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Ralph McQuarrie, best known for his work on George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, died on March 3, aged 82.

His work on the films was hailed today by Lucas: “Ralph McQuarrie was the first person I hired to help me envision Star Wars. His genial contribution, in the form of unequalled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original Star Wars trilogy.

“When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph’s fabulous illustrations and say, ‘do it like this’.”

McQuarrie also made important contributions to Star Trek (redesigning the Enterprise for the proposed Phase II TV series), E.T. and Coccoon, for which he won an Oscar.

A statement on his official website notes that “Ralph was a very special person for many more reasons than his undeniable brilliance with a brush. He was an especially kind, sensitive, deep, modest, funny and fascinating gentleman. And as fine a role model as any one could have wished for.His influence on design will be felt forever. There’s no doubt in our hearts that centuries from now amazing spaceships will soar, future cities will rise and someone, somewhere will say… ‘That looks like something Ralph McQuarrie painted’.”