Star Wars Conceptual Artist Ralph McQuarrie Dies at 82 65
First time accepted submitter puddingebola writes "Ralph McQuarrie, the conceptual designer that created the look of characters such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca and R2-D2, and helped design sets and scenes for George Lucas has passed away at 82. From the article: 'The success of his Star Wars paintings launched a late feature film career for McQuarrie that included helping design such classics as Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial, Back to the Future, Cocoon, Total Recall, and the original TV series Battlestar Galactica.'"
Link to concept art images (Score:5, Interesting)
Article on Tor.com [tor.com] with some images from some of his other concept art. I always get a kick out of seeing hand-painted 70s-80s concept art. Cognitive dissonance-- "old fashioned" sci-fi imagery.
A kind man to a young fan (Score:5, Interesting)
When I was in the midst of my elementary school Star Wars fever I was also a collector of autographs. I made a point of tracking down more obscure people tied to the films, including Mr. McQuarrie. I sent him a letter and a drawing or two and was amazed to get a wonderful handwritten response, with his own little sketches in the margins and offering tips on my artwork. I then wrote back, with more drawings, and got a second response with a similar, personal tone. He seemed genuinely surprised that there was interest in his work. I've never forgotten those kind responses and still have the letters.
I never met him or knew much more about his life (I believe he was a WWII vet), but those responses make me believe he was a kind and thoughtful guy. Thanks, Mr. McQuarrie, for taking the time to inspire a young kid in the midwest.