Artist Ralph McQuarrie has lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease. The 82 year old whose classic paintings helped bring Star Wars to the world died at his home in Berkley California.
Mr. McQuarrie’s pens, pencils and brushes brought lush color, dramatic scenery and lifelike characters to stunning vibrancy in film classics such as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Cocoon,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “E.T.” He was part of a team that won the 1985 Academy Award for best visual effects for his work on “Cocoon,” about aliens who can pass on the gift of immortality.source: Wapo
