"Star Wars" art by Ralph McQuarrie

Ralph McQuarrie (1929-2012) was a commercial and aviation artist whose conceptual paintings were instrumental in designing the landmark "Star Wars" films.

A commercial artist and designer whose career included stints at Boeing and Kaiser Graphic Arts and creating animations of Apollo space flights for CBS News, McQuarrie created the concept art that was crucial in winning 20th Century Fox's approval to put George Lucas' "Star Wars" in production.

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."

Ralph McQuarrie's painting of the robots C-3PO and R2-D2.

Ralph McQuarrie's vision of a light saber fight in the corridors of the Death Star, featuring an earlier concept of Darth Vader.

Ralph McQuarrie's painting of Tusken Raiders on Tatoooine.

Ralph McQuarrie's painting of the landscape surrounding Mos Eisley spaceport on Tatooine, in "Star Wars."

Rebel Y-wing fighters launch an attack on the Death Star in Ralph McQuarrie's painting for "Star wars."

The Cantina scene from "Star Wars," featuring a bevy of aliens by Ralph McQuarrie.

Ralph McQuarrie also produced concept illustrations for the next two "Star Wars" sequels, "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." At left: Luke Skywalker riding a Tauntaun on the ice planet Hoth.

Rebel fighters wage battle against Imperial armored walkers in "The Empire Strikes Back." Painting by Ralph McQuarrie.

Cloud City on Bespin in "The Empire Strikes Back." Painting by Ralph McQuarrie.

Ralph McQuarrie's portrayal of Luke Skywalker's dramatic confrontation with Darth Vader in "The Empire Strikes Back."

For more on the artist visit:

The Art of Ralph McQuarrie
starwars.com
Dreams and Vision Press (Art books by Ralph McQuarrie)