Fri Sep 5, 2008 — by Robert Greenberger

Drew Struzan Retires

Legendary Painter Dries his Brushes

Legendary movie poster artist Drew Struzan announced his retirement earlier this week. According to a post at The Raider, Struzan made the announcement this way on September 3:

"Having been working at not working has produced a guy who could never return to illustration again. It took a lot to attempt the idea of retiring from my 40 years of effort and sacrifice but now that I have, I am delighting in life as never before. I had forgotten how to rest, to smell the proverbial roses and to see the future as opportunity. I am grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to do all the work I did. I am well pleased to have been able to give a gift of beauty and peace through my artwork to so many throughout the world. Now I have laid down the burden and have peace and happiness as the reward for my day's labor."

Struzan, of course, is best known for his paintings for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, notably Raiders of the Lost Ark.  His film credits also include E.T., Back to the Future, Blade Runner, The Goonies, the Muppet movies, Harry Potter, and Hellboy.

He’s done countless science fiction and adventure book covers including a rare foray into comics for Action Comics #800.

His album art has stretched from Black Sabbath to Alice Cooper, Dean Martin to Roy Orbison.

His contributions to the field are much appreciated and his efforts will be missed.

Jump to comments (4)