The most influential artists for the look of Dark Ages:
- Frank Frazetta, especially Conan, Tarzan, and Barsoom
- Arthur Rackham, especially the Rhinegold and goblin illustrations
- Brothers Hildebrandt, Tolkien calendars and the most iconic movie poster of all time!
Great artists for fantasy book covers:
- Ruth Robbins, Earthsea Trilogy
- Robert Gould, Elric series
- Michael Whelan, Elric series
- Walter Velez, Thieves World and Myth Inc. series
Other great artists:
- Brian Froud, for concept work on The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, and Faeries, Goblins, and Trolls
- Larry Elmore, "Avalyne the Life Giver" is one of my favorite fantasy paintings
- Boris Vallejo, his pairings of human and beast are unparalleled