| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| stormbird7303-07-04, 01:48 AM | Am I the only one that thinks the direction they are going with the art lately totally sucks? Especially the art for the character races. The humans all look like they're in Junior High or somthing! The art in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting was so much better. |
| Dargoth03-07-04, 01:52 AM | Actually I think the Art from PGTF is getting better Im glad they idnt use any animie in the PGTF like they did in Races of Faerun |
| stormbird7303-07-04, 01:58 AM | True, the animeish stuff is the worst but the regular cartoony stuff is almost as bad. Whatever happened to Brom & Elmore or even whoever "SW" is? |
| roetroc03-07-04, 03:06 AM | Oo yes bring back Brom and Tony DeTerlizzi. I don't mind the anime stuff so much. It's far preferable to the PCs and the pinacle of naff, the equipment pictures. Surely it wouldn't take much to at least show these guys a picture of real rapier etc. |
| ElGrecoETAC03-07-04, 07:14 AM | I liked the first few pieces... then felt like it was 50-50... and by the time I had gone through all of them, I felt maybe 1 in 4 was really what I thought of as FR quality. Honestly, none of the artists struck me as bad per se... it looked like their work was either rushed or not given enough time. If that's the case, then it's unfortunate, because I don't think it should be so hard to notify artists properly to get the most out of them. Last I checked, artists--freelance especially--tend to be paid either by the page or by the piece. |
| WizO_BigSister03-07-04, 12:58 PM | Take a look at the Players Guide To Faerun Art Gallery (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ag/20040306a) and decide for yourself. Personally I like the artwork, but then again I have always been a fan of watercolours, and slightly stylised images. I am glad they have moved away from the ultra skinny pictures that seemed to dominate the late 90s. It seems to me that the current style recognises it isn't purely realistic, but also isn't too unrealistic. Most of all I am really relieved that we haven't got the wierd noses, huge rectangular eyes and over large feet that some styles prefer :D |
| Tempus66503-07-04, 01:49 PM | Originally posted by stormbird73 Especially the art for the character races. The humans all look like they're in Junior High or somthing! I agree. The races don´t look their best, except for halflings & gnomes. And I like the fact that one of the gnomes is using an arquebus (albeit it a small one). Fortunately, the not so good pieces (which are, IMO, still pleasing to look at) are made up for by several very good pieces. |
| Arduin03-07-04, 01:57 PM | I still think the art in FRCS is the best and by far exceeds that in PGTF. Brom and Lockwood, please :( |
| Kain's avatar03-07-04, 02:02 PM | Looks good to me, though some is a bit too anime-ish for me. |
| Wooly Rupert03-07-04, 07:41 PM | I have never been a fan of artwork in the books... Most of it I've simply not cared for all that much, though there are exceptions... Two notable exceptions come from the 2nd edition PHB -- one was the dragon slayers one by Elmore, and there was a pic of a guy and a girl on a flying carpet that I really liked... Oh, and I liked that the first edition DMG actually had cartoons in it. :D But other than those couple of things, I don't pay any attention to the artwork. I'd rather it wasn't there, honestly. |
| Banpai03-07-04, 08:27 PM | I am a little bit confused about the pics, especially about the differences made by the same artist. But the dwarf pic from Wayne England really shocked me, the hammer of moradin is ok but the runecaster is simply the most dwarf discrimintating picture I have seen jet. But I love some of the pictures of Beet (The helmed horror is great), Raven Minura(The divine Disciple almost crys Velsharon) and especially Rafael Garres Cervantes(This hatran pic finally explains the fear ability. If I hadn´t already ordered it I would certainly do so only to chause of the great pictures of these 3. Edit: I have to say that I love the art of Todd Lockwood in the FRCS especially the elf picture in the races part( the reason why I play so many wild elves) but the new ones are great too. |
| Lashan03-07-04, 08:42 PM | I like the artwork. I'm never really moved by the artwork in a product, but it is always a nice touch. I think the artwork is fine. I don't mind anime-ish work, as long as the facial features aren't insanely exagerated. There has been a really good painter in Dungeon magazine lately. Not sure who it is, but they are good! And I know a thing or two about painting... |
| Straploknight03-07-04, 08:57 PM | There is a lesbo-drow buff bunny in there. So I guess it can't be all bad. I like how they tied some of the illustrations with thier FRCS counterparts |
| Gez03-08-04, 06:23 AM | I don't like Wayne England's dwarves, they are too WarHammerish for the Forgotten Realms to my taste. (IIRC, Wayne England did work for Game Workshop, so the WarHammer style isn't a surprise, but I don't think obese dwarves with prussian-like armor really fit the Realms.) I also don't like Baxa's art. Whatever he draw. He reminds me of Cobb, another artist I really don't like the style. Otherwise, it looks rather good -- and there's no pic by Dennis Cramer, yet another artist I don't like the art. Sheesh, I'm difficult, ain't I? :D |
| Zanan03-08-04, 10:56 AM | If the Yathrinshee PrC is as good as the pic I'll be happy to spent some money on this book :mage: |
| Arduin03-08-04, 11:25 AM | Wow, yeah. It should require a concentration check from males when encountering her :) Though, that class... What is it? I havent heard of it. |
| Faraer03-08-04, 11:58 AM | Those are down-the-line Warhammer dwarves. If life were just Alan and Michael Perry would get royalties for them. Most of this is technically fine, but doesn't say 'Realms' much. Bring back Valusek and Dameron, I say again. |
| Aragathor03-08-04, 12:12 PM | I also don't like Baxa's art. I agree, he shouldn't make pictures for D&D, his style is simply not D&D compatible. In comparision his Sr art is great. |
| WizO_BigSister03-08-04, 12:41 PM | I want to suggest that instead of just saying "I don't like the art" (which doesn't really tell us uch), give some construtive criticism. I am NOT saying don't criticise, I am saying criticse in a way that is useful ... tell us what it is about the art you do and don't like. From the Guidelines For Posting on these forms here's a definition of constructive criticism. Commenting, reviewing and/or critcising someone’s work * Don't just give a strong of negative comments, say what you "liked" as well * If you simply post “I hate everything insert-authors-name writes” or “I hate insert posters name ideas” without following this with examples and reasons then it causes problems. Firstly it is not a good way to get people to accept your opinion as valid. More importantly this kind of post acts as a magnet for flaming * Offer polite suggestions, bearing in mind it is completely optional for an author to act on them. These suggestions aren't necessarily "this is how I would have done it better". They may actually be "this is what I personally enjoy more". As the majority of our posters are not champion players, professional authors or rule writers this second kind of suggestion should be much more common * OFFER your suggestions and opinions; don't ram them down anyone's throat * Always be aware that this is just your opinion and not the "absolute truth" * The whole underlying foundation of what you write is the thought "I want to help this person" NOT the thoughts "I want to insult this person", "I want to look better than this person", "I want to take out my bad mood on this person", "I resent this person for making money at writing when I can't" etc. etc. |
| Grover803-08-04, 01:32 PM | I have been a fan of Steve Prescott for a while, but I would say that I perferred the art of the FRCS... I dunno it was kinda stylish and brought a certain atmosphere to the game.. I find that for certain games/ products I think relate to an artist more. I mean I like Prescott's work in both Werewolf and in Unearthed Arcana, but I think for the Realms I prefer Sam Wood, Todd Lockwood, Carlo Arellano and Matt Wilson. Baxa I liked for 2e Darksun and I think Brom does a good job at gritty pictures... Just my 2cp... I mean I think that the art itself is very good, just not keeping in lines with what I picture the realms to be. Grover8 |
| Arduin03-08-04, 02:09 PM | As someone else said, I think that to me, it just isn't Forgotten Realms art :) It's not like I could do better or get close to it, but the art in FRCS is really just so great and beautiful, that it's hard to please me. And as I said, I love Brom and Lockwood's art :) |
| Tempus66503-08-04, 03:01 PM | Originally posted by Banpai but the runecaster is simply the most dwarf discrimintating picture I have seen jet. This is actually a piece I like very much :cool: It fits my idea of a dwarf quite good. The Ben Thompson Thunder Twins on the other hand, even though quite original due to lack of facial hair, looks more like a strangely merged Fire Giant couple. Best dwarf drawing IMO is still the Shield Dwarf in Races of Faerûn, although the Underdark front dwarf is good too. |
| smashthedean03-08-04, 03:29 PM | One book whose art I really like is the racial pictures in Underdark. Especially the drow, those look pretty freakin' incredible. |
| Banpai03-08-04, 04:21 PM | As mentioned above while the art in the book is certainly not bad it simply does not really fit into the realms. To explain this a little better an example: the Harthran picture by Rafael Garres Cervantes certainly meets my imagination of the Hatran, the witches of Rashenmen as everyone in Rashemen who refuses to follow their commands gets ..... lets better not talk about that, additionally the fear ability of the PrC makes more sense with that picture. Another great picture is the Divine Champion from Beet, chause it really has a message in it, you can almost hear the proud voice of the female warrior saying "I fight for my Goddess the infidels". The same goes for the great art of the divine disciple from Raven Mimura it really creates atmosphere in the book. A negative example of this is the pic of the Runecaster its to comic like and I think if I show the book to anyone of my players wnone of them will be interrested to play one. the image of the Hammer of Moradin is ok, though its so comic like but it doesn´t create atmosphere at all. |
| Tempus66503-08-04, 06:28 PM | Originally posted by Banpai A negative example of this is the pic of the Runecaster its to comic like and I think if I show the book to anyone of my players wnone of them will be interrested to play one. Although I understand where you´re coming from, I think that if your players decide whether or not they like to play a certain class judged solely by a picture is a bit shallow. :b: The fact remains, that there will always be pictures people don´t like. There have only been 3 books up till now in which there wasn´t (IMO) any bad art: the MM, the FRCS, and Underdark. |
| J Swinbourne03-08-04, 06:42 PM | It seems to me that a lot of people have no idea what anime art looks like, since I can't find any in the preview. Which is a shame. |
| Daevlas Equilar03-08-04, 06:50 PM | Sam Wood and Todd Lockwood are my favorite. Their 3rd Edition conceptual art was incredible. I think the images being put out in the books now aren't as realistic and makes the things being drawn too...cartoon-ish. Don't get me wrong, those artists have LOADS of talent that I wish I had...but I don't like that particular type of drawing/painting/whatever as much. More of Todd Lockwood, and Sam Wood and Lars-Grant West! :D |
| Desies03-08-04, 07:15 PM | I agree that some of the stuff is kind of "off" (can't really pinpoint exactly what it is though). However the picture with Vhaeraun and Selvetarm is awesome! |
| Misyrr03-08-04, 09:02 PM | Marko Djurdjevic, and Raven Mimura are my favorite aritsts of this bunch, particularly Mister Djurdevic. It doesn't look like he managed to get much into this product, but what he did is excellent. My favorite artists that've done work for the 3rd edition (and revised) Realms are in order: Vance Kovacs, Justin Sweet, Marko Djurdjevic, and Todd Lockwood. These four are followed by a number other artists whose particular pieces interest me, but this interest is not consistent through most of their work (Todd Lockwood probably only makes it onto my list because of the sheer number of illustrations he's produced for the new edition of D&D). |
| Elereth_Berantor03-08-04, 10:10 PM | I like it. It continues the excellent art in the FRCS. |
| Doji_Kentaro03-09-04, 11:49 AM | The art for the PGTF is just another vision of how the Realms look. I'll make final judgement when I accually have the book in my hands. As for FR art overall, it would be nice to have a book with all of it in there, 'cause there are some first edition box set pieces that I really liked as well as later editions. |
| Arduin03-09-04, 12:04 PM | I actually think it's great that they just post the galleries (albeit not the older books), instead of "milking it" with them in another book. I dont agree on the "other look of the Forgotten Realms"-bit, but that just goes to show, that people have different taste and opinions (though I still strongly believe, that mine is the only right one ;)) |
| Grover803-09-04, 01:38 PM | Yeaaaaaahhh, I harken back to the cover of the first FR boxed campaign set, the guy on the horse in the field of phallic something or other... that was cool art, definitely style setting. I wouldn't really want a book of art. I found that the art really complements the game stuff and vice versa, especially with the FRCS. In particular I loved the drow invading Battledale pic... that got me setting up a campaign with palyers all from battle dale or nearby dales, most of whom were wanting to solve the dark elf problem... As I've said before I do like Prescott and his previous work, and I hope that when the PGTF comes out that the art in there will inspire me and my players the way the art in FRCS did. Grover8 |
| Faraer03-10-04, 12:44 PM | The problem is that the strategy of using several artists in each book, which has obvious flexibility advantages for the publisher in that they can get illustrations done quickly and aren't committed to any single artist, means the Realms don't get much of a distinctive look either in their own right or as distinct from core-D&D books. The identities of Dragonlance, Dark Sun, and the Realms were strongly tied to Larry Elmore, Brom and Tom Baxa, and Ned Dameron and Valerie Valusek. Now, if I like some particular new illustration, it's just one of many, and I have to stop and think whether it's because this guy really understands the Realms or if its a fluke, and see what else she's done. I think also that I prefer the black and white art, perhaps because it's more literary, more like what's in a novel or a roleplaying session. I'd love to see more colour paintings of Realms landscapes and environments rather than the very character-focused pictures we've always got. |
| druid berrymore03-10-04, 01:15 PM | Originally posted by Faraer I'd love to see more colour paintings of Realms landscapes and environments rather than the very character-focused pictures we've always got. I totally agree with that, Faraer. The Art of Eberron revealed so far is more focused on scenes than characters. I wish FR was like that. There are so many Realms places that are blurry in my minds eye. I'd like to see shots of the major towns and cities like the "Rocs eye view of Waterdeep", in the City Systems box. |
| AskaniSage03-10-04, 05:01 PM | I really REALLY love the Hathan picture. A poster of it would be neat! Is the artist new to FR books? Oh I really like Raven Mimura's Incantatrix also. |
| primemover00303-10-04, 08:42 PM | ...Junior High! LOL you do realize most Human adventurers average starting age is 16 or 17 right??? Now on to the constructive criticism... Steve Prescott and Jeremy jarvis have been doing a lot of the FR artwork for several products now. I like JJ's work and Prescott's genrally so-so... but Selvetarm vs. Vhaeraun is terrible. I also like how they kept the same "iconic PrC" characters from the FRCS... Velsharoon's divine disciple, the hatran (sweetness, best pic in the gallery), Masks divine seeker, etc. The Dwarves as a whole are despicible. Fat, stunted, floppy-footed... The best dwarves done in D&D since the switch to 3rd ed are by far Lockwood's Tordek in the PHB and the awesome cover of the Dwarven issue of Dragon #278!!! The FRCS dwarves were so flat and misshapen... Bronnia Stonesplitter was the only dwarf in the FRCS worth looking at. Spell effects, magic items, and other equipment have always looked good. I like the antiqued look they lay the item's out on... though some of the items are too bulky like any of the weapons ever used in a Hercules or Xena episode. You know standard fantasy styled weaponry, too gaudy to be functional. Monsters are pretty good. The Nighthaunt looks damned cool, like a shadowy Quasit (it's the horns)... the Gornych, the flameskull (a favorite), the deepspawn, and the ixan are nicely done. I am glad to see the anime-ish looking work phased out. Now I like Vinod Rams work, but it wasn't very fantasy nor FR. It's too M:tG and Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh/whatever drivel sells to toddlers these days. The problem is that the strategy of using several artists in each book, which has obvious flexibility advantages for the publisher in that they can get illustrations done quickly and aren't committed to any single artist, means the Realms don't get much of a distinctive look either in their own right or as distinct from core-D&D books. I agree with Faraer here. The lack of a distinctive look is probably what many of us feel is lacking. |
| Gez03-10-04, 09:07 PM | Originally posted by WizO_BigSister I want to suggest that instead of just saying "I don't like the art" (which doesn't really tell us much), give some construtive criticism. I am NOT saying don't criticise, I am saying criticise in a way that is useful ... tell us what it is about the art you do and don't like. Sorry. But appreciation of esthetics is so subjective! For example, I don't like Baxa's art because, mainly, of the way he draw. I don't know how to really describe it, it looks "wrinkled", with lots of ragged lines. It's his drawing style, and I won't ask him to change his style just to please me, that would be insufferably arrogant of me. I mean, what would I say to him, were him to read this thread? "Work rather like Sam Wood, or Todd Lockwood, or Brian Despain, or Tony DiTerlizzi, or Daren Bader, or..." ? I'm not sure it is really constructive. Art, like beauty, is in the eye of the :behold:! |
| Polymorph03-11-04, 12:42 AM | I am glad to see the anime-ish looking work phased out. Now I like Vinod Rams work, but it wasn't very fantasy nor FR. It's too M:tG and Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh/whatever drivel sells to toddlers these days. Why does this make me cough up blood every time i read it over? Yep it's the "whatever drivel sells to toddlers these days".. no, it must be the "Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh" part... ah i dunno. It is so sad that people use to think of pokemon and the like when talking about anime... (which should correctly be called manga, because anime is just the term for japanese animation, blabla yada yadda) I have reviewed Vinod Ram's works and calling them "anime-ish" ( a word that must have been spawned in the deepest abyss :rolleyes: ) is quite out of place . Wotc would never implement japanese manga into D&D because the majority thinks just like you. Trying to make manga appeal to american and european gamers results in something like a marvel comic, which is, by all means not as pleasing as a more realistic look imho. some of the items are too bulky like any of the weapons ever used in a Hercules or Xena episode. You know standard fantasy styled weaponry, too gaudy to be functional. True :( . |
| Wooly Rupert03-11-04, 01:35 AM | You know, I think I figured out the best reason I don't pay much attention to the artwork, anymore... When I first got into D&D, TSR employed 3 very fantastic artists: Jeff Easley, Clyde Caldwell, and Larry Elmore. I saw a lot of their stuff, and I loved it -- I still do, in fact (particularly Larry Elmore's stuff). When your first real exposure to fantasy artwork is at the hands of incredible artists like that, it's hard for anyone else to compare. |
| Kuje3103-11-04, 02:10 AM | Originally posted by Wooly Rupert You know, I think I figured out the best reason I don't pay much attention to the artwork, anymore... When I first got into D&D, TSR employed 3 very fantastic artists: Jeff Easley, Clyde Caldwell, and Larry Elmore. I saw a lot of their stuff, and I loved it -- I still do, in fact (particularly Larry Elmore's stuff). When your first real exposure to fantasy artwork is at the hands of incredible artists like that, it's hard for anyone else to compare. ' Here, Here! My opinion of course but those three (especially Caldwell since he did many of the FR covers...) will always scream D&D to me. Elmore particially for Dragonlance.... |
| primemover00303-11-04, 03:47 PM | I'd rather see Brom, Tony Diterlizzi, Arnie Swekel, R.K. Post, Lockwood, or Sam Wood. Justin Sweet has an interesting style as well. But I'm all for the days of Keith Parkinson!!! He was better than Caldwell. And they should never let Jeff Easley touch a monstrous compendium cover again... though I think his cover for Sojourn is still one of the Best renditions of Drizzt I've seen (next to Brom's Dragon cover). If you really want the best in SF of Fantasy art, check out Spectrum. |
| AskaniSage03-11-04, 06:26 PM | Originally posted by primemover003 Jeff Easley Never liked his stuff at all. Elmore was awesome though. So was most of the Planescape art. |
| Wooly Rupert03-11-04, 11:05 PM | Originally posted by AskaniSage Elmore was awesome though. Agreed. I've actually got some prints of his on my living room wall. Of the three I named, Elmore is easily the best. Some of Easley's stuff was quite good, but there is, admittedly, some that wasn't as hot -- but I still think it better than much of what is in the current books. Caldwell did some good stuff, too, despite his tendency to have mostly-naked chics and that round red gemstone that's in nearly everything he's done... It's also mildly ironic that he did the cover art for The Wyvern's Spur, and yet the authors took what I assume was a friendly jab at him in the book. :D |
| MagicMatt03-13-04, 07:56 PM | One of the reasons I stopped buying so much FR/D&D stuff is the terrible art they use on and in their product! The best fantasy art that I have seen is work by Luis Royo, Keith Parkinson, Larry Elmore, and Rowena Morrill. Royo is the best artist out there right now doing book covers I believe, this is the artist WOTC should get if they want to sell more product. |
| Straploknight03-13-04, 08:41 PM | Originally posted by MagicMatt One of the reasons I stopped buying so much FR/D&D stuff is the terrible art they use on and in their product! :eek: |
| The Ubbergeek03-13-04, 09:53 PM | That is childish...The only good reason to not buy a game book is the quality and quantity of fluff and crunch. And talking of the general 'new paradigm' of D&D 3rd art... That is not anime,not even close. American cartoon/comic yes,but not anime/manga. I am a bit of a connaiseur,and THAT ISN'T anime! It don't look like that! *Fuming* Philistines.... Back on track. :b: |
| MagicMatt03-13-04, 10:18 PM | [QUOTE]Originally posted by The Ubbergeek [B]That is childish...The only good reason to not buy a game book is the quality and quantity of fluff and crunch. I was principally referring to their NOVELS, more than their gaming products. It was the novels in the early 80’s that started me into GAMING. Lost interest in the books after a decade, and so lost interest in gaming… But interest starting to come back, so better art would be appreciated. |
| Xavim03-13-04, 11:55 PM | Just felt I'd throw my lot in with the Lockwood worship. I absolutely love his dragons to death. And he has reshaped elven culture and garb into a VERY easily (and wicked-cool looking) reckognised form. Reference the Drow in the 3.5 MM, the elves in the FRCS, and pretty well anything with his name on it. I'm also VERY happy to see this new edition but so much more emphasis on the art. Compare 3e with AD&D and you see master paintings (3e) beheld against child's scribbles (AD&D). The colour, the coolness... may it last forever... |
| ElGrecoETAC03-14-04, 01:07 AM | Originally posted by The Ubbergeek That is childish...The only good reason to not buy a game book is the quality and quantity of fluff and crunch. Says you. As for me, so long as art is included in an FR product, I will continue to use it as a way of providing myself and members of my groups a visual reference to the world of Faerun. And its inhabitants. If the art is not good, it takes some of the mood away. I know a lot of people who got into RPGs because of that factor alone. They could better visualize their heroes & villains, and it went toward completing the fantasy aspect of the game. Also, from a purely business perspective, art is the eye candy that often makes the selling point for the person that picks up an RPG/FR product for the first time. You better believe that if the art sucks, prospective buyers will be less likely to drop cash, especially when so many books are for over US $30.00 nowadays. Finally, as a gamer and as an adult, I expect a quality product for my money. That includes the front cover, the back cover, and everything inbetween--fluff, crunch, and art. WotC knows exactly where to go find quality art talent, just as they know where to find quality writers. If they think that cutting corners or skimming to save money on "less important" areas, they should look no further than White Wolf's profit margins for the World of Darkness books prior to that setting's ending. My friends lamented how poor sales were impacting the setting, and people were ignoring/not buying very well-written books. The folks at the gaming store said the same thing: put out a product that looks like crud, and people are less likely to give it a chance. |
| Tempus66503-14-04, 01:08 PM | Like many others I especially like the Hathran. The Purple Dragon Knight is also top quality, IMO, and its dark, grim attitude motivated me to dig an old Cormyrian NPC of mine up. In fact, this will be the reason for a whole new adventure :dice: I´ve always been inspired by the art of the D&D books, a lot of the time it has given me nice suggestions and ideas for adventures. |
| Coan03-14-04, 06:11 PM | Well I can't see anything in the art gallery relating to Thay and the Red Wizards. Why? My beautiful Red Wizards have been forgotten? Is there any art at all regarding them? |
| Straploknight03-14-04, 08:02 PM | Originally posted by Coan Why? My beautiful Red Wizards have been forgotten? Like derr, it's the FORGOTTEN realms :smirk: |
| Khalon03-18-04, 01:25 PM | I like Wayne Reynold's (WAR sign) art... It just brings me into 'the mood'. Really good detailed art. Great for character inspirations and such. Other fav's include: Sam Wood (SW sign), Todd Lockwood (Lockwood sign) and Brom (B.R.O.M sign). |
| Brahzs M'ahnkei03-18-04, 03:23 PM | Originally posted by Grover8 Yeaaaaaahhh, I harken back to the cover of the first FR boxed campaign set, the guy on the horse in the field of phallic something or other... that was cool art, definitely style setting. Grover8 Hear Hear! I remember so clearly that it was the art of that original FR box set that first captured my imagination all those years ago. The pencil drawings of Elminster, Manxom (sp?) The Beholder, all the Knights of Myth Drannor and Fzoul were captivating! I must have read those books and stared at those pictures for hours! The art in the new books is, by and large, exceptional, but it will never compare to the old stuff, by simple nature of the fact that it was the first glimpse I had of this world. Put into this "pile" of original, "world-building" art: the covers of "The Crystal Shard", "Darkwalker On the Moonshaes", and "Spellfire" novels. I remember picking up (buying) FR novels based only on the cover art: Elmore was a no-brainer, but Caldwell required reading the back cover first. All this being said, I must admit that I do prefer the artwork in the 3/3.5 books to the 1st. ed. AD&D stuff. I liked the cartoonish quality of it at the time, but it just can't compare. I understand the difference 3 decades makes in production costs, quality, etc, but that notwithstanding, there really is no comparison. It's the difference between, as has been stated in another post, "drawings" and art that helps envision a world. That is all. ;) |
| The Fury of Ages03-19-04, 05:24 AM | IMO some comic pics are kinda cool, a little out of proportion maybe but intense, the hammer of moradin one gets the message across that this particular dwarf intends to inflict great pain to whom ever wishes to step up to the plate. i do agree that some of the pics make characters look like teen heroes(very lame), the notable character pics from the CS book i thought were better, particularly manshoon's and Fzoul's i remember the 2ed splat-books especially the dwarven book was cool with the colour pics mostly from previous novel covers. |
| Fredegar The White03-19-04, 06:28 AM | Wooly Roopert wrote: When your first real exposure to fantasy artwork is at the hands of incredible artists like that, it's hard for anyone else to compare. Couldn't have said it better myself! Beside the three artists i'll add Simon Bisley and Frank Frazzeta. Their artwork will always BE fantasy for me! |
| Tlartanor03-20-04, 07:01 PM | I'm not really knowledgeable about art, but I know that I'm happy they left the style that was prevalent around the book "Magic of Faerun" These pics I didn't like, something that someone made on the corner of the table between two bite of Kraft Dinner... Sorry, but I really like the improvement in art since that book Good day |
| Purple Dragon Knight03-20-04, 10:49 PM | I think the guy who drew this should provide the art for the next FR book: http://scratch.heretical.net/pix/elf-wizard.gif I asked him to draw my CG Sun Elf wizard, gave him a list of my character's equipment and personality traits, and he drew that amazing portrait. If you want to see the rest of his PC art, check the following thread: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67719&perpage=30&pagenumber=1 |
| MagicMatt03-20-04, 11:02 PM | Purple Dragon Knight Hell, that’s better than the cartoony junk they have in the “Races of Faerun”, much, much better! |
| Purple Dragon Knight03-21-04, 05:17 PM | Originally posted by MagicMatt Hell, that’s better than the cartoony junk they have in the “Races of Faerun”, much, much better! I think so too... the absolute worst in my opinion was the depiction of the elf pantheon in "Faiths and Pantheons" (p.130) THAT was really brutal. I could have honestly done better with my own untrained, totally unartistic hand. |
| WizO_BigSister03-22-04, 04:41 AM | Second warning guys ... please don't flame the artists. Constructive criticism is O.K. Abusing artists and attributing motives such as "money saving" are not ok. In case you think this doesn't really matter think back to the reputation these boards had this time last year, and think back to what happened to the novels forums! Some relevent exceprts from the "Guidelines for Posting thread" ... Remember the Golden Rules! "If in doubt, leave it out!" “It is ok to disagree with what someone has written; it is not ok to attack the person who wrote it. If you can't tell the difference then maybe you shouldn't make the post!" ______________________ Commenting, reviewing and/or critcising someone’s work * Don't just give a strong of negative comments, say what you "liked" as well * If you simply post “I hate everything insert-authors-name writes” or “I hate insert posters name ideas” without following this with examples and reasons then it causes problems. Firstly it is not a good way to get people to accept your opinion as valid. More importantly this kind of post acts as a magnet for flaming * Offer polite suggestions, bearing in mind it is completely optional for an author to act on them. These suggestions aren't necessarily "this is how I would have done it better". They may actually be "this is what I personally enjoy more". As the majority of our posters are not champion players, professional authors or rule writers this second kind of suggestion should be much more common * OFFER your suggestions and opinions; don't ram them down anyone's throat * Always be aware that this is just your opinion and not the "absolute truth" * The whole underlying foundation of what you write is the thought "I want to help this person" NOT the thoughts "I want to insult this person", "I want to look better than this person", "I want to take out my bad mood on this person", "I resent this person for making money at writing when I can't" etc. etc. _______________________ Assigning Motives to WotC Staff, Writers and Designers I have a request for you all. When you talk about the actions of the various designers, editors, executives, authors and other assorted WotC staff please don't assign motives as outright statements. You do not know why they do things, you can only guess. Saying "I think that maybe they published this because of x, y or z" or "it looks as if this may have happened because the designers wanted to yis ok. However it is not to say "The executors made these changes because of x"... especially if what you are claiming to be fact is highly uncomplimentary. Yes, stating such an opinion as fact does not necessarily break the CoC, but depending on the nature of the opinion it may not only be against the rules it can even be libel! We know that making such "this is true" statements about employees of WotC often offends, irritates or down right infuriates them ... and we all want to see these people giving their input to the board. Let's not drive anyone away. |
| Mr. Domino03-22-04, 06:11 PM | Remember this: Good Art = Bonus, Poor Art = Not that big a deal. Even though some ot the pictures in the Pgtf are a bit comical, they are WAY better then anything I could do. If someone will skip over a section in a book or a prestiege class just because the picture isn' t mega-amazing, then well, they' re just hurting themselves. The fact is that I know what the pictures are supposed to represent, so I don' t care what they look like. I find I don't bother other people, especially the Wizos;), with this ideology. |
| Darth K'Trava03-24-04, 08:58 PM | I rather like the art in the gallery (don't have the book yet) and must say that the "Divine Disciple" doesn't look like some psychotic nutcase. |
| Darth K'Trava03-24-04, 09:12 PM | Originally posted by Tempus665 Like many others I especially like the Hathran. The Purple Dragon Knight is also top quality, IMO, and its dark, grim attitude motivated me to dig an old Cormyrian NPC of mine up. In fact, this will be the reason for a whole new adventure :dice: I´ve always been inspired by the art of the D&D books, a lot of the time it has given me nice suggestions and ideas for adventures. Maybe when I get the book, I can see the pic better. The one in the gallery looks rather dark and it's hard to make out any details. I like most of the artists that does the art in the books with the exception of Cramer who's art just looks too cartoony and best suited for really off the wall indy comic books. There's another that seems to have the same level of "quality" as Cramer but I can't think of their name. |
| paradoxmage03-24-04, 10:38 PM | I like the art, some of it is iffy. Bring back caldwell |
| carmine_dragon06-28-07, 01:47 PM | Hope, it will be better. |
| Francius06-28-07, 05:43 PM | I agree with those who say that the animeish/manganish style in western medieval fantasy is off. |
| Eladrinstar06-29-07, 04:14 PM | This thread is three years old? Why is it still even on the boards? |
| MarkusTay6306-29-07, 04:44 PM | Another case of an 'Undead Thread'. ;) |
| Eladrinstar06-29-07, 05:52 PM | Another case of an 'Undead Thread'. ;) Somebody get a cleric... |