The Early Artists of Magic: The Gathering
This feature explores the history of Magic The Gathering’s art, the artists who have shaped its vision, the themes that dominate its worlds, what’s hot for collectors, and the iconic pieces that have stood the test of time.
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is more than just a game; it’s a rich kaleidoscope of fantasy, storytelling, and visual art. Since its inception in 1993, Magic has captivated millions with its intricate gameplay and breathtaking artwork.
The cards are not just game pieces; they are miniature masterpieces that have defined the aesthetic of modern fantasy art.
The History of Magic’s Art
When Magic: The Gathering was first released, its artwork was created by a small group of freelance artists. Under the guidance of Wizards of the Coast, the game’s publisher, these artists were tasked with bringing the fantastical worlds of Magic to life. Early sets like Alpha and Beta introduced players to an eclectic range of styles, from the eerie surrealism of Mark Tedin to the intricate line work of Anson Maddocks.
As the game grew in popularity, so did its artistic ambitions. Wizards of the Coast began commissioning more detailed and cohesive art to align with the game’s growing lore. Today, Magic features work from hundreds of artists around the world, each contributing to its diverse visual narrative. The art has evolved from traditional painted illustrations to digital masterpieces, reflecting advancements in technology and changes in artistic trends.
The Artists Behind the Magic
The visual identity of Magic: The Gathering has been shaped by hundreds of talented artists since its inception. The original Alpha set featured contributions from 25 artists, a foundation that has grown exponentially over the years. By the time of the Shards of Alara expansion in 2008, 418 different artists had illustrated cards for the game.
Ron Spencer, Mark Tedin, and Pete Venters were the last active contributors from the original Alpha set, each producing new artwork as recently as Magic 2011. Spencer is also one of eleven prolific artists who have illustrated more than 200 cards, alongside notable names such as Greg Staples, Pete Venters, and Kev Walker.
As of 2020, Kev Walker holds the distinction of being the most-featured artist in Magic history, with his artwork gracing 436 cards by the time of the Double Masters set, reflecting his enduring influence on the game’s aesthetic legacy.
Mark Poole
Mark Poole Magic: The Gathering Dwarven Ruins Original Artwork (1994).
Featured in the Fallen Empires expansion set, Dwarven Ruins is a unique land card that enters play tapped. Known as a “sac land,” it offers strategic value by allowing players to tap and sacrifice it to add two red mana to their mana pool.
The stunning artwork for this card was created by Mark Poole, a renowned artist and one of the original 25 contributors to Magic: The Gathering when it debuted in 1993.
Poole’s portfolio spans over 200 cards, including some of the game’s most iconic pieces like Ancestral Recall, Balance, and Counterspell.
His work is synonymous with the early aesthetic of Magic: The Gathering, making him a cornerstone of the game’s visual legacy.
The original artwork for Dwarven Ruins offered here measures approximately 7″ x 6″ and is mounted on a board measuring 11.375″ x 10.25″. Poole’s signature is visible near the bottom left corner. Additionally, a signed copy of the card, enclosed in a toploader, has been taped to the back of the mounting board.
This piece is in excellent condition and represents a significant collectible for fans of Magic: The Gathering and Mark Poole’s enduring artistry.
Jesper Myrfors
Magic: The Gathering Will-o’-the-Wisp Limited Edition (Alpha) CGC Mint 9 (Wizards of the Coast, 1993) Rare.
Jesper Myrfors, Magic’s original art director, helped set the visual tone of the game with his haunting and evocative designs. The groundbreaking Alpha Edition of Magic: The Gathering was released in 1993 with only 1,100 copies printed of each rare card, making these early treasures highly sought after. Among them is the rare Will-o’-the-Wisp, a card steeped in mystery and allure.
Its haunting flavor text reads:
“About, about in reel and rout
The death-fires danced at night;
The water, like a witch’s oils,
Burnt green, and blue and white.”
The atmospheric artwork is by Jesper Myrfors, adding to the card’s legendary appeal. Graded Mint 9 by CGC, this card is one of only seven to achieve this grade, with just one graded higher, further cementing its rarity and desirability. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Magic: The Gathering history, a prized collectible for fans and investors alike.
Quinton Hoover
Quinton Hoover Magic: The Gathering Lesser Werewolf Original Artwork (1994).
As one of the original 25 artists for Magic: The Gathering, Quinton Hoover holds a legendary status in the world of trading card art. Between 1993 and 2008, Hoover illustrated 76 cards, spanning sets from Alpha to Morningtide. His iconic contributions include Regeneration, Vesuvan Doppelganger, Meekstone, and Ivory Gargoyle. Hoover’s artistry even played a role in Magic lore when he illustrated Proposal, the custom card Richard Garfield used to propose to his girlfriend, a devoted fan of Hoover’s work.
This is the original artwork for the card Lesser Werewolf, part of the 1994 Legends expansion. The piece captures a fearsome werewolf breaking free from its constraints, a striking example of Hoover’s dramatic and detailed style. Measuring approximately 7″ x 5.625″, the artwork is mounted on a frame board measuring 11″ x 9.5″. Hoover’s signature, along with the 1994 date, is visible in the lower right corner.
Rebecca Guay
Rebecca Guay is celebrated for her ethereal, watercolor-like illustrations that bring an otherworldly beauty to the cards.
Magic: The Gathering Artist Proof Variety Sets – Group of 6 BGS Authentic Auto (Wizards of the Coast, 1996–1998), Signed by Rebecca Guay
For fans of Rebecca Guay, this exceptional lot is a must-have! It features six Artist Proof cards, each signed by the celebrated Magic: The Gathering artist.
These rare collectibles hail from the Mirage, Tempest, and Stronghold sets and include the following cards: Vigilant Martyr, Vitalizing Cascade, Respite, Wall of Tears, Mulch, and Asmira, Holy Avenger.
Artist Proof cards are unique, featuring blank backs and standard card fronts, allowing artists to preview their work in its final form. Their scarcity is unmatched, with very few copies circulating within the collector community.
Rebecca Guay’s signature graces the front of each card, and BGS has authenticated all six autographs, further solidifying their value and authenticity. These signed Artist Proof cards are sure to become the crown jewels of any Magic: The Gathering collection.
John Avon
John Avon is another legendary name in Magic’s history, renowned for his stunning landscapes that transport players to otherworldly realms.
John Avon Magic: The Gathering Legions Dermoplasm Original Art (Wizards of the Coast, 2003).
This is the original artwork for the Dermoplasm card from the Legions set, masterfully created by renowned Magic: The Gathering artist John Avon. The piece was auctioned on April 21, 2023, at Heritage Auctions, selling for $2,000.
Executed in mixed media on illustration board, the artwork showcases Avon’s distinctive style and creativity. The image area measures 10.75″ x 11.5″, while the board’s overall dimensions are 13″ x 11.5″. Avon’s signature can be found in the bottom right corner, adding to the piece’s authenticity and collectible appeal. In excellent condition, this artwork is a remarkable addition for any Magic: The Gathering enthusiast or collector of fantasy art.
Kaja Foglio
Kaja Foglio Magic: The Gathering Winter Blast Illustration Original Artwork (1994).
“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!” reads the flavor text of the Sorcery card Winter Blast, released in the Legends expansion of the Magic: The Gathering card game. This card allows the player to tap target creatures and deal 2 damage to each with flying. The chilling artwork was done by Kaja Foglio.
Kaja Foglio is a writer, artist, and publisher who has contributed art to MTG in the early sets, from Arabian Nights to Darksteel. Offered here is the original art done by Foglio for Winter Blast. Her signature can be seen at the bottom right corner. This piece, featuring gorgeous hues of blue, measures approximately 7.125″ x 5.875″ and has been taped to a silver frame board measuring 10.5″ x 9.25″. The overall condition is Excellent.
Susan Van Camp
Susan Van Camp is renowned for her contributions to multiple role-playing and card games, including Legend of the Five Rings, Ars Magica, and Magic: The Gathering. Notably, Dragon Storm was published by Van Camp herself, further showcasing her dedication to the genre.
Magic: The Gathering Old Man of the Sea Arabian Nights CGC 9 (Wizards of the Coast, 1993).
From the iconic Arabian Nights set, Old Man of the Sea is a standout card that continues to captivate collectors. Though listed as “uncommon,” its desirability and rarity have made it a highly sought-after piece from this groundbreaking expansion.
Graded CGC 9, the card boasts impressive sub-grades: centering (9), surface (9.5), corners (9), and edges (9.5), ensuring its exceptional condition. The captivating artwork by Susan Van Camp further enhances its allure, making it a prized collectible for Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts.
Expect strong competition for this remarkable card—a true treasure from the game’s early history!
Themes and Worlds
The themes of Magic’s art are as varied as the planes it explores. Each Magic set introduces a new world or expands on an existing one, with art that reflects its unique flavor. For example:
- Innistrad is steeped in Gothic horror, featuring vampires, werewolves, and eerie, moonlit landscapes.
- Theros draws inspiration from Greek mythology, showcasing gods, heroes, and epic battles.
- Zendikar is a world of wild, untamed magic, with floating islands and ancient ruins.
- Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with futuristic cyberpunk elements, marking a bold evolution in Magic’s visual storytelling.
These themes are brought to life through careful collaboration between artists and the creative team, ensuring that every card tells a story within the larger tapestry of the set.
What’s Hot for Collectors
Magic’s artwork has always been a key draw for collectors. In recent years, the introduction of special variants has fueled a surge in art-focused collecting.
- Extended Art Cards: These cards feature the full artwork without the traditional card borders, allowing the art to shine.
- Showcase Frames: Unique borders and designs that align with the set’s theme make these cards highly desirable.
- Secret Lair Drops: Limited-edition cards often feature alternate artwork by renowned artists, including crossovers with pop culture franchises.
Cards with art by iconic artists or from popular sets often command a premium. Original paintings used for Magic cards have also become highly collectible, with some fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
Iconic Pieces of Magic Art
Several pieces of Magic art have achieved legendary status, both for their artistic merit and their importance to the game. Here are a few standouts:
- Black Lotus (Christopher Rush): Arguably the most famous Magic card, Black Lotus is as iconic for its simple, elegant art as for its rarity and power.
- Lightning Bolt (Christopher Moeller): This card’s vivid depiction of a lightning strike captures the raw energy of the spell.
- Serra Angel (Douglas Shuler): A classic representation of a powerful, benevolent creature, Serra Angel remains a fan favorite.
- The Eldrazi Titans (Aleksi Briclot): The surreal, alien designs of Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul are masterpieces of imaginative horror.
- Phyrexian Obliterator (Todd Lockwood): A terrifying and intricate depiction of Phyrexia’s biomechanical horrors.
Magic: The Gathering’s art is more than a visual companion to its gameplay; it’s a gateway to its fantastical worlds.
Through the talents of countless artists and the dedication of its creative team, Magic has set a gold standard for fantasy art in gaming.
Whether you’re a player, a collector, or an art enthusiast, the artwork of Magic: The Gathering offers a universe of inspiration and wonder.
Resources
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