Looking at the D&D books for example, the quality of the average piece of art in them has risen dramatically. Just compare a 2nd edition Monster Manual with it's 4th edition counterpart.

Stylistically, you've got more room for debate. The newer art styles (of which there are several represented) tend to be more colorful, slightly less gritty, more exaggerated, and more... well, stylized.Even I, who enjoy that sort of thing, wouldn't mind seeing some more down-to-earth pieces. The black and white sketch look should be used more liberally to establish a sense of atmosphere in the books - when every piece of art is colorful and stylized, it feels more like a product, as opposed to an old tome.

But really, the old books were filled with mostly shitty drawings. I don't miss them at all - only some aspects of their style, which could actually be done properly with the artists they have now.


In terms of the greater fantasy art world, outside of D&D, I'm not convinced that any of this really applies. We've still got a huge variety of styles represented. Just open up a the latest Spectrum art book, or track down some cover artists' websites. I'm particularly fond of Raymond Swanland and Todd Lockwood.

Swanland: http://www.raymondswanland.com/Pages/Illustration%20Gallery/Illustration30.html

Lockwood: http://www.toddlockwood.com/galleries/new_art/02/house_chains.shtml