Ralph McQuarrie R.I.P.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the renowned artist and designer Ralph McQuarrie. He had many, many credits throughout his career but he's best known to legions of science fiction fans as the main designer of the Star Wars universe. He did a fantastic job making George Lucas' creations come to life. Some of his early concept drawings didn't end up much like the finished product but they're still shining examples of great fantasy art.

Many of the drawings ended up looking remarkably similar to the finished product on screen. I especially like the iconic drawing of Luke looking down at Mos Eisley with the twin suns of Tatooine beating down on the city.

All of these images came from the indispensible The Making Of Star Wars by J.W. Rinzler, the definitive book on the making of my all time favorite movie. One of the reasons it's my all time favorite is due to the amazing talent of Ralph McQuarrie. There'll never be another one like him.