What are the things that you like best about 3E art? Although I much prefer 1E era stuff, there are some things I like about 3E artwork. One thing is there monsters (scary buggers). I like the muted colors, almost watered down ink. I think this color choice sets a tone thats almost graphic novel. I wish, however, they'd used real medium rather then computer.
What do you find most Magical about 3E/3.5 art?
- Thread starter tx7321
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trancejeremy
Adventurer
The only thing I liked about 3e's art was the way it portrayed Lidda. Did a pretty good makeover (so to speak) of both halflings and female characters in general.
Most of the art, though, I found seriously creepy.
Most of the art, though, I found seriously creepy.
Geron Raveneye
Explorer
One illustration that I still hold in very high regard, and in fond memory, if that already applies to 3E, is the racial line-up in the PHB. One of the best illustrations for the different non-humans that I have seen in a long time, even with kender-like halflings. 
Hussar
Legend
The Scarred Lands books had some fantastic pics. B&W, as fitting with a WW product (or close enough), but some very good shots.
To be honest, I disliked much of the 3e era art. It hasn't been until the last two maybe two and a half years that I've really started seeing stuff that I've liked. Tome of Magic being a personal favourite. Dragon's art has REALLY ratchetted up in the last few years as well. Artists like Andrew Hou and Eva Wilderman (sp?) have done some bloody fantastic stuff.
One thing I haven't liked is the Eberron art. Or at least the examples that I've seen, particularly in the pages of Dragon. The cartoony art just does nothing for me. Then again, I don't like Lucaks or Kyle Hunter either. Take it as it comes.
To be honest, I disliked much of the 3e era art. It hasn't been until the last two maybe two and a half years that I've really started seeing stuff that I've liked. Tome of Magic being a personal favourite. Dragon's art has REALLY ratchetted up in the last few years as well. Artists like Andrew Hou and Eva Wilderman (sp?) have done some bloody fantastic stuff.
One thing I haven't liked is the Eberron art. Or at least the examples that I've seen, particularly in the pages of Dragon. The cartoony art just does nothing for me. Then again, I don't like Lucaks or Kyle Hunter either. Take it as it comes.
Lanefan
Victoria Rules
Such as I've seen of it, the only improvement in general over 1e-era art is that it is in colour. After that, it's very hit and miss; unfortunately mostly miss. The monster pictures are generally good, but things fall apart whenever anything on 2 legs gets drawn; if these were depictions of 2e characters, their average comeliness would be about 9 at best.
Lanefan
Lanefan
blargney the second
blargney the minute's son
Wayne Reynolds.
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GoodKingJayIII
First Post
I have to agree. I don't get Dragon Magazine so I can't say anything about the Eberron art in there, but I think the ECS has a nice collection of art, especially the pictures that open each chapter. It's got a very modern comic-book feel with great characters, lots of colors, etc. It's part of what sold me the book and is what really gave me the image of Eberron as a "pulp" setting.
The Dragon/Sourcebook art must be pretty different, as I wouldn't classify the book art as "cartoonish" in any way.
The Dragon/Sourcebook art must be pretty different, as I wouldn't classify the book art as "cartoonish" in any way.
sniffles
First Post
I like the high quality of most of the art. There are illustrations here and there that I don't think live up to the overall level of quality, but for the most part it's very well done. Nice use of color and composition, good knowledge of anatomy and light. Unfortunately I can't say that for a lot of the artwork in older editions.
3E art has a feel of its own. The different races look actually different from one another, rather than just being short humans or humans with pointy ears or humans with big beards. The clothing and equipment styles aren't just borrowed from historical examples. Many of them look as if they were created on another world, which to me is as it should be.
I also like the use of 'iconic' characters carried throughout the books. Even if I don't always care for the way different artists depict a particular character, I can always recognize Mialee or Lidda.
3E art has a feel of its own. The different races look actually different from one another, rather than just being short humans or humans with pointy ears or humans with big beards. The clothing and equipment styles aren't just borrowed from historical examples. Many of them look as if they were created on another world, which to me is as it should be.
I also like the use of 'iconic' characters carried throughout the books. Even if I don't always care for the way different artists depict a particular character, I can always recognize Mialee or Lidda.
