I am very sad to report that it looks as though the legendary artist Dave Trampier has passed away. Anyone familiar with first edition AD&D will recall many of Trampier’s amazing illustrations.
A few years ago I started posting my ‘top-5’ FRPG artists of all time. I only got through numbers 5 (Russ Nicholson), 4 (Peter Fenlon), 3 (Erol Otus), and 2 (Angus McBride).
For some reason, I never posted my #1. That spot goes to Dave Trampier. Here are some samples of his work.
Emirikol the Chaotic.
I remember gazing at this picture for hours as a teenager, wondering who exactly Emirikol was, why he was going through this town zapping people, etc.
The 1e AD&D Dungeon Master's Screen.
(I believe that the fighter strongly resembles Trampier himself.)
These guys aren't goody-goody heroes! They're temple raiders.
(And here is another Trampier-resembling adventurer.)
I loved this picture in the Players Handbook when I was a teenager (and still do). It conveys the mystery and spirit of old school dungeon delving better than any other picture I can think of.
The Tomb of Horrors
Best Lizardman ever!
A magnificent cover! No flashy heroes 'posing' here. Just gritty, weathered, and greedy adventurers looting an evil temple.
This cover of Gamma World used to give me chills when I looked at it during the Cold War 1980s.
Against the Giants!
A Trampier-resembling adventurer, departing a dungeon with some hard-earned loot.
Thanks for all the imagination-expanding artwork, Dave Trampier. Rest in peace, mighty Emirikol!
Addition: there is a brief tribute at Tor.com.
Addition: there is a brief tribute at Tor.com.