''Aulė fashioned the substances of which Arda was composed and is the master of crafts and of the knowledge of substances. He delights in the nature of substances and in works of skill, but he is not concerned with possession or mastery. ''
This has to be my favorite of the three you posted although Manwe and Melkor are so close in second that I almost love them all equally!! I think it could be the amount of detail and time you took and giving Aule the dwarvish vocabulary in form, decoration and background. Although the runes technically came later, it matters not, I think there's a great incorporation of them into his identity. Athough he could have incorporated them to himself later! Who knows. What is he holding? An ax?
You are so right about runes I thought that too. But I dont know I wanted to give him something ''dwarvish''. He is holding his sledge (when he was trying to destroy his dwarves.) I really appreciate your comment. That means a lot to me. Im illustrating Tulkas now. Hoping that you'll give comments on him too.
He is marvelous, dear! The WIP was already splendid but the final result is mesmerizing! You have a great talent with traditionnal media! I particularly love his clear look, so vivid and expressive!