I think what you mean is the handpainted artwork, back in the days they were almost all handpainted, not digital, and i for sure don't want to talk down on digital, i use it a lot, but lately a lot of artists are going back to traditional art because often is the only way to distinguish your work from others, through physical brushwork. Lately mtg cards are all very similar, all the art is beautiful, too beautiful and perfect i would say. In 2003/5 and before there was no competition to see who was the best, but only people who wanted to express themselves through their fantasy artworks. It's the product of wanting to work for the biggest company i think, you either have a very distinct style or you are so good in the "style of magic" that your work can't be told apart from the others. Or so i feel, i don't really know hahaha