WIP The Shire ( Middle Earth) - fantasy map

[- Max -]

So after a discussion with Spaiento and J.Edwards, I've started to map an area from Middle Earth. I picked up the Shire (and some surrounings lands) since there's isn't actually that much color maps of it. It won't probably be something really canonic or 100% accurate though I want it to be fairly detailed. I'm tempted to extend it to a larger map of Eriador at some point (and even might to replace my current annual challenge with it since the current work will probably be too large to upload a decent picture of the whole map regarding the forum size constraints. Ah well, I'll see...)

First step with main linework done (reliefs, forested areas and rivers). Will probably add more scattered trees here and there.

Shire1.jpg

[ChickPea]

I'm excited that you're doing this and really looking forward to watching it develop. Don't forget to include some fields filled with Longbottom Leaf!

[arsheesh]

Off to a beautiful start. It will be fun to compare these.

Cheers,
-Arsheesh

[J.Edward]

Yes. What ChickPea said.
I hear you on the not doing the 100% canonical.
The map I'm working... I'm going to have to call it the 'Semi-Canonical map of ME', as I chose to deviate in various areas.
I'm glad you're doing a good color of the shire. I agree that it needs one.

[Wired]

You're off to a fantastic start. Heck, there's enough people out there who'd be happy to create such a WIP!

[- Max -]

I'm excited that you're doing this and really looking forward to watching it develop. Don't forget to include some fields filled with Longbottom Leaf!

I promise you'll have some tasty Longbottom leaves Chickpea

Yes. What ChickPea said.
I'm glad you're doing a good color of the shire. I agree that it needs one.

Well, at the moment, I'm doing a color map. Let's ait and see if it will be a good one

Some progress on colors. Not really finished, I'm also working on labels at the same time to check how this goes.

Shire2.jpg

[- Max -]

And here's a test for the Midgewater Marshes ( East of Bree Land). A bit tricky but I guess it could do the trick, what do you guys think?

Shire3.jpg

[J.Edward]

The style for the marshes looks good. It's a cool and different way to do marsh/swamp. I like it.
And of course it will be a 'good' map of the Shire.

Maybe it's just my monitor but everything is looking a bit green. Like maybe more green than it should.
If it's my monitor than disregard my next suggestions.
The water for marshes - it looks teal, maybe in that area actually going greener might help.
The mountains to the west, and maybe some hills, could maybe have a bit more brown or warm grey?

Like I said, not sure if it's my monitor. It is about time for me to recalibrate it so it could just be that.

[- Max -]

Thanks for the feebacks J. Actually , it might be a little too green indeed (not that much on my monitor - I guess it's time for me to recalibrate it aswell) so I toned it down a bit, but The Shire is supposed to be a bit greeny, right? I also tweaked marshes water a bit (can really go more otherwise water will just fade too much with the lands) and added some touch of colors on western mountains. Also pretty much done on the map frame ( @ Chickpea : the right bottom corner is for you, as promised )

Shire4.jpg

[J.Edward]

Gorgeous work Max. I love the corner pieces and the frame.
The color looks good. The mountains and forests show better.
I do see what you mean about the marsh.
I may have given you bad advice there. My apologies on that.
It is harder to see looking at the larger map.
Will you do little town icons? Eager to see what you'll do with Hobbiton.