Legendary conceptual artist and illustrator Ralph McQuarrie has passed away at the age of 82. Ralph was well known for his work on the Star Wars Trilogy. As the production illustrator for Star Wars: A New Hope, McQuarrie conceptualized many of today’s most loved Star Wars characters including, but not limited to, R2-D2, C-3PO, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Other works that Ralph McQuarrie is known for include the original TV series Battlestar Galactica, Jurassic Park, E.T. and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph McQuarrie.
On the official Star Wars website, George Lucas had this to say about his friend Ralph McQuarrie.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a visionary artist and such a humble man. Ralph McQuarrie was the first person I hired to help me envision Star Wars. His genial contribution, in the form of unequaled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original Star Wars trilogy. When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph’s fabulous illustrations and say, ‘Do it like this.’
“Beyond the movies, his artwork has inspired at least two generations of younger artists—all of whom learned through Ralph that movies are designed. Like me, they were thrilled by his keen eye and creative imagination, which always brought concepts to their most ideal plateau. In many ways, he was a generous father to a conceptual art revolution that was born of his artwork, and which seized the imaginations of thousands and propelled them into the film industry. In that way, we will all be benefiting from his oeuvre for generations to come. Beyond that, I will always remember him as a kind and patient, and wonderfully talented, friend and collaborator.”
—George Lucas
If you would like to give your condolences, please visit his official fan page on Facebook.
Link: www.ralphmcquarrie.com
