Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Artof Film Star Wars 4 TH Ed
The Artof Film Star Wars 4 TH Ed
FEATURING
FILM
ARTWORK
FROM
Terryl Whitlatch
Aaron McBride
Dave Seeley
Feng Zhu
Edition
Digital
STA R WA RS
A RT INSPIR ED BY A GA L A XY FA R , FA R AWAY…
FOURTH
EDITION
Featured artists
Artist: Malcolm Tween. All images TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC./Disney. All rights reserved.
[ 6 ] The art of film: star wars
The art of film: star wars [ 7 ]
Star Wars
Identities
Discover the true characters, and find the secrets,
in these unique works in the touring exhibition
hen the original that is how we ended up exploring Let me tell you, the
Star Wars movie the notion of identity,” explains
In the Yoda
portrait, can you
find Luke, R2-D2
and Obi-Wan
Kenobi? There
are also a few
levitating rocks!
Stormtroopers
have meaning
and identity
only in a mass of
Stormtroopers –
with their sinister
leader literally at
the centre
planet of exile, the Jedi master is also fluent in six million forms
has become one with the Force of communication. Throughout
after his physical existence ends. the saga, C-3PO has exhibited a
“His absence is now a spiritual fairly nervous and worry-prone
presence in the environment. personality and is also known to
This translates in the fact that talk incessantly. He is represented
his portrait is made up of empty here by his own quotations, taken
space,” shares Sophie. from the first six movies and
The Stormtroopers are an translated into Aurebesh. Yes,
interesting subject, considering all these symbols are a fictional
that they are not distinct, singular alphabet of basic language in the
characters. “They have strength in Star Wars universe. How crazy is
numbers, and so the power of one that? The designers took the time
[ 10 ] The art of film: star wars
The art of film: star wars [ 11 ]
The exhibition is
in three sections,
which follow
the progression
of identity from
childhood to
adulthood: first
Origins, then
Influences, and
finally Choices
ast year ArtStation made the online art help shape the look of future Star Wars films.”
competition exciting again, working Italian-based artist Mario Alberti predominantly
Italian artist I remember when I had the first ‘Like’ from David Next, The Ride challenge asked entrants to design
Mario Alberti Nakabayashi – that was intense.” two new Star Wars vehicles within the aesthetic of
triumphed out of Accompanying David on the judging panel for Episodes IV to VI. Vehicles could be Rebel, Imperial
3,888 artists who the challenges was a who’s-who of industry legends, or utilitarian – anything from a giant starship to a land
entered the first including Aaron McBride, Alex Jaeger, Doug Chiang, speeder. Just under 300 artists completed The Ride
stage of the art Jason Horley, Christian Alzmann, James Clyne, Amy challenge, and the judging phase reduced the number
challenge. Beth Christenson, Bianca Draghici, Erik Tiemens, who went through to the final stage to 224.
Kev Jenkins, Kilian Plunkett, Ryan Church, Stephen The Job challenge consisted of six mini-challenges
Tappin, Thang Le and Yanick Dusseault. When each designed to push artists to their limits. Deadlines were
challenge was completed, these art behemoths the same as they would be in a film production, but
judged the entries and decided who would go creative briefs were changed in mid-stream to show
through to the next round. how directors can change their minds. And the story
“To be honest, I had just two Likes on my work-in- could evolve based on key frames from artists.
progress post,” says the comp’s third-place artist Everyone was kept on their toes.
Fred Palacio. “No comment. Just two thumbs up. So “The ILM art directors asked for the best that artists
I felt I was on my own and kept going.” Fred did have could produce within tough time restrictions, and 210
some help from a little friend, though: “I remember artists met that challenge,” says Daniel. “Although the
one night my nine-year-old son Matis came over deadlines were almost impossible and the workloads
and told me a vehicle looked Avatar-ish. I took one extreme, 90 percent of the artists who undertook The
element away and, done, it worked! Everyone’s opinion Job challenge completed the six mini challenges, and
counts, but self-criticism is very important,” he says. were awarded the title Survivor.”
Kicking things off, The Moment keyframe challenge So what’s the legacy of this exciting online
invited artists to create two emotive images that challenge? For the five artists who gained honourable
told a cinematic story within the world of Episodes mentions (and eight more labelled “ILM Favourites”),
IV to VI. Keyframes could use only existing Star Wars it’s getting kudos from their peers and with luck some
worlds, vehicles, creatures and characters to create commissions from companies. For the three winners,
a story moment. A total of 3,888 artists began the there’s more kudos and some very desirable prizes
challenge, with 1,010 completing this first phase. The from Wacom and ArtStation.
first round of judging reduced the number of artists For Fred Palacio it was a surprise enough to be
going through to the next round to 330. named in the top three. “When the result came out,
The art of film: star wars [ 15 ]
Mario
Alberti
First place in the Challenge went to the
Italian comics artist, illustrator and writer
The art of film: star wars [ 17 ]
www.marioalberti.com
[ 18 ] The art of film: star wars
Morgan
Yon
The French games concept artist brings
experience and emotion to the Challenge
The art of film: star wars [ 21 ]
www.morgan-yon.com
[ 22 ] The art of film: star wars
Fred
Palacio
A passion for exploring leads to delving
into unanswered questions in Star Wars...
The art of film: star wars [ 25 ]
www.artstation.com/artist/calypso
[ 26 ] The art of film: star wars
Jon
Foster
The Dark Horse cover artist with a taste
for the Dark Side sheds a little light
Izzy
Medrano
In a universe of archetypal characters,
Izzy finds room for one more psycho…
www.cannibalcandy.com
[ 34 ] The art of film: star wars
Cecilia
is renowned for its year-round
G.F.
Cecilia GF, as she signs herself, is a freelance
artist who aims to work in the video games or
film industries. Inspired by the Dark Side of the
Force, she sought to capture the impact of a
character within a brooding scene set in the
Expanded Universe’s Dromund Kaas, capital
of the Sith Empire.
“Given the fact that I’m a lover of the Dark Side
of the Force and I love the rain,” Cecilia explains,
Living in sunny Spain, the artist is drawn “Dromund Kaas came to my mind. I thought of
Korriban too but I wanted to see how the light of
to a jungle world of permanent storms the lightsaber looks in the rain, so this planet would
be perfect. Besides, Dromund Kaas seems to me a
special place that contains all of that power of the
Dark Side, with ruins and fascinating creatures.”
Cecilia loves to explore the Star Wars universe in
her personal paintings. Its sheer immensity means
Cecilia GF takes it leaves itself open to the imaginations of artists
advantage of the to add their personal visions, says Cecilia: “It’s an
scope of the Star exceptional sci-fi universe where George Lucas
Wars universe to created a base, and from that, anyone can make
find the perfect it grow without the need to be ‘canonical’.
setting for her “There are other universes that are not free for
brooding Sith interpretation, but Star Wars is not like that,” she
warrior: the elucidates. “The fan has total freedom because
Dark Temple on there are no restrictions – you can create cute
Dromund Kaas illustrations or a painting with a dark theme.
War scenes and everything is okay, because
Star Wars contains all of them.”
http://bit.ly/Cecilia-GF
The art of film: star wars [ 35 ]
Andy’s painting of
Jango Fett is one of a
series of profile views of
key Star Wars characters
– Boba Fett is another
Andy
Fairhurst
Unusual compositions and symmetries make the
Welsh artist’s work stand out from the crowd
fter being way a lot,” says Andy, who has know what it is but it has a strong
commissioned been painting digitally for over hold over a lot of people and is
A to create a
poster series for
Acme Archives
10 years. Recently he’s ventured
into alternative posters and movie
art prints.
responsible for the start of many
an artist’s career. It’s just magical.”
And why does Andy enjoy
and Bottleneck As for his love of Star Wars, he painting Boba Fett so much? “It is
Gallery to coincide with Star Wars says: “For me personally, it was the as simple as: he just looks so cool.
Celebration, Welsh freelance start of everything regarding art. I He is Clint Eastwood in space. He’s
artist Andy Fairhurst struck on was five when I saw it and, when always been my favourite – well,
the idea of painting three pivotal I returned home from the cinema, since Empire, anyway – and was
characters from the original trilogy I drew a space battle scene. That is the inspiration behind countless
in moments of reflection. “I like the my earliest memory of drawing. It badass characters since.”
central symmetrical positioning still inspires me now after all these
of them, and I tend to work that years – decades later! I don’t quite www.andyfairhurstart.com
The art of film: star wars [ 37 ]
[ 38 ] The art of film: star wars
A striking image of
X-Wing fighters based on
the Episode VII trailer
Kai
Carpenter
Crafting a dramatic scene in ai created this story to a mythological model, and
striking image as his work paid off! The story is pure
the Clone Wars continuity…
K part of a Clone
Wars competition.
“I wanted to do
mythology, and that’s a powerful
draw on people all over the world.”
Kai is hugely inspired by a man
a truly dramatic many other artists admire: “Ralph
image – not just compositionally McQuarrie breathed such life into
but thematically dramatic. In the Lucas’s concept, and his designs
first portion of the show, Ahsoka’s were worthy of such a grand
skill puts her in danger constantly.” vision. The first, and the best!”
For Kai, “the thing that pops Though he prefers traditional
about Star Wars is the operatic, techniques, Kai turned to his PC
grand scale of the drama. Lucas for this piece. “I don’t actually
went to such lengths to fit the work digitally anymore and, even
The art of film: star wars [ 41 ]
then, this was a little unusual in my gradually all over, I tend to prefer the idea of getting the cold, misty
choice to do it on the computer,” to establish different parts of environment involved by having
he says. “But my techniques are the composition and link them the lightsabers issuing steam as
much the same in both mediums. together to form the finish – I think they move through the air.”
I start with a coloured ground, probably because I’m impatient to Kai is excited about the new
generally either a sienna or ochre. get to what I saw during that two film. “It really looks like it’s got
Then I usually sit and look at hours at the beginning! something that the original
the blank canvas for an hour or “It’s got to start with a story. three had,” he says, “particularly
two, envisioning the whole piece That’s really what pulls me the physicality of the effects,
and making notes. When I start through the whole thing. And simplicity of design and grandness
to paint, I paint thinly at first as I go from there, the details of vision. I can’t wait to see more
and thicken the brush strokes fill in – Ahsoka having snatched of that ruined post-war universe!”
as I go. Rather than creating an Anakin’s lightsaber from him to
underpainting and working up defend them, for instance. I liked www.kaicarpenter.deviantart.com
[ 42 ] The art of film: star wars
Malcolm deftly
captures the essence
of the characters,
the tech and the
atmosphere of the
landmark film
The art of film: star wars [ 43 ]
Malcolm
Tween
From an illustration studio on the (relatively) sunny
south coast of England to a galaxy far, far away…
B of the British
Isles, is a seaside
resort best known
Noriyoshi Ohrai, John Berkey and
of course Ralph McQuarrie. Phil
Noto’s work is always brilliant.
never seen the films,
they are still aware
for its proximity
to the Jurassic Coast. It is also Can you tell us a little of how you of the characters and
home to Digital Progression, an work? What is your process?
independent UK production studio Usually it will start with a quick what they represent
specialising in 3D/CGI, creative Photoshop visual. For the final
retouching and post production, image I’ll usually model a simple
where Malcolm Tween has created version of any of the ships/ over the years has elevated
artwork for Lucasfilm among a hardware in 3DS Max and use everything into something much
diverse group of other clients. this for the basic perspective more iconic. Even if someone’s
and lighting, then the rest is never seen the films, they are still
What inspired your paintings? painted in Photoshop. aware of the characters and what
Usually trying to come up with they represent.
something that’s not been done Do you approach your personal
before, also something that’s not Star Wars work differently to Are you a Star Wars fan?
seen directly in the films. commissioned art? Absolutely! As a child in the
Even on the work for Lucasfilm ’70s it was by far and away my
Why does Star Wars keep driving there’s quite a lot of freedom, but most important pop culture
artists to create new work? with some of the Star Wars work influence! Don’t ask me about
There’s a huge amount of source it’s largely the only time I get the prequels, though…
material. It also helps that there’s completely free rein.
some of the greatest, most iconic So, how excited are you about
production design ever created. What makes a great character like the next films?
Darth Vader or Luke work? Cautiously optimistic…
Do you have a favourite Star Wars Great design and characterisation,
artist who has inspired you? but also the legacy of Star Wars www.digitalprogression.co.uk
[ 44 ] The art of film: star wars
Malcolm’s deep
affection for the
original trilogy
shines through
in his evocative
AT-AT and Hoth
Evacuation
Celebration prints
The art of film: star wars [ 45 ]
Desert Sands
was offered as
an exclusive
print at Star Wars
Celebration 2015
Anaheim through
Dark Ink Art and
Acme Archives
[ 46 ] The art of film: star wars
The art of film: star wars [ 47 ]
Grant
Gould
The prolific artist of “many thousands” of
cards for Topps is still as big a fan as ever
T movie came
out, Grant still
remembers his
back, and I loved working on the
kids’ books Draw Clone Wars and
Draw Rebels for Klutz. I’ve been
dad taking him to so lucky in that I’ve worked on
see each movie on opening day, several amazing Star Wars related
and his parents would buy him the projects. Luckily, the Star Wars
action figures. “It was a massive universe has such a huge cast of
part of my childhood,” he recalls, characters, it’s almost impossible
“and I’ve been a fan ever since. I’ve to run out of things to draw!”
been doing freelance Star Wars Grant’s latest Celebration poster
work for both Topps and Lucasfilm features some core characters.
now for over ten years, everything “I’ve always been a huge fan of
from cards to kids’ books to Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy,”
comics, and I still to this day have the artist reveals. “When those
to occasionally pinch myself. I’m books came out in the early ’90s,
living my childhood dream! Star it marked the end of a Star Wars
Wars still stirs something inside of dry spell. All my childhood heroes
me. It’s my childhood mythology. were back – Luke and R2-D2 and
It’s a huge part of who I am.” everyone else! It was momentous,
Star Wars has also been a large and of course Thrawn himself is
part of Grant’s working life. “My just the coolest villain. He was so
very first professional illustration calm and intelligent and thoughtful
job was a sketch card gig in 2005,” – very much the opposite of Vader.
he explains, “drawing 1,000 sketch So I thought it’d be cool to pay
cards for the Topps Star Wars: tribute to those books, as well as
Revenge of the Sith set. I was the graphic novel adaptations of
probably in way over my head, those books, which I also loved.
but it ended up being a crazy, It’s essentially my love letter to
great jumpstart for my freelance that series. The title The Legend of
illustration career. It led to other, Thrawn,” he concludes, “is sort of
bigger jobs, so the sleepless nights a wink at the fact that now those
The Legend of were worth it. books are called ‘Legends’ – that
Thrawn was “In the years following, I did is, no longer canon.”
Grant’s limited- many more card sets, and many, Grant is eloquent about his own
edition print for many more sketch cards,” Grant emotional attachment to all the
Celebration 2015 continues. “I had a blast working original characters. “I think for a lot
[ 48 ] The art of film: star wars
Fan Gao
illustrator Fan Gao
Christian
Waggoner
The artist talks about his unique perspective on
character portraits that reflect memorable scenes
Doug
new Star Wars painting, Doug Cowan
Cowan
the frontier shared a mood that I was searching for.
Those paintings, along with Remington’s later works,
portrayed many qualities that could be transposed
successfully into the world of Star Wars. I depicted my
own version of a rider on horseback, but this time as a
Stormtrooper deployed on the edge of the universe.”
and design done during the creation of it that also I depicted my own version of a
captures your imagination.
frontier rider on horseback with
Do you have a favourite Star Wars artist or poster
artist who has inspired you? the mood of the American West
It’s difficult to select an individual because there
have been so many good artists who have worked
on Star Wars. They come from diverse backgrounds the time came to do the larger, final artwork, I blocked
too – comics, illustration, preproduction, fine art, in the main elements of the composition with loose
among many others. Kazuhiko Sano’s poster artwork brushwork. When I felt everything was in place, I
for Return of the Jedi has appealed to me since I was began painting in a very direct manner. I like to start
very young and may be the earliest memory I have with a portrait or critical area to guide me and give me
of Star Wars art. confidence throughout the rest of the painting.
Can you tell us a little about how you work? What is Do you approach your personal Star Wars work
your process? differently to commissioned art?
I paint oil on linen or panel, depending on the needs I approach all my paintings the same now, be it Star
of each picture. I often do a small series of sketches Wars or not, because I feel that this will allow me to do
in ink or watercolour until I have a refined idea of what my best work and to employ the traits unique to me.
I want to pursue. For my Outpost painting, I also did If there is a difference between my Star Wars art and
a scaled-down study in oil to address the colour and my other work, it will be during the sketching phase.
work out any details that I was still debating. When I begin many of my other paintings without many or
[ 58 ] The art of film: star wars
“Topps asked
me to reimagine
the classic
film poster art
for Star Wars
Illustrated:
The Empire
Strikes Back”
Bounty Hunter
was created in
oils on panel for
Acme Archives
any sketches, but because most of my Star Wars art The more understanding I can
will be used by a client it is often necessary to convey
an idea beforehand. acquire of a subject or setting will
What makes great characters like Darth Vader or the help me make better choices
Stormtroopers work?
I think it begins with how they are portrayed and fit
into the story. These characters have lasted so long used. The more knowledge or understanding that I
probably due to them being fascinating on several can acquire of the subject or setting will help me to
different levels. Darth Vader holds your attention make better choices. With Star Wars, I don’t really
and curiosity as a character, but also his appearance, have access to models or props, so the most difficult
sound, and even his musical themes contribute to his part is usually piecing all these elements from different
lasting legacy. Visually, he is a bold character to put sources together in what seems like a seamless image.
into your artwork and has been the focus of many
great works. This is true for many of the characters What was your latest Star Wars related project?
in Star Wars. In 2015, I was hand-picked by Lucasfilm to be among
a small group of artists selected to work on Topps’
Are you a Star Wars fan? Star Wars: The Force Awakens trading card set. I
I am a Star Wars fan and there has never been a contributed character sketches and did over 20
time without it, having grown up after Return of the character paintings in oils.
Jedi. I think being a fan has benefited me in that I
can approach Star Wars subjects from an informed Do you have any future projects you can reveal?
perspective, aware of the history and many subtleties There are several upcoming trading card projects
found in the characters and locales. that I will likely contribute new artwork to, as well as
an opportunity to create some limited-edition prints
Is it difficult painting imagined characters and for both Star Wars and other properties. There is also
scenes? How to you give them believability? another Star Wars Celebration on the horizon. I am
Every painting will have its own challenges whether busy continually painting on my own as well.
you’re working from life or imagination. I like to gather
reference for as much as I can, even if it is not directly www.dougcowan.net
[ 60 ] The art of film: star wars
Hugh
Fleming
Inspired by the work of classic film poster artists,
Hugh paints Rey and BB-8 from The Force Awakens
Matt’s favourite
Star Wars art is
his poster for the
20th anniversary
of Dark Empire
from Dark Horse
Matt
att Busch is famed it would be fun to take an iconic In my opinion, it’s the imagination
for his Star Wars scene from that and bring it to life, of it all. It’s so vast in its worlds,
the visual candy we all draw give it a textured look that stays
from today. through the entire process. I prefer
to draw with a lead holder (2B
Tell us a bit about how you work… leads) so that the pencil never
I usually begin with an idea, and whittles down to a stump when
sometimes it’s not even my own sharpening. Basically I’m drawing
if Lucasfilm or one of the licensed exactly what I had in my chosen
companies has something specific thumbnail sketch, but now am
in mind. I take that idea and begin using the reference to make it
to doodle it out visually, usually in more accurate and detailed.
a sketchbook. I like doing all of my Once it’s completed, this step
prelim sketches and scribbles in a usually goes to the editors for
sketchbook to collect them all, approval. The approval process
otherwise on random scraps of can take anywhere from days to
paper they often get thrown away.
A sketchbook keeps it all together,
and it’s fun to flip through and I find it difficult to
revisit the idea process later. I’ll do
several thumbnails trying to work produce art digitally
out the best composition I can to
make it dynamic and tell the story from scratch but I love
I want the image to convey.
From there, it’s a hunt for running things through
photographic reference. My art
Matt recreates is stylised and not completely the digital mill
some classic photo-realistic, but it’s realistic
scenes, including enough that any photos I can use
these for the Star for reference will help me with weeks, so once I get the green
Wars Illustrated likeness, lighting, continuity, and light I’m pretty excited to finally
card series just making it all look real – or at move in to paint and bring the
the very least, believable. This vision to life. My technique would
usually means digging through my appear to be traditional acrylics,
collection of Star Wars books and but more and more the final result
reference files, but also searching ends up being nearly half digital.
online for something I might not I begin the painting process with
already have. In some cases I’ll use actual paint. I start with acrylic
spaceship models and take my washes – just acrylics watered
own reference to get the angles I down to a watercolour-like
need, and have friends come over consistency. Sometimes I’ll break
to dress them up as characters out an airbrush if I have large soft
and model certain poses for me. gradations in the sky or a glowing
Once I have the reference I need, lightsaber. I then use opaque
I can finally begin on the actual acrylics, which are the same
art. I usually begin with pencil on ones only not watered down, for
illustration board. I often paint highlights or any edges that need
white acrylic gesso on it first to to sharpen back up. Lastly, I’ll use
[ 66 ] The art of film: star wars
with and steer to the place I want Vader, Boba Fett or even R2-D2.
it to be. Here I can fix mistakes There’s an intriguing mystery there
pretty easily, but also test overall that keeps the audience on their
colour and contrast to really get toes. It’s one of the reasons why I
the painting into the aesthetic believe the prequels weren’t as
atmosphere I originally intended. strong: they revealed who’s behind
If the client demands any changes, these masks. That immediately
these are done digitally as well. takes the mystery away.
That said, the polar opposite of
Do you approach personal work that would be Luke, who you also
differently to commissioned art? mentioned. Visually, especially in
I do! Anything I do for Lucasfilm the first film, he appears to be the
or one of the licensees, I’m always boy next door. He lives a bland life,
trying to work with what exactly but he’s a dreamer. He’s someone
the client has in mind. They are the we all can relate to, and that’s key.
ones paying my bills, so I need to You want the audience to identify
deliver. I may not always agree with your protagonist.
with the angle they’re taking, but I
let the ego go and try to give Are you a Star Wars fan?
them the best I can. I’m a huge Star Wars fan! The first
In situations like the Star Wars movie came out when I was four,
Celebration Limited Edition Art the perfect age for it to really
Prints, I not only get to show my explode my imagination, and the
artsy side, but get to dive deep saga has evolved through the rest
colour pencils to refine any details into the Star Wars lore and show of my lifetime. One of the reasons I
I wasn’t able to get with the paint. an interpretation that the licensees enjoy working on Star Wars
When the physical painting is might not have wanted to risk. I material so much is because it
complete, it’s time to bring out enjoy these opportunities because, really brings me back to that
the digital guns. To get it there, I for the most part, I get to run free. magical place of being a kid. That
either scan the painting in (usually sense of wonderment is often lost
in pieces and stitch together) or What makes a great character like with adults. Pablo Picasso once
take a high-res photo. Adobe Darth Vader or Luke work? said that “The child is the true
Photoshop is my weapon of There are so many reasons why artist. The difficulty is figuring out
choice. While I find it difficult to the characters work, but since this how to stay an artist when
produce art from scratch digitally, is a visual magazine (not a writing growing up.” I firmly believe that.
I absolutely love taking something or philosophy one) I’ll stick with
I’ve done by hand and running it that. Many of the iconic Star Wars Do you have a favourite Star Wars
through the digital mill to play characters are faceless, like Darth painting you’ve done, and why?
The art of film: star wars [ 69 ]
StarWars.com asked
Matt to reimagine Star
Wars with zombies. He
did it six times over…
[ 72 ] The art of film: star wars
Matt
Rhodes
The games concept artist captures all the
fun and adventure of the classic trilogy
O Honourable
Mention in the
2016 ILM Art
next?”, decided to take a break
on ArtStation, and there it was! I
was not confident when I entered.
Department I visit ArtStation regularly – I
Challenge (see page 12), Matt know what kind of artistic alpha-
Rhodes is a lead concept artist at predators swim in those waters.
the game developer Bioware in It was hauntingly silent during
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. the competition. Once or twice I
got a “like” on one of my posts,
When did you first hear about the but without context I didn’t know
Challenge on ArtStation? Were if I should be thrilled or if hundreds
you confident when you entered? of people were getting them too.
All images copyright © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
The art of film: star wars [ 73 ]
[ 74 ] The art of film: star wars
What is it about the Star Wars for a couple years were correct:
universe that you have tried to storytelling is the most important
capture in your art? element of what we do as artists.
I tried to capture what I love It’s a good thing to work on the
about Star Wars: the adventure, grammar of art – things like
the fun, the storytelling. It’s a anatomy, drapery, perspective,
wish-fulfilment IP, full of perils rendering, all of that – but they’re
that heroes are always equipped just a tool, a means of telling a
to oppose if they believe in story. People have a tendency
themselves and don’t give up. to confuse them as an end in
themselves. An illustration without
What did you learn from this style a story is a pretty boring thing.
of competition?
I learned that the instincts I’ve had http://ifxm.ag/matt-rhodes
[ 76 ] The art of film: star wars
The art of film: star wars [ 77 ]
Tony
Foti
Taking influence from the
old to create the new...
www.tonyfotiart.com
[ 78 ] The art of film: star wars
Aaron
McBride
The visual effects director and prequel concept
artist reveals his abiding affection for Star Wars
rt director Aaron The only thing that was out there Star Wars Sentry Droid
McBride has was the Art of Star Wars stuff. was commissioned
A worked on many
blockbuster films
of recent years,
That really got me going, but I
was wondering how to do that. It
seemed so far away from where I
work for ImagineFX
magazine. “I designed
a droid that serves
including Iron Man, was growing up and the academic as a large sentry –
The Avengers, and Pirates of the subjects I was doing.” somewhere between
Caribbean. He also created art for But Aaron was nothing if not a Stormtrooper and
the Star Wars prequels. tenacious, and while still studying an AT-ST walker. It’s a
That was just one of the many at school he made it his mission mobile heavy artillery
stages on the journey of a lad who to discover as much about this platform that would
grew up in Mystic, Connecticut – tantalising world as possible. “I support the Empire’s
despite the astonishing name, a would try to find out where the equivalent of the Navy
pretty remote place that couldn’t artists that I liked went to school, Seals or an Imperial
really fulfil young Aaron’s thirst for or where the directors that I liked ‘black ops’ team on
movie magic. “There wasn’t much studied. And so I applied to go military incursions”
access there,” he recalls. “There to a lot of those schools, but they
was maybe just one comic book were mostly film schools and I
store you had to drive quite a realised what I liked most was
ways to. I grew up pre-internet, drawing and painting, so I ended
pre-Facebook, so you didn’t really up going to Rhode Island School
see a lot of concept art for movies. of Design.”
The art of film: star wars [ 79 ]
Old Wounds:
Sean’s expertise in
rendering weaponry for
games certainly shows in
this Scout Speeder from
Return of the Jedi
The art of film: star wars [ 85 ]
Sean
Marino
In the hands of a specialist artist, the
unforgettable speeder bike leaps to life
S served as Vehicle
& Weapon Artist
on Sledgehammer
Star Wars universe, and that made
me very happy all by itself,” Sean
says. “I had immersed myself in
Games’ Call of Star Wars (books, shows, films,
Duty: Advanced Warfare. He games, etc) during the creation
worked on this amazingly realistic of this asset, and it just brought
render for two hours each day for back so many good memories,
about two months using Maya and especially any time I’d watch
ZBrush for modelling, Substance the scene in Return of the Jedi
Painter to texture, Marmoset to featuring these speeder bikes.”
render and Photoshop for
compositing and post work. www.marino.artstation.com
[ 86 ] The art of film: star wars
Stephen
Hayford
Why simply paint or draw a scene when
you can genuinely re-create it… to scale?
The art of film: star wars [ 87 ]
Terese
Nielsen
Star Wars remains a favourite for the
renowned trading card and cover artist
T recognisable in
fantasy art. She’s a
painter and mixed-
encouraged. Studying art at
college in Idaho, and then
Pasadena, where she graduated
media artist known with distinction, set her on the
for trading card artwork for the right track. “Once qualified, you
likes of Magic: The Gathering and have the basics to springboard
Padme Amidala: Celebration IV Harry Potter, and of course Star into any direction you want, with
limited print. “A hats-off, deep Wars art. She hails from Aurora, a solid grounding in all the core
bow to my greatest inspiration Nebraska, which she describes as principles that matter,” she says.
and influence, Alphonse Mucha. “a teeny-tiny farming town”, so it’s Terese was, above all, inspired
His elegant draftsmanship, reasons tempting to draw comparisons by the artists whose work she
for making art, and rich, symbolic between Terese and another hungrily consumed from the early
layers will always be part of me” ambitious young farmhand on days. “My first art crush was totally
a planet far, far away... Boris Vallejo,” she reveals. “I just
“We didn’t have computers or loved the way he painted, and
cell phones, and video games still do – the musculature and the
were barely beginning to happen, vibrant colour, his skin tones – I
so there wasn’t anything to do! I just couldn’t imagine that was
would stay home and draw.” She, possible to do with a paintbrush.
her twin brother and their older I like Frank Frazetta, but some
All images copyright © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
The art of film: star wars [ 93 ]
[ 94 ] The art of film: star wars
www.tnielsen.com
The art of film: star wars [ 95 ]
Taking a year-and-a-
half to develop, Jar Jar
Binks is the highest-
profile character Terryl
Whitlatch created for
The Phantom Menace.
His anatomy was based
on elements from
duck-billed dinosaurs,
emu and parrot fish
Terryl
Whitlatch
The character artist on Star Wars Episode I gives us
an insight into what goes into creature design
erryl Whitlatch trained as a scientific the Star Wars films and universe – including the
illustrator before a lucky meeting led famous and lovable Jar Jar Binks – was a unique and
Designing creatures
for the Star Wars films
– including the
famous and lovable
Jar Jar Binks – was a
unique and rewarding
experience, and a true
roller-coaster
All images copyright © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney. All Rights Reserved.
[ 98 ] The art of film: star wars
I had to design
creatures that had
never been seen before
yet fitted with the look
and feel of the original
trilogy. My approach
was to take what’s
familiar to us on Earth
and tweak it a little
[ 100 ] The art of film: star wars
Initially George
Lucas tends to work
with personality
rather than what the
creature eventually
looks like
The art of film: star wars [ 101 ]
Paul
Dainton
A studio artist for Games Workshop, Paul
seized the chance to play in this universe
The art of film: star wars [ 103 ]
T Challenge (see
page 12) attracted
more than 3,800
a sense of the drama, adventure and
emotion of the Star Wars universe
entrants from 101
countries, who together created
an astounding total of 23,500 with pencil and paper. I now work quirkier side of fantasy embodied
images. In this context it’s some mostly in Photoshop but I think in Warhammer and Moorcock.
achievement to finish as one of this background is still probably “I’m currently fulfilling one of my
the five artists with Honourable apparent in my work. I’ve been childhood ambitions working as an
Mentions, as did Paul Dainton. heavily influenced by many of the in-house studio artist for Games
Paul, originally from Bath in usual-suspect traditional painters Workshop.
the UK, studied Graphics and and illustrators – Howard Pyle, “I learnt about the Challenge
Illustration in Hull. He originally Joseph Clement Coll, Sargent, somewhat last minute, but it
worked solely in traditional media Velázquez, Ben Nicholson and the seemed like a unique opportunity
– oils, pen and ink, and the like – like. As a young child I grew up in to have some fun in the Star Wars
and he says “I still really enjoy the era of Star Wars, ET, Jaws and universe. I’m not sure I had any
just sketching or life drawing Indiana Jones, with a love for the particular expectations with
[ 104 ] The art of film: star wars
http://bit.ly/piddy
The art of film: star wars [ 105 ]
There’s nothing
more daunting than a
giant empty starship
that needs to be
covered with detail
The art of film: star wars [ 107 ]
Ansel’s incredible
collection of
spaceship models
are inspired by his
love of Star Wars
Ansel
are epic, detailed and enthralling.
Hsiao
without a trace of hesitation when asked what was
the first spaceship that inspired him. “When the
Star Destroyer flew overhead for the first time, I was
hooked on making cool spaceships. I don’t see that
going away in the near future.”
It’s a long, slow-building shot that caused a stir
in 1977 and still does. It really needs to be seen on
a cinema screen to appreciate the impact, as your
entire view is slowly blocked by a sweeping majestic
How the vehicles of Star Wars Star Destroyer designed by Ralph McQuarrie. No
wonder Ansel has been so inspired to create his
have been reimagined collection of grand models.
“I had some grand ambitions when starting out:
Darth Vader’s Executor from The Empire Strikes Back.
Looking back on it I barely had a non-primitive object
in that model, but I learned tons by doing it,” explains
Ansel, who reveals that his current models use more
“real” details to evoke scale, such as pipes, fixtures,
and “things that are based off of things that work,
rather than just being boxes to break up outlines of
basic shapes.”
Ansel’s core method for assembling his models –
keeping assets modular and available for other uses
[ 108 ] The art of film: star wars
Modelling a starship
Ansel Hsiao takes us through the process of piecing
together an epic Star Wars inspired spaceship
What makes a
great ship design?
www.fractalsponge.net
The art of film: star wars [ 113 ]
Brandon
Kenney B randon Kenney grew up surrounded
by art. He describes his mother as
an incredible wildlife artist, and his
grandmother used to tour the country
creating pastel portraits for a living.
Both of his parents encouraged him
and his sisters to express themselves through art,
and he never felt that pursuing art as a career was
The artist takes us from a love of a negative thing in any way. He says he knew what
he wanted to do for a living at the age of five.
sketch cards to full-scale paintings Brandon enrolled in the Art Institute of California,
where he studied traditional hand-drawn animation.
After graduation he was uncertain what direction
to follow. Knowing that the animation industry was
geared toward CGI, he tried his hand at 3D animation
www.brandonkenney.com
SUITING UP
How the Celebration print evolved
Dave
Seeley
The favourite book cover illustrator talks
about his love of the Star Wars universe
Dave’s stunning of thing. Instead, I worked with a it, given that he was the reason science fiction,” he says, adding:
piece called plastic model kit of the Falcon and I was working in the Star Wars “What’s more, the prequel trilogy
Galactic Conquest invented my own crazy interior universe in the first place. Dave was neatly aimed at my son’s
captures the epic perspective, with a view out to the immediately emailed me back generation, so I was able to live
scale of the films ship’s nose. That was a view that saying he thought he might have those movies and relive the
we hadn’t ever seen in the films.” the perfect book for it, which original movies through his eyes
Moving forward, Dave has turned out to be Luke Skywalker during the creation of my Star
become a regular artist for Star and the Shadows of Mindor. Wars illustrations. While I’m very
Wars and its conventions. When “When Lucasfilm announced it glad I’ve been able to enjoy a wide
he was invited to Celebration IV as the cover image, fans on the variety of projects in my career,
in Los Angeles, to mark the 30th message boards seemed pretty I’m thrilled to have been a part of
anniversary of Star Wars Episode stoked, except for those who were creating the Star Wars universe.”
disappointed that the villain of the This universe, says Dave, tapped
book, Lord Shadowspawn, wasn’t into a common interest in sci-fi
So much of the genre owes on the cover. I picked up the and fantasy, representing the
phone and gave Dave another call. genre in away anyone can access.
so much to Star Wars. It still has a What if we flipped our point of “Lucasfilm then assembled a
view 180 degrees when we flipped raft of talent that expanded the
freshness almost 40 years later the book over, and saw what universe in a truly compelling
Luke saw: Lord Shadowspawn, visual way. So much of the genre
an instant before their sabers owes so much to Star Wars. The
IV: A New Hope, he knew which collided? Dave loved the idea and design work was original rather
character he would paint for the commissioned the painting… than referential, so it still has a
show: Luke Skywalker. “I found it particularly satisfying freshness almost 40 years later.”
“For me, the coolest aspect to flesh out this spectacular villain. A 200-page book titled The
of Luke in the movies was his Shadowspawn was a character Art of Dave Seeley was released
incarnation as an ace fighter pilot. who had not yet been seen in in September 2015 and features
I decided to show Luke in the any detail, so I was able to design a chapter on his Star Wars work.
period following the conclusion him with some degree of latitude. Dave is busy with a variety of
of Return of the Jedi, when he I went for a Revolutionary War work, including book covers and
and his Rogue Squadron of general/pirate/ninja combination, – wait for it – rollercoaster images
X-wing fighters take on the job of but the finishing touch was Dave for Sea World Texas, but he looks
rooting out the entrenched Empire Stevenson’s suggestion to add his forward to new Star Wars projects.
from the galaxy. Prior to the white facial tattoo.” “It’s been a kick to contribute to
convention, I emailed the finished The Star Wars universe has the world-building,” he says, “and
image, called Rogue Leader, to continued to be a source of to design new aspects of it.”
Dave Stevenson, thinking that he inspiration to Dave. “It defined
should have first crack at using my early aesthetic vision for www.daveseeley.com
[ 124 ] The art of film: star wars
Pavel
Goloviy
The classically-trained painter enjoyed being able to
focus on the essence instead of fussing over details...
The art of film: star wars [ 125 ]
ne of the five
artists to receive
O Honourable
Mention in the
2016 ILM Art
Department
Challenge on ArtStation, Pavel was
born in Saint Petersburg, Russia,
and graduated from the Academy
of Fine Arts as a painter in 2004.
Almost immediately he started
working as a CG artist in the game
industry, which he is still doing. He
mentions that his hobbies are art
and scuba-diving, and his favourite
places (consequently?) are his
home city and coral reefs.
Andrew
March
You don’t suppose his surname explains
Andrew’s aptitude for walkers, do you?
The art of film: star wars [ 129 ]
robably best illustrators from the ’30s-’40s- it leaves the door wide open, to a
known for her art ’50s like Rockwell, Leyendecker, degree, for taking the characters
P for DC Comics
and on Star Trek
for IDW, Cat has
Maguire, and so many more from
that era.
to the unseen moments.
Simon
Goinard
Even with clients ranging from Disney to
Aston Martin, Simon paints a pitch piece
The art of film: star wars [ 135 ]
rench-born concept artist and dynamic and represent the essence of the films –
production illustrator Simon Goinard galactic wars and the fight between good and bad,
Darth Maul
Randy
Martinez
First noticed for his humorous work, the
artist revels in the scope of Star Wars…
hen asked what it special. There’s so much room to What comes first, a character or a
is that inspires his be creative and apply your style concept (Darth Maul rockin’ out)?
W interpretations of
Star Wars, Randy
Martinez replies:
or ideas to the art. Star Wars has
action, adventure, romance,
fantasy and just about every
For me, the concept definitely
comes first. I like to tell stories or
make statements with my art. It’s
“My memories. I other genre there is, even Greek not enough for me to just draw
was three when Star Wars came Boba Fett just standing there
out in 1977. I remember going, but with his gun. That is really boring.
not a whole lot of the film, nothing There’s so much I want to say something and
clear anyway. But the imagery provide an emotion.
stuck with me. I was fascinated. room to be creative and There are limitless ways to do
With my Star Wars art, I try to that, and I’m always coming up
bring that same excitement and add your ideas. In Star with things to say, jokes to tell,
magic that I felt when I was a kid. or ideas to share. So say with Sith
As adults we become a lot more Wars there’s something Rocks with Darth Maul rocking
cynical because life just tends to out, I actually came up with the
do that to you. But as children, life for everyone idea to do an homage to one of
is just fun and all about wonder my favourite Star Wars illustrations
and imagination. So when I paint, ever, Star Wars Rocks by Hugh
I want to relive those feelings over mythology. So, in Star Wars Flemming. I am a musician as well,
and over again. Hopefully, the there seems to be something for so I loved this piece, and I always
finished product gives the viewer everyone. I like to believe most wanted to do something in the
the same experience.” artists create from within, and they same mashup idea of Star Wars
create what they are connected to. and rock-’n’-roll. However, I wanted
Why does Star Wars keep driving Star Wars is a huge part of our to put my own spin to it and put in
artists to create new work? culture, and most fans, no matter a lot of jokes and gags. I am huge
You mean besides a paycheck? what age, have grown up with Star Mad magazine fan from way back,
You know every artist would give Wars in their lives in some way. So, so I am often inspired by the likes
you a different answer, and that’s it is very easy to feel connected to of Jack Davis, Mort Drucker and
kind of what makes Star Wars so Star Wars in some way. Sergio Aragonez. I knew I wanted
[ 138 ] The art of film: star wars
to do something exciting, so I
thought of the Kiss rock shows,
and I automatically thought,
wow, “Kiss” sounds like “Sith”.
From there it was just a matter of
putting the right personality with
the right instrument. Darth Maul
would totally be a lead guitarist.
It helped that I am friends with
Darth Maul actor Ray Park, so he
was kind enough to pose for me!
Randy has
depicted
probably every
Episode and
beyond, but the
original trilogy
remains his
favourite
art, everything. And while I don’t What made creating this piece “just right” in terms of there being
collect anything anymore, I still so special was that my girlfriend right or wrong, it’s about getting
love to look at and play with Star (Star Wars artist Denise Vasquez) it just the way you want to paint
Wars toys. and my Mom helped me create it or draw it as an artist. It’s taken
It’s been a dream come true this piece. I love collaborative me 41 years to get where I am in
to actually be part of Star Wars, art, and it was fun sharing this my journey. The challenges come
doing official art for Lucasfilm experience with my family. from deadlines. Can you create
for 16 years. It’s still a wow for me, quality art in the time you are
even just saying that. I’m very Which is the hardest character to given? Sometimes I get jobs where
fortunate to have the opportunity get “just right”? I only have a few days to complete
to make my living creating art of None. I don’t mean that in an it. That’s tough, because I have
one of my favourite things ever. arrogant way at all. Nothing in this to create art in a short time that
I’m honoured and it’s the greatest world is hard to create because looks just as good as a piece I’ve
experience I’ve ever had. of the hard work I have put in on had months to work on.
Andrew
Theophilopoulos
The illustrator dressed up and used photo references to
paint an image that captures a film he hadn’t seen yet...
The art of film: star wars [ 141 ]
ndrew lives unreleased film,” Andrew recalls, “I create a picture resembling two
and works in found the idea of digging through future icons? What I wouldn’t give
A his lighthouse
in Florida’s
Sarasota Bay
the minuscule amount of official
Force Awakens imagery troubling
– even more so when the female
to be on the level of Drew Struzan,
who’s had the tremendous
opportunity to meet the cast and
All images copyright © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
Karen’s Art
Karen
Hallion
Her website describes her as “artist,
illustrator, and part-time Jedi…”
S artist” Karen
Hallion reveals that
it wasn’t until she
in charge. I wanted to show her
in a more quiet, pensive moment.
Also, combining Art Nouveau and
was 16 and saw pop culture can be so much fun
the movie The Little Mermaid that – there are so many ways to hide
she became interested in being an little details in the illustrations.
artist. “I walked out of the theatre
and thought ‘I want to do that’,” How long does a piece like La
she recalls. “I went to Ringling Dauphine Aux Alderaan take?
School of Art and Design in Well, that one was back when I
Sarasota, Florida, and graduated didn’t have a tablet. I had a laptop
with a BFA in Illustration. I spent with a touchpad and very basic
years trying get an art-related job Photoshop skills. I drew it out on
or freelance, and failed miserably. paper with pencil, scanned it in,
One thing led to another and I then did the lines and colour in Combining Art Nouveau with
wound up as an art teacher for Photoshop. Took me forever.
two elementary schools, teaching 40-50 hours, maybe? Now I have pop culture is fun, and there are so
grades Kindergarten to Fifth. I a Cintiq, and my Photoshop skills
loved it – it was fantastic. Lots of are better. Something like that many ways to hide little details
glitter and watercolours and pipe would take me more like 20-25
cleaners. But I lost my job in 2009 hours these days – partly because
and decided to give an art career of the Cintiq making work move Usually I start with a very
another shot. It was kind of a sink more swiftly, partly because I rough, flowy, loose sketch with
or swim moment for me… and I am know my way around Photoshop a blue coloured pencil brush in
still swimming. Knock on wood!” now, and mostly because I’ve been Photoshop. Then I reduce the
drawing so much the last five opacity, add another layer and
Where did the idea come from years, it comes a lot more naturally sketch again, fixing issues with
to mix Star Wars and Mucha? these days. Sometimes, someone proportion, adding little bits of
I had a print of La Dame Aux will say to me “You make it look detail but skill keeping it pretty
Camélias by Mucha hanging so easy!” But it was 20 years of rough. Then, reduce opacity, add
over my desk for years. I love struggle and stubbornness to get another layer, and keep doing
Alphonse Mucha – I am in awe there, and there are still days when that for a while until I’m happy
of his linework. This particular a drawing just won’t cooperate. with how it looks. Next, I “ink” it
print always reminded me of Leia, digitally. I usually go over all the
and I thought it would be fun to Can you tell us a little about your lines first with about the same
do an homage to it with a Star workflow and creative process? line weight. Then I go back and
[ 144 ] The art of film: star wars
Karen’s painting
Leia’s Corruptible
Mortal State riffs
off the Disney
Haunted Mansion
Tightrope Girl
In general, I struggle with drawing done is always the hardest part, League of their Own, and it was
knowing when to stop! such fun to have so many fans
men. I don’t know why, but drawing get excited about that and start
What have been the biggest posting quotes on my page.
women comes much easier to me influences on your art? Actually, I have a quote from
Definitely Disney, in particular that movie hanging over my
Glen Keane. The flow of his art, desk, because I feel like it is so
add a heavier line around the big the movement, what he is able to fitting for art: “It’s supposed to
basic shapes, a very Alphonse express in just a few gestures – be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone
Mucha type thing to do. Then I it’s inspiring. Obviously Alphonse would do it. The hard is what
really zoom in and add subtle Mucha for his line and beautiful makes it great.”
line weight, some curves where Art Nouveau backgrounds. I love
two lines might meet, smoothing Charles Dana Gibson, also for his Do you have a favourite Star Wars
things out. I spend a lot of time linework. I am a big ol’ pop-culture character and why?
on the line, really. Then I start geek, and I draw what I love. So, My favorite character to draw
laying in big basic colour, keeping what I read, watch or listen to would be Queen Amidala. Her
everything on different layers usually makes its way into my wardrobe, hairstyles, her face… It’s
so they are easy to play around work. A lot of the more popular just so fascinating and detailed
with and find the right colour things like Star Wars or Doctor and gorgeous. I could draw her
combinations. And finally, I add Who, but also I love doing a little over and over again and never
shading, highlights, etc. Trying to more obscure designs. I recently get bored. But Leia is and always
figure out when and if it’s actually did an illustration of Dottie from will be my favourite character.
The art of film: star wars [ 145 ]
The Haunted
Galaxy series
is a mashup of
iconic Star Wars
characters with
Haunted Mansion
Her strength, leadership, bravery that with just a series of beeps and after everyone saw the new teaser
and intelligence make her a great little noises, he has such a distinct trailer. And to be included with
role model for women and girls. personality. I used him to tie together such an insanely talented and
And I am a sucker for all her witty the background in my Celebration skilled group of artists was an
banter with Han. piece, because he was important to immense honour. It is a big goal
both Amidala and Leia. When I was of mine now to continue to push
Who’s the hardest character to at MegaCon [in Orlando, Florida, in myself improve my work and get
get “just right”? April 2015], R2 came by my table included in Star Wars Celebration
In general, I struggle with drawing to visit, courtesy of the R2 Builders shows for as long as I can.
men. I don’t know why, but drawing club. I was thrilled – I wanted to take
women comes much easier to me. him home with me. Your piece for Celebration Europe
So, whenever I have to draw a male 2016, titled Strength, features six
character, stress levels rise. For me, Did you have a good time at Star leading female characters in the
Han Solo has to be the trickiest. Wars Celebration 2015? canon, with Rey front and centre...
He’s attractive, but not in any sort I had an amazing show. I’ve been It started off as a quick sketch
of traditional way. Getting that doing conventions for a few years last year, with only three women.
smirk just right can be challenging. now, and have been lucky enough I re-sketched it this year to add
to do great shows like SDCC, NYCC, Padme, Leia and Rey. I struggled
R2-D2 turns up quite often in your Emerald City, C2E2, etc. But there a lot with Rey’s face, right up until
work. Is he a favourite of yours? was just something in the air at the deadline.
After Leia, he would be my Celebration, this excitement and
favourite, yes. It’s amazing to me energy, especially on that first day www.karenhallion.tumblr.com
[ 146 ] The art of film: star wars
Josh
Viers
The art director shares his personal
projects inspired by Star Wars
The art of film: star wars [ 147 ]
An evocative
piece titled “Dead
Man Walking”
www.conceptbyjosh.com
The art of film: star wars [ 153 ]
[ 154 ] The art of film: star wars
Recognisable even
in silhouette, Darth
Vader stands on
the path of evil
The art of film: star wars [ 155 ]
Michael
Pedro
The concept artist gives us an insight
into creating a stunning environment
A beautiful Path of
Evil illustration
for the Star Wars
the image.”
Michael’s decision to become
an artist in the first place was
Galaxies trading based on Star Wars artwork he
card game. “The concept of this discovered during college. “I was
image was to really convey Darth still in college when the prequel
Vader as a figure of temptation,” films’ art books were gaining
Michael explains. “I painted him popularity, and it was the designs
standing on a volcanic rock and paintings of Ryan Church –
formation on the planet Mustafar; the concept design supervisor on
the formations vaguely resemble Attack of the Clones – that really
the claws of a hand, a hand made me sit back and say ‘Yeah, I
beckoning the viewer. Ultimately, want to be a concept artist’.”
I wanted to find a unique way And his love for the franchise
of suggesting the allure of the continues. “I think it ultimately
Dark Side. comes down to the idea of Star
“Darth Vader, terrifyingly Wars being the ultimate sandbox.
mysterious, was a tragic figure Between the released films, an
who rose to power and fell from entire galaxy has been established
grace; essentially, Luke has no with scores of worlds, characters,
choice but to live the risk of and stories that can now, in turn,
following in Vader’s footsteps. serve as inspiration to other
Mystical trappings aside, it’s creators. It’s a galaxy of seemingly
such a human story that virtually endless possibilities, really.
anyone can identify with. Plus, “Watching the trailers for The
there’s the idea of being ‘the Force Awakens, I was reminded
underdog’ who’s ultimately called that no matter how much we all
to live out an important destiny. think we ‘know’ Star Wars, there’s
Luke went on an adventure that always another episode or series
left him a hero – what’s not to like or novel right around the corner
about that story?” that adds to the universe in ways
Michael began the piece as a we never imagined.”
series of black-and-white sketches, Michael was “super-excited” to
to outline the possibility of where see Episode VII and pleased with
© Sony Online Entertainment & Lucasfilm Ltd .
the image could go. “Once I have its approach. “I’m a huge fan of J.J.
a particular composition in mind, Abrams’ more practical approach
I’ll block in some loose, basic to set construction and special
lighting, and then begin applying effects, so I was eager to see a
colour to really start building up new Star Wars that felt more
the layers of the painting,” he says. immersive and real. That, and the
“From there, it’s a simple matter updated Stormtrooper designs
of applying photo textures to were absolutely terrific!”
quickly attain my desired level of
detail, and then using digital paint www.michaelpedro.com
[ 156 ] The art of film: star wars
Feng Zhu
Feng Zhu, concept designer on Episode III, shares a
production painting for an unseen Star Wars scene
oncept designer worked. Needless to say, I was, This painting visualises a scene
Feng Zhu has and still am, a huge Star Wars fan.” from an imaginary script: “A small
C worked with
Michael Bay, Luc
Besson, Steven
Feng studied Industrial Design
at the Art Center in California but
dropped out after one year, not
group of unidentified individuals
discover the remains of a crashed
Imperial shuttle on Hoth.”
Spielberg and because he was doing badly but “I start production paintings
James Cameron, among other because he felt it wasn’t suitable by listing the five Ws,” Feng
A-list directors, but his time with for him. “I knew what I wanted to explains. “They are what, when,
George Lucas was very special to do from a pretty early age – which where, who and why. You don’t
him. “The original Star Wars films is exactly what I’m doing now,” he need to answer all of the W
had a tremendous influence on me explains. “I think a lot of people questions, but the painting should
as a young kid,” says Feng. “During don’t recognise that until their contain information that enables
school, I drew X-wings and TIE mid 20s or early 30s. But I knew the viewers to see those elements.
fighters all over my homework, where I was going and took the For this painting, they are as
and got yelled at by the teachers. appropriate steps to get there.” follows. What: a crash-landed
After coming home, I flew around Working on Episode III has been Imperial Shuttle. When: a few
in the Slave I toy, pretending to a highlight of Feng’s career, but hours before sunset. Where: Hoth.
hunt down bounties. And like so perhaps surprisingly, Feng says Who: a small group (allegiance
many others kids, I believed in the “I don’t consider myself an artist unknown). And why: this part is
Force and tried my best to move at all… It’s all about the design. left for the viewer to decide.”
TV remotes or mind-influence Drawing is only a very small part
girls to like me – neither of which of design – it’s the last part of it.” www.fengzhudesign.com
The art of film: star wars [ 157 ]
Feng Zhu
designed many
of the hard
surface areas
that were
built into the
miniature models
for the Mustafar
set, such as this
landing area
“I thought the
look of Mustafar
came out great
on screen. ILM
did an awesome
All images copyright © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney
Bobby
Star Wars films for
Pontillas
particular party. But, now a die-
hard fan, he was so inspired that
he immediately started creating
his own fan art. “I can’t tell you
how many people I’ve talked to in
the animation industry who’ve said
that Star Wars is the reason they
are artists today,” he comments.
“I just think the characters and
Classic characters seen through fresh the world they inhabit fired the
imaginations of everyone. They
eyes and depicted in a different style… want to be there and live in those
worlds, and in your career as an
artist you hope to inspire the
younger generation in that same
[ 160 ] The art of film: star wars
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Celebrate Star Wars through the eyes of the world’s finest artists.
From the legacy of those who worked on the original 1977 film
to today’s digital artists, Star Wars has never looked better.
Christian Waggoner Dave Seeley Terryl Whitlatch Brandon Kenney Matt Busch
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