http://www.derekyu.com/extras/pixel01.html
I especially like how clearly he explains anti-aliasing (by hand).
more info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Yu
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaria_%28video_game%29
http://www.bit-blot.com/index.php
PS: I just heard of this amazing, truly-indie game, when a "1up" interview/video mentioned it as winning first place (http://www.bit-blot.com/aquaria/) in some kind of GOTY contest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Games_Festival#Seumas_McNally_Grand_Prize_.28.2420.2C000.29), beating out the almost-as-deserving "Everyday Shooter" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everyday_Shooter) (also quite amazing and unique)
New "Golden Era" (http://www.kokoromi.org/uncategorized/a-nominee-is-me/) of creative, non-studio-produced video games, perhaps? *crosses fingers*
There is a whole Pixel Art category at deviantArt (you may want to check it out).
Pixel art, if you build it form scratch is hard. The end effect is pretty rad though.