron is a pretty big deal, as it was the big bad's "corporal" form. It was established fairly quickly that you shouldn't look into the eye lest you come under its influence. The One Ring was also incredibly important but it's basically looks just a gold ring with Elvish on it. You might consider looking into the Nazgul (aka the Ringwraiths) whose mission was to retrieve the One Ring for Sauron. Or the Eagles of Middle-Earth, who are a huge help to the main characters of the series.

While dragons were referenced, Smaug is the only one that got to make an on-screen appearance in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. There was a Balrog in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring... Balrogs aren't dragons but, like dragons, they have an affinity for fire and a pretty awesome appearance.

Personally, if I was going to attempt something like this, I'd probably go with the Eagles or the Ents for something "upbeat," the Eye of Sauron and/or the Nazgul for something dark.

That said, my knowledge is purely based on the movies; people that have actually read the books may have a different opinion of what elements are important.

That helps a lot! I've seen the movies a while ago but haven't read the books. That puts some ideas in my head :3

Had your stepdad read the books? Because then you can go all out and not be hindered by the limited views of the movies. You can create something directly from the Silmarillion, or even Letters to Father Christmas, wich fits this period of the year perfectly. It would also be more original then something from the movies. How about a character portrait of Tom Bombadil? A sorely missed character in the movies. The possibilities are endless. :)

Going to second a portrait of Tom Bombadil since that's the first character I thought of, but only if he's read the books though.

Since it looks like you've probably painted it by now I'm totally curious as to what you went with?