Ralph McQuarrie was one of the best, most important and most influential film concept designers and visual development artists in the industry.
He is best known for his groundbreaking work on the original three Star Wars films, but worked on numerous other projects.
McQuarrie died yesterday, March 3, 2012, at the age of 82.
The official Art of Ralph McQuarrie website, though informative in some respects, is unfortunately not forthcoming when it actually comes to art, the galleries consisting essentially of thumbnails without larger images. Despite my best hopes, it has been that way for some time, so I don’t know if there is even an intention to provide real images in the future.
Fortunately, for the moment at least, the StarWars.com site has a nice tribute to McQuarrie, with a slideshow of images large enough to do his wonderful ability justice.
There is a nice tribute here from illustrator Greg Newbold.
See also my previous post on Ralph McQuarrie.
[Addendum: another terrific and large set of images of McQuarrie's work on Concept Ships (Via Daring Fireball)]
[Via Tor.com]
It’s so amazing how the spirit of his work clearly transcended into the films and forged their overall aesthetic on so many levels even when final designs were dramatically changed. Wherever he is now, I hope it looks at least half as cool and imaginative as his art.
So cool – so clean. Amazing. A truly inspirational artist.
Ralph McQuarrie has been one of my Art Hero’s since I first saw his Star Wars production paintings sometime around the late 70′s early 80′s when the high school band was doing a sci fi movie music concert.
I have always enjoyed his work, Kudos to George Lucas for highering him, many thanks to Ralph for being such a fine artist. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Thanks Charlie.
Mike
Oh man, another of my hero`s has died – Ralph McQuarrie was LARGE in my universe, his concept work was extraordinary, as was his skill with traditional media.
Look through the set of images on Concept Ships,it`s a great way to say goodbye :(