Star Wars Concept Artist passes at age 82



"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

R.I.P. Mr. McQuarrie.

Man, I really love his work. Clean, precise, epic. He gave Star Wars much of its soul.

That fucking sucks

Nobody gets out of here alive.

Still, RIP Mr. McQuarrie. A man who truly set the minds of the free world on fire. Star Wars and beyond, his art and vision have been an inspiration to those who marvel at things that zoom, and the fantastic places they might be going.

The world has forever gotten slower, and less cool looking. Sad.

The Star Wars art books defined my childhood. His work was so inspiring and really quite ahead of its time. He will remain a legend.

Ralph was one of the men primarily responsible for Star Wars' existance, relevance and popularity. I am fortunate to have two of his signed prints on display in my home.

All of those guys are slowly leaving us..McQuarrie, Kersh, etc.

R.I.P. to a brilliant artist. Godspeed, sir.