/lit/ - Literature

>>22234536
>>22234541
>>22234544
>all that shit
You're right on all counts, of course, including the fact that Keith Parkinson is simply a more talented artist (who works in physical material not digital). But I'd sum it up with one word: purpose.

The characters in Parkinson's original are all unique characters, each with their own history and role in the action. Even where the actual postures may look a slightly awkward, they all convey some different aspect of combat. The confident point of the Paladin at the evil Troll who is raising undead, the wariness of the very small Dwarf and Halfling facing the enormous, menacing Ogre, the nervous archer preparing his shot, the Dark Elf channeling rock star energy, and of course the galaxy brain black wizard taking a moment from contemplating the universe to peek at elf ass. Firiona Vie herself is looking directly at the audience while the bard observes the battle. The entire picture is full of contrasting perspectives and emotions.

Meanwhile the bottom pic is like if you told a bunch of models to do a combat pose for the camera. All characters convey the same generic combat mindset, except for the Paladin who, taking the place of the wizard in the original picture, is just posing and staring off into space for no reason now. (This happens when you copy without comprehension, which is the main way to remove "soul" from art.)