The Metal Art of Keith Parkinson

The world is full of great painters. Some are jocks, some are metal guys, some are hipsters, and some are video game nerds. But rarely does a single artist qualify as all of the above.  

Keith Parkinson never looked like the typical fantasy artist, but his chadish vibe and many talents are worthy of even the most devout incel’s envy. Over a brief career, he reached the pinnacle of the fantasy art world, designing books for deep-cut fantasy authors and prominent videogame designers. Ever heard of Everquest, the Blue Oyster Cult of MMORPGs? Or Diablo, the 90s hack-and-slash sensation? That's Parkinson's work.

Here’s a little about the man and his legacy:

Who Was Keith Parkinson? 

Keith Parkinson was a fantasy artist known for his stunning and immersive paintings and covers that captured the imaginations of countless readers around the world. Though he died tragically at the age of 49, many still recognize him as one of the most distinctive and influential fantasy painters of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s

Born on October 22, 1958, in West Covina, California, USA, Parkinson demonstrated a passion for drawing and painting from a very young age. He was deeply inspired by the works of artists like Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo, who were renowned for their sweeping, colorful, and otherworldly fantasy and science fiction illustrations. 

Perhaps surprisingly, he struggled in school, which might have had to do with the still-misunderstood dyslexia he suffered from. Instead of focusing on English, math, and science, he preferred to occupy himself with imaginative extracurriculars, such as his Led Zeppelin-inspired rock band.

In the late 1970s, Parkinson enrolled at California State University, Fullerton, to pursue a degree in fine arts. There, he fell in love with classic role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, which had a profound impact on his artistic direction. The vivid worlds, fantastical creatures, and epic landscapes, it seems, provided him with the perfect backdrop upon which to improvise and elaborate.

How did He Get Started in Fantasy Art?

After developing his portfolio, Parkinson landed his first real gig making art for pinball games and early arcade games like Tron and Krull. He later joined the renowned game company TSR, Inc., where he worked as an illustrator for their popular Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. His talent quickly gained recognition, and he was offered the opportunity to create iconic cover art for many RPG books and modules.

With the momentum he built at TSR, assignments started rolling in, and they didn’t really stop until his death. At the height of his career, games or books without a Keith Parkinson (or, at least, a Parkinsonesque) cover seemed out of place on shelves.

His work graced the covers of famous authors like Terry Goodkind, Raymond E. Feist, and Tad Williams. Some of his most notable jobs included illustrations for the fantasy novel The Dragon Reborn in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and the cover art for the EverQuest MMO.

What Was His Painting Style?

Keith’s style was characterized by a unique blend of realism and fantastical elements. He displayed remarkable attention to detail and had a vivid imagination. Several key features defined his work:

1. Realism with a Touch of Magic: Parkinson's art always had a realistic foundation, especially in his portrayal of characters, landscapes, and architecture. His skill at capturing intricate details, such as textures and lighting, added a sense of authenticity to his paintings. Still, he seamlessly integrated magical and otherworldly elements.

2. Dynamic Composition: His paintings often featured dynamic and action-packed scenes that drew viewers into the heart of the action. Whether it was a fierce battle between warriors, a dragon soaring through the sky, or a hero wielding powerful magic, Parkinson's compositions were visually engaging and conveyed a strong sense of movement.

3. Vibrant Colors: Parkinson was known for his use of vibrant and rich colors. His works often featured a wide range of hues, from warm and inviting tones to cool and mysterious ones. This created a sense of scope and diversity.

4. Strong Storytelling Element: Each of Parkinson's paintings seemed to tell a story, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the worlds he depicted. Whether it was an illustration for a book cover or a game, his art had a narrative quality that drew viewers into the fantasy setting.

5. Mastery of Light and Shadow: Parkinson's understanding of light and shadow was exceptional. He used lighting to create depth, drama, and focus.

6. Attention to Character Emotion: In his character illustrations, Parkinson skillfully conveyed emotion and personality through facial expressions and body language.

7. Strong Influences from Realism and Classical Art: While working in the fantasy genre, Parkinson's artistic background in fine arts is evident. He drew inspiration from classical art and real-world references, which he then translated into the fantastical settings he painted.

Remembering His Work and Life

Keith Parkinson’s death was a serious blow to the fantasy community. It was tragic, and if you're a feeling person, it probably gives you at least a little bit of existential dread. But it can also help you on your journey.

If nothing else, his legacy should tell you this: life is short, so do with your time what you think is valuable. Whether you want to stop global warming, care for your kids, or immerse yourself in wild fantasy worlds, the only person in charge of your path is you. Do it, and don’t waste time about it.

But for now, just look over these sick paintings. And if you’d like to read something as epic as these images, check out our books, including The Elder Wyrm, a retro fantasy saga,