(Poll) Favourite 1st Edition Artist

[Glyfair]

Some of Trampier images from Wormy are among my favorite of all editions, not just first. So, he gets my vote.

Glyfair of Glamis

 

[gubaru]

Otus is definitely up there, for the smooth flowing lines and sheer bizarreness.

The reasons he's my favorite. I like being surprised. The one thing that keeps me from really liking Elmore is that a lot his art looks the same to me. It's good and I do like it but, whenever I see a new piece, I get this "been here before" feeling.

 

[Teflon Billy]

I picked Erol Otus. Hi style was wierd, but early and frequent exposure to it has left me imprinted. Now when I see Otus's work I immediately think "D&D"

Elmore on the other hand makes me think "D&D: Sanitized at the behest of soccer moms". It's Shiny, happy D&D devoid of any gritty or dark elements. I'm not a huge fan of what was earlir referred to in this thread as "dungeonpunk", but I'll take it over the exact opposite end of the spectrum: Elmore's work.

 

[MythandLore]

Elmore. Met him once. He was quite nice, as was his family. Great T&A too. Also just loved the style.

Elmore is my fav from first ed. second ed. too.
Yeah I met him too, he really is a nice guy and a great painter.
I like Jeff Easley's work too.

 

[Zander]

I voted for Larry Elmore, but Keith Parkinson is a close second IMHO.

I also like the work of Denis Beauvais (sp?), but I can't remember if he did any 1E illustrations. I know he did some artwork for TSR for 2E.

 

[Fenros]

Wait a second...

Uh, how can you guys tell who drew which pictures? Elmore I can spot right away. I'm looking at my 1st edition books right now and I don't see any artist signatures or initials in any of the b&w art inside. So I can't vote until I'm sure who it is that I like. Heh heh.

 

[NiTessine]

I think Larry Elmore is the best, then Easley and Parkinson. I never liked Erol Otus much. Reminded me of the coloring books I had when I was a wee kid. I could've done without those memories, lemme tell ya. They had pink covers, with fluffy teddy bears and yellow ducklings and the like. Blech!

 

[Psion]

Did Elmore DO any 1e work? I most stronly associate him with 2e.

I'm surprised that nobody else likes Jeff Dee.

 

[Wild Karrde]

Gotta be Easley. I can remember what got me into 1st edition was the awesome covers of the hardback books. Who doesn't like the DM's Guide cover or the Monster Manual cover or the Unearthed Arcana cover of 1e.

When I was younger I couldn't take my eyes off of them.

 

[Thorntangle]

Oh yes, I will admit it. I like Jeff Dee's work. I think I like it so much because he drew in a comic book style. The image of his paladin standing over a fallen dragon is forever imprinted in my brain.

I bought V&V just because he illustrated it, forget the fact that he wrote it too.

I'm surprised that nobody else likes Jeff Dee.