I don’t remember exactly when I first saw Ralph McQuarrie’s work (having kids has played havoc with my memory), but I’ve no doubt that it was around the time of my seeing Star Wars for the first time as a seven-year-old, and if I do recall correctly (and that’s a big if), the image was of Luke’s X-Wing hurtling down the Death Star trench towards that unprotected exhaust port.
To say that I was enamoured by his art is something of an understatement, though it is also fair to say that for a while I didn’t “get” the concept aspect of Ralph’s work, often wondering why he painted so many scenes that never made it into the movies. Case in point, the selection of Ralph’s paintings that were spread over the the last page of my sticker album from The Empire Strikes Back.
So when I finally clued into what the concept of concept art actually meant, I marvelled at Ralph’s imagery and pondered as to what might have been if many of these had been included in the saga. Over the years, I collected numerous books that were stuffed-to-the-gills with Ralph’s artwork and I was always blown away by the extent to which his visions served to fuel my imagination as I immersed myself in that galaxy, far, far, away.
Some of our most treasured items are often those that have sentimental value, and that is the case for a particular piece given to me by my Mother. The limited edition lithograph taken from Ralph’s original production painting of Millennium Falcon was personally hand-signed by the artist himself and holds a special place in my collection.
Nowadays, we’re spoiled with the wealth of talent that is on display from the numerous Star Wars artists that are continuously producing their own masterpieces, and I’d be surprised if there were any that wouldn’t count Ralph McQuarrie as one of their inspirations for doing what they do. Back in the day however, Ralph was one of just a handful of artists that were creating Star Wars art, albeit from different perspectives, and with all due respect to the likes of Howard Chaykin and the Brothers Hildebrandt, it was undoubtedly Ralph who drew (no pun intended) the greatest praise, and with good reason.
I don’t imagine that there’s anyone that would dispute the fact that what Ralph did was breathe life into George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars, taking his ideas and making them tangible by putting them onto the page, and I, like George, and millions of others, will be eternally thankful for that.
So rest in peace Ralph; The Force will be with you…always