Inside the mind of Tolkien illustrator John Howe

Neuch tel, Switzerland: John Howe, the illustrator who brought J.R.R.Tolkien s universe to life, is now inviting the world into his mind s eye by sett...

Neuchâtel, Switzerland: John Howe, the illustrator who brought J.R.R. Tolkien's universe to life, is now inviting the world into his mind's eye by setting up his studio in a medieval prison-turned-museum in Switzerland.

The 68-year-old is famed for his interpretation of Tolkien's literary work, which ultimately saw him serve as a concept artist on film-maker Peter Jackson's movie trilogies "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit".

A lover of mythology and legends, the internationally acclaimed illustrator has also worked on video games and a television series.

The heroic or mysterious figures he draws, such as Gandalf, Treebeard, Saruman or Legolas, often emerge from darkness, bluish shadows, golden glimmers or greenish hues.

In the future, when he is not working on a film, he will be found at his studio in the "Tower of Fantasy", which opens on Thursday in Neuchatel in northwest Switzerland, the lakeside city he now calls home.