Classic D&D illustrator dead at 56
This obit for David Sutherland, a canonical illustrator of Dungeons and Dragons, is very sad. He died of liver failure at 56 on June 6.Link (via Digg)A university professor involved with "D&D" development helped Sutherland find his way to Tactical Studies Rules, at the time an emerging Wisconsin publisher of "D&D."
Sutherland's illustrations include the famed scene of a dragon, a wizard and a bow-flexing knight on the first "D&D" boxed set that brought the game into the mainstream. Images on the covers of "Dungeon Masters Guide" and "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual," were his as well. Sutherland also worked as TSR's artistic director, but felt more at ease doing his own illustrations.
After a Pacific Northwest firm bought TSR in the late 1990s and didn't rehire Sutherland, his career crashed. Recently divorced, Sutherland became despondent.
An auction of his memorabilia in late 2004 drew $22,000 and revived his spirits. The money was used for a trust fund for his daughters.
Update: Ryan sez, "here's the seller feedback, with links, of his collection of D&D stuff on eBay."
Update 2: Thanks to John J McMahon for pointing out this gallery of Sutherland's work, and his own obit for Sutherland, and for correcting me on the art in the post.
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