The legendary illustrator who was instrumental in realizing the visual aspect of the Star Wars universe has died. Ralph McQuarrie’s amazing work shaped many of the classic characters, starships and alien landscapes we all know and love, and most importantly, remember. I fondly remember searching the internet for his artwork years ago when I first learned who he was. I sat and patiently perused image databases on my then dial-up connection looking at each piece, and always in awe. It was fascinating to see the origins of the iconic imagery we’re used to watching, whether it’s Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, or the numerous other classic films he was a part of. I have yet to come across concept art for any film that has the energy and life conveyed by McQuarrie’s hand. He will be missed, but never forgotten as long as the universes he helped create live on in millions of homes around the world.
