Best Magic Art

[Sek'Kuar]

So, we have a thread for altered art, unfortunate art, etc. How about best/favorite art? I nominate Saffi Eriksdotter as one of my favorites.

[Skeggi]

http://www.wizards.com/mtg/images/tcg/products/conflux/i5h6maq7x_EN.jpg
Here (http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showpost.php?p=314144&postcount=628) is why.

[electrolyze]

Dont want to ruin it, but what do all this 'best magic ....' have to do with the format:laugh: I mean, there all in the format discussion part.

About best magic art:

http://magic.tcgplayer.com/db/cards/13683.jpg

[Skeggi]

<very untasteful picture + nipple>
Yuck, I think this post needs to be moved to most unfortunate.

[rockout]

I'm a fan of Nicol Bolas the planes walker picture.

[puppektion]

I'm a fan of Nicol Bolas the planes walker picture.

Why?

[Skeggi]

Why?
Probably because of the awesomeness.
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/cfx/120.jpg
It's a cool dragon sitting on top of a rock with fiery light coming from behind. That's pretty sweet. Still, Progenitus is prettier :tongue:. Partially because Nicol Bolas' right wing should have stuck out of the frame too (but it would have covered the name, so they didn't ... :cry:)...plus there's a floating egg between his horns.

[TheDarkshineKnight]

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/DIS/en-us/Card97097.jpg

Personal favorite, here.

[Sims]

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/CH/en-us/Card2855.jpg

Haemolacria ftw

[Sek'Kuar]

I also like Blood of the Martyr. As a general rule of thumb I also like Rebecca Guay's and Matt Cavotta's pieces as well. There are a few bad ones, but what can you do? I really like Martyred Rusulka.

[Kove]

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/GPT/en-us/Card96921.jpg

[rleader]

Fan of Sealed Fate:

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/MI/en-us/Card3553.jpg

Sort of a demonic version of the sistine chapel, where god just wants to fuck you over.

[from Cairo]

Any stuff by Richard Kane Ferguson...

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/MED/en-us/Card159838.jpg

is probably my favorite, but most of his are solid.

[jimmerz213]

<Blood of the Martyr>

Haemolacria ftw

This is actually one of my all time favorite cards too, I have 18 currenty, always pickin up more :p

Id have to say though, Sensation Gorger is pretty hilarious too. Anything by Puddinhead is classic too, especially Atog and Terror.

[Float4WeldSlaver]

Mind's Desire is my probably my favorite, followed closely by Yawgmoth's Will.

[Barsoom]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ala/166.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/ul/106.jpg

[jimmerz213]

This is actually some pretty nice art too, but the flavor text makes it sooo much better.

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/7E/en-us/Card11564.jpg

[TheLion]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/bok/20.jpg

[hi-val]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGBOK/blessing_of_leeches.jpg

And Gifts Ungiven.

I also kinda like Stasis.

There was a LOT of good art in The Dark, too.

[mercenarybdu]

Matt Cavotta's Pile driver
Douglas S's Hippie
Darkeen's Korlash
Susan Van Camp's Hymn

[bowvamp]

I love basic lands, more specifically the set of 6 Ice-Age/Coldsnap Theme deck lands that share art. But for any card in the game, my vote goes to magus of the coffers.

[KillemallCFH]

There was a LOT of good art in The Dark, too.I wholeheartedly agree. All my favorite art is on older cards.

Some of my favorites:
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ai/177.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/dk/113.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/hl/138.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/lg/246.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/ia/350.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/fe/157.jpg

[Piceli89]

Most broken card o magic the gathering ftw:

http://mi.wizards.com/global/images/magic/general/vizzerdrix.jpg

[Humphrey]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/an/9.jpg

No question bout it


along with

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/5e/385.jpg

and i always liked

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ia/242.jpg

[bowvamp]

Some more of my favs:
Firebolt
Shrouded Lore (probably even better than magus of the coffers for me...)
Clockwork Dragon (when I opened my first mirrodin pack, my jaw dropped)
Tombstalker (fav desktop background)

[Mordel]

Sliver Queen
Commander Greven Il-Vec
Force of Will(it looks like the dude is doing metal horns \m/ )
original counterspell art
crucible of worlds
Gwendlyn Di Corci
AN mr.Dibs
Phyrexian dreadnaught(I was mesmerised by its art as a 12 yr old)
necropotence
Yawgmoth's Will/Bargain
Anything Brom
All the mishra's factories
Demonic tutor
The stormy islands in Saga
Bosium Strip
Forsaken Wastes
That one Elvish Ranger...you know...the one with some areola in it.

[URABAHN]

I like me some Drew Tucker

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/dk/79.jpg

[Gheizen64]

The dark had some very beautiful art. Modern cards are all horrible for me, they are just some CG drawing strictly depicting the art. Give me back my favorite artist and my sketchy picture : <

[rleader]

Also: all four Hymns of Tourach sitting next to each other.

The Wizard one sucks, don't get me wrong, but I think it's interesting how my appeciation for different Hymns has changed as I've gotten older: when I was younger, I liked the Wolf; now I like the Table one the most as it tells an oddly creepy story without going overboard. I didn't get the Circle Chant one (despite having playsets of all the others) until rather recently, so I have a special appreciation for that, too.

[Mayk0l]

Most of the new artwork is so incredibly awesome.

Just look at how insanely basic land art has increased in quality

[durin86]

Some of my Favs:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/sok/71.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/fut/91.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/sc/106.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/ts/166.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/10e/319.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/mm/316.jpg

but the best one is Form of the Dragon (the From the Vault: Dragons Edition)
http://www.wizards.com/magic/images/mtgcom/fcpics/features/469b_mxp8dvec.jpg

[Nihil Credo]

Thread needs more of Scott M. Fischer's later works:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/10e/114.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/10e/117.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/cp/10.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/rav/225.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/cp/6.jpg

[Nessaja]

http://www.buymorecards.net/shop/images/setfolders/UH/Ambiguity.jpg

And the oracle is probably the most confusing ever :)

http://www.boros-szikszai.com/pictures/34/208_pic.jpg

Rakdos I like

http://www.boros-szikszai.com/pictures/54/337_pic.jpg

cunning wish judge foil

http://www.boros-szikszai.com/pictures/37/245_pic.jpg

Grip,

all by Boros Szikzai

[xsockmonkeyx]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGUNL/stasis.jpg

Both the best and worst Magic illustration at the same time.

[m03]

So, we have a thread for altered art, unfortunate art, etc. How about best/favorite art? I nominate Saffi Eriksdotter as one of my favorites.

Or you could use the existing thread:

http://www.mtgthesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9108&page=5

[C.P.]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGUNL/stasis.jpg

Both the best and worst Magic illustration at the same time.

+1.

They should do this more often.

[AngryTroll]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGUNL/stasis.jpg



I've never understood this art. What's going on? Why was it illustrated this way? It has a lot of fans, so I'm curious to see what I'm missing here. It's certainly interesting, I just don't get it.

[Pinder]

I've never understood this art. What's going on? Why was it illustrated this way? It has a lot of fans, so I'm curious to see what I'm missing here. It's certainly interesting, I just don't get it.

Well, uh...the mime, you see, is....um...

God, is that furry bondage?

[clavio]

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/LE/en-us/Card1629.jpg

[Aggro_zombies]

I don't know why, but I really like this art when it first came out:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/lw/61.jpg


I wish I could live here:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/in/335.jpg


Also a big fan of all of the Fifth Edition CoP arts, with white and blue being my favorites:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/5e/294.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/5e/297.jpg

[Solpugid]

Also a big fan of all of the Fifth Edition CoP arts, with white and blue being my favorites:

Absolutely! Although I'd throw the green one in too:

http://www.wizards.com/global/images/magic/6e/Circle_of_Protection_Green.jpg

Also, these:

http://www.magicthegathering.speedyweb.com/Tempest/TERootwaterDiver.jpg

http://axiefoto.nl/albums/userpics/normal_Wallpaper_HellsCaretaker_1280x960.jpg

[Sek'Kuar]

I also like the Conflux Mana Cylix and Martial Coup

[Maverick676]

http://www.cardkingdom.com/images/Apocalypse/LightningAngel.jpg

I always liked this card, to bad its not playable :cry:

http://www.cardkingdom.com/images/Shadowmoor/NurturerInitiate.jpg

This is my favorite piece of art in a long time. I can't believe they stuck it on such a freaking terrible car.

[Mijorre]

Full art ponder kinda makes my heart skip a beat.

[kabal]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ud/65.jpg

[Sanguine Voyeur]

I'm a fan of the Tempest Circles of Protection.

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/220.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/221.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/225.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/222.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/223.jpghttp://magiccards.info/scans/en/tp/224.jpg

[Aggro_zombies]

I'm a fan of the Tempest Circles of Protection.

*Pictures of gray swirly shit*
I hate you so much.

[KillemallCFH]

I hate you so much.Swirly shit is awesome. I love Harold McNeil's work (and yes, that includes Invoke Prejudice).

[Shtriga]

I like Ron Spencer's, Richard Kane Ferguson's, and Aleksi Briklot's, but my favourite is still John Avon's work.

Progenitus is probably my favourite illustration this far.

[Brushwagg]

I'm a big fan of the Ravinca basic land art.



http://www.wizards.com/global/images/mtgcom_arcana_1106_pic1_en.jpg

[bowvamp]

I'm a big fan of the Ravinca basic land art.

Me too. As I stated I'm really into basic lands and this has got to be in my top2. I was first introduced to magic by an old timer touting a ton of Ice-Age basics so I was ecstatic when I found that coldsnap theme decks had a new version of my favs. I quickly made the following to cover all of my basic land needs in any basic land type (just a want list, I don't have all of them and certainly not for every type of basic):

4 Foil Ravnica BLs
3 Coldsnap Theme Decks BLs
3 Ice-Age BLs
1 Foil Unhinged
1 Unglued
2 Alpha
4 Tempest Block (good to add extra darkness to your set)
1 Arena League 2000
4 Champions of Kamigawa (they have superb artwork)

Of those my top 5 would probably be:
1)Foil Ravnica
2)Tempest Block
3)Alpha
4)Coldsnap/Ice-Age
5)Champions of Kamigawa

[Occam]

Great suggestions so far. I think progenitus' art is absolutely fantastic, as is juzam's (although it could be nostalgia speaking here).

I would lke to add:
Guru lands
Alt art Starlit Angel
Dakkon Blackblade
7th Wrath of God
Dark Heart of the Woods
Library of Alexandria
I really like most of Chi[[y's and Baga's recent art too.

[bowvamp]

The Fallen.
Now that's a scary lookin' card.

[Shizzow]

Here are two of my favourites

Macabre Waltz
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/di/47.jpg

Directly followed by Ad Nauseam
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ala/63.jpg

[Aleksandr]

I like ... Richard Kane Ferguson's ... work.


Seconded.



These are my favourite non-Fergusson works:

First, of course:

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/AL/en-us/Card3227.jpg


This reminds me of Altamira pictures:

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/VI/en-us/Card3678.jpg


The Mytago Wood / Lavondys anyone? Shame that he is playable no more:

http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/MI/en-us/Card3397.jpg


Quinton Hoover and Rebecca Guay made a lots of beautiful stuff, too.

[TrialByFire]

Nobody has mentioned this card?

Master Transmuter from Conflux

http://www.wizards.com/mtg/images/daily/wallpapers/WP_MasterTransmuter_1280x960.jpg

Or...

Apocalypse Hydra from Conflux

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/Mattyboy064/Sickart2.jpg

Lastly art that is found in the fat pack

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m317/Mattyboy064/Sickart.jpg

[Sanguine Voyeur]

I submit ever colored artifact creature. Especially Inkwell Leviathan, Cloudheath Drake, Vectis Agents, and this;

EDIT: Or I guess it could not work. Whatever, internets.

[HdH_Cthulhu]

The Planeswalker picture reminds me of Fantastic 4
Maybe if jace "shift" into our world he becomes Silver Surfer :laugh:

[Guevera59]

Dude, that's clearly Tezzeret. Jesus, fucking ignorant man....

[kicks_422]

Does this count?

http://fantasy.mrugala.net/Greg%20Horn/Greg%20Horn%20-%20Serra%20Angel.jpg

[Nihil Credo]

Even assuming it does, let me say that you have very debatable tastes. This piece is low-level derivative work, a la Rojo knock-off #142.

[Xero]

Plus, she looks like she's starving. Are there no sammitches in heaven?

[Phoenix Ignition]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ia/78.jpg

Ice Age has my favorite, but probably because that's when I started playing.

At that time I loved:
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/5e/184.jpg and http://magiccards.info/scans/en/un/99.jpg

[Skeggi]

me: Forest, ESG, Channel, tap forest, tap forest, lose seven, Scaled Wurm
him: Terror
:frown:
Cheater! Channel was banned at this time! :cool:

Vintage tournaments (see Rule 801) have restricted this card since 2000/10/01. It was previously banned from 1995/11/01 until 2000/10/01 and it was restricted from 1994/03/23 to 1995/11/01.
Legacy tournaments (see Rule 802) have always banned this card.
Extended tournaments (see Rule 803) have always banned this card.
Standard (Type 2) tournaments (see Rule 804) have banned this card since 1995/11/01. It was previously restricted until 1995/11/01.

See?

[Nightmare]

Cheater! Channel was banned at this time! :cool:

Vintage tournaments (see Rule 801) have restricted this card since 2000/10/01. It was previously banned from 1995/11/01 until 2000/10/01 and it was restricted from 1994/03/23 to 1995/11/01.
Legacy tournaments (see Rule 802) have always banned this card.
Extended tournaments (see Rule 803) have always banned this card.
Standard (Type 2) tournaments (see Rule 804) have banned this card since 1995/11/01. It was previously restricted until 1995/11/01.

See?

Nothing is banned at the kitchen table.

My favorite, for no real good reason:
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/lg/190.jpg

[Arsenal]

Back in the day artwork was so crazy; I don't think WotC gave the artist a template/rough outline like they do now.

[Mirrislegend]

Gotta go with the angel chick at the top of the page.

Anyone else notice that SoA art was a whole new tier of art quality above everything produced before?

I also really like how Inkwell Leviathan is abstract yet the scale and ominous intent are clear.

[AngryTroll]

http://www.duelingground.com/cards/TIM/Leviathan.jpg http://www.wizards.com/mtg/images/daily/ftl/ftl24_inkwell.jpg


Leviathan was in one of the first decks I bought from a friend. I don't remember ever attacking with it, but man, it's huge!

I love how the art on Inkwell Leviathan takes some flavor from the original Leviathan. This thing just appeared out of nowhere, and the lighthouse is toast. Or...um...very soggy bread, at least.

[quicksilver]

I also really like how Inkwell Leviathan is abstract yet the scale and ominous intent are clear.

How is that abstract? It clearly shows a giant fish about to destroy a lighthouse.

[Ebinsugewa]

My favorite, for no real good reason:

Because the subject in question is clearly fucking metal, that's why. Throwin the horns.

[Jak]

I always loved the art on Anarchy. I always had it at the top of my SB in Goblins so I could see it when I opened my deckbox.

[sadface]

Rob Alexander > all

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ia/77.jpg

[Mijorre]

Or not.

Elvish ranger much? (http://magiccards.info/ai/en/67.html)

[Guevera59]

I fail to see the attraction of "hott" elves and angels on cards. Its a fucking magic card, I pray that it doesn't turn you on... Illusionary Terrain is clearly more impressive than Elvish Ranger.

Oh, and I think all of the old dual lands have outstanding art, even though Badlands, Savannah , and Scrubland are a bit dull.

[Seriously]

I fail to see the attraction of "hott" elves and angels on cards. Its a fucking magic card, I pray that it doesn't turn you on...

if you dont find girl in the angel art at the top of the page attractive, I dont know what to tell you. its not just a 'fucking magic card', its semi-erotic art that happens to be on a magic card. I checked your profile and it says you're 16 and that explains a bit. maybe if I was surrounded by 16 year old high school girls all the time I wouldnt find angel art as enjoyable as I do, but who knows. although Im more than willing to compromise and settle for 16 year old girls in angel costumes.

[elof]

Rob Alexander > all

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/ia/77.jpg

Oh, I loved that card when I was a kid. It made all my might serpents attack and it shut down my opponent. My MVP!!! ;)

[URABAHN]

Apoc Hydra reminds me of Urotsukidoji...

Some of the best artwork has to be Plains, Mountain, Forest, Island, and Swamp
http://magiccards.info/scans/en/apac/15.jpg

[Guevera59]

if you don't find the girl in the angel art at the top of the page attractive, I don't know what to tell you. It's not just a 'fucking magic card', its semi-erotic art that happens to be on a magic card. I checked your profile and it says you're 16 and that explains a bit. Maybe if I was surrounded by 16 year old high school girls all the time I wouldn't find angel art as enjoyable as I do, but who knows. Although I'm more than willing to compromise and settle for 16 year old girls in angel costumes.

Ah, you're right, I guess that I'm too naive, just not mature enough to fully appreciate the beauty of this erotic angel.

[JeroenC]

if you dont find girl in the angel art at the top of the page attractive, I dont know what to tell you. its not just a 'fucking magic card', its semi-erotic art that happens to be on a magic card. I checked your profile and it says you're 16 and that explains a bit. maybe if I was surrounded by 16 year old high school girls all the time I wouldnt find angel art as enjoyable as I do, but who knows. although Im more than willing to compromise and settle for 16 year old girls in angel costumes.

Honestly? Ribs poking out != hot, or even attractive. When I see a girl in front of me, I don't want to be afraid I'll break her.

[Mijorre]

I fail to see the attraction of "hott" elves and angels on cards. Its a fucking magic card, I pray that it doesn't turn you on... Illusionary Terrain is clearly more impressive than Elvish Ranger.

Oh, and I think all of the old dual lands have outstanding art, even though Badlands, Savannah , and Scrubland are a bit dull.

It is not 'just' the elf. Notice how awesomely spectral the forest looks. Note the obscuring fog in the back, hiding two darker shapes. Note the tree cupping the moon. If she catches your attention so much, notice the fur trims on her clothing or the definition of her muscles. At least make a comment on how the hands are not done as well as the rest of the piece. Nielsen is a pretty good artist, in my book.

Illusionary Terrain is one of those cards that's trying but does not quite reach. Look, the snow obviously changes into water without a plausible blend in the middle, and what the heck is he trying to do with the plain white in the lower left or the weird blue lines in the upper right (Mountains? Rain? Phyrexian invasions? Burning trees?)
'Snow, clearly featureless, changes into beach'. Brilliant art there, my friend.
'Spar tree, made with magic marker bark, perspective is irrelevant'.
'Shadows, probably something that happens only to rocks.'
'Focal points, I am sure my art teacher mentioned them once or twice.'
...

[Seriously]

Honestly? Ribs poking out != hot, or even attractive. When I see a girl in front of me, I don't want to be afraid I'll break her.


yeah, the ribs arent the best. I think most people agreed she could use some food. however, its more of her face than her ribs that are in question. also, theres nothing wrong with breaking anyone in half every now and then, its great for the ego.

[Pinder]

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/lg/190.jpg

It's because he's throwing up the horns. Also because he has a bird face. Also because the art really makes no fucking sense.

Well, actually, a little fucking sense. But really.

edit - Sort of reminds me of a Counterbalance, if a bird flew in and got stuck in the middle.

edit2 - Also, one of my new life goals is to play this card in a competetive game, and say "My head is a bird, your spell is invalid."

[Mijorre]

He/she/bird is actually giving the sign of love, horns would have the thumbs tucked, no?

[Pinder]

Either way, Weird-Finned-Bird-Fish-Man-Guy-Thing fighting against magic with the power of love is just out there enough to be hilarious, as well.

Seriously though, did Mark Poole paint the rest of the guy, and then right before he painted the head, decide "Hey, you know what? I want to fucking paint a bird."?

[Jaiminho]

Seriously though, did Mark Poole paint the rest of the guy, and then right before he painted the head, decide "Hey, you know what? I want to fucking paint a bird."?

This happened, but he replaced the wrong head:

http://magiccards.info/scans/en/mr/134.jpg

[Aggro_zombies]

It's obviously Horus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horus), practicing his amazing but little-known Magic of Love.

[Seriously]

It's obviously Horus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horus), practicing his amazing but little-known Magic of Love.


its either horus, or um... theodar ?

[Mijorre]

Theodar...the hippy son of Horus.
Problem solved (with the power of LOVE :D).

[georgjorge]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGDRK/coal_golem.jpg

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGDRK/season_of_the_witch.jpg



In general, the detail of the older cardsis not as great as it is in today's editions, but I only like them better for that...there's got to be something left for the imagination.

[jimirynk]

http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGWEA/disrupt.jpghttp://sales.starcitygames.com//cardscans/MAGCONFLUX/inkwell_leviathan.jpghttp://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAGMIR/crystal_golem.jpg

[Black Mass]

I'm a HUGE John Avon Fan

Some of my favorites:

http://www.johnavon.com/components/com_ponygallery/img_pictures/cloudcrestlake.jpg

http://www.johnavon.com/components/com_ponygallery/img_pictures/clouddragon.jpg

http://www.johnavon.com/components/com_ponygallery/img_pictures/windingcanyons.jpg