Compelling D&D Images

[rounser]

WAR's excellent black and white 1E style work in Deep Dwarven Delve confirms that it's not that the 3E artists can't look as good as the old artists on their own turf, it must just be the art direction asking for photoshopped colour.

This is a pity, IMO - I think that the bold, contrasting look of ink suits D&D far more than the effects blur of photoshopped images...but colour sells, so colour it is.

 

[Greybar]

I'll chime in that those ads definitely stopped me in my tracks reading Dragon as well. Good stuff.

I'm convinced that the "old" iconics are under the Pit Fiend's (2nd ad) feet...dead.

I really like that idea, though it might be more appropriate for a major version jump rather than the "update". But hey, anybody taking on a Pit Fiend has a Resurection handy, right?

right?

John

 

[Turgenev]

Some Classic Erol Otus

I used to hate his work waaay back when I first started playing D&D (back in 83), but his work has since grown on me. I find his work to be like an Expressionist painting - it isn't necessarily realistic but does convey powerful emotions. There are some pieces by Erol Otus that still leave me cold, but then there are others that blow me away. Here's some of my personal favs (all images are links to larger versions)...











Cheers,
Tim

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

I don't know who or where it is from (It's a separator in the 2e monstrous compendiums add-ons) but DAMN that's a powerful image. I'd crap my pants if I ever saw something like this...

 

[Turgenev]

Classic Bill Willingham

I'm sort of surprised no one has mentioned this talented artist yet. Here's a few classic pics (again, this images are links to larger versions)...













Cheers,
Tim

 

[jaerdaph]

Strahd von Zaravich

Strahd von Zaravich - for me the classic D&D villain, no matter what the edition.

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

But who could forget:

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

And

Edit: damn can't attach an image on an edit? Sorry then. See next post...

Maitre D

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

uh-hum And:

 

[Turgenev]

More Classic Pics

Here are a few more pics...

Jim Roslof:
Kobolds


Kuo-toa


Dave de Leuw:
Lizardman


Locathath


Artist Unknown (Roslof?):
Hydra


Cheers,
Tim