Just a couple of years ago I’d have been all over this, feverishly posting pictures on my site within moments of their receipt. It’s amazing how much has changed since the complete of Lord of the Rings, I almost didn’t do this story. Then I came to my senses. The movies may be over, but this work is beautiful.

June 19 will see the premier of “Lord of the Brush” on Bravo and will mark the first hour of non-gay programming not featuring James Lipton on that channel in well over a decade. It’s a documentary portrait of the world’s second most brilliant Tolkien artist John Howe. Sorry John, I’m clouded by my love of Alan Lee. But Howe’s work stands on its own, as does his incredible work on the Lord of the Rings films. He’s also one of the coolest bearded guys on the planet. Much cooler than George Lucas. Together, Howe and Lee are responsible for most the fantastic sets and detailed props used on the film. Before that, they were already accomplished artists.

It’s the sort of thing a good Lord of the Rings fan shouldn’t miss. To whet your appetite, we’ve got a look at some stills from the documentary, as well as a smattering of some of Howe’s most stunning work. Take a look, and set your Tivo.