Drew Struzan Retires
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.
FYI – the 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' poster that you are using as your accompanying art for this story is not a Drew Struzan illustration. The art for that poster was created by Richard Amstel.
A talent who's art has been aped for years, both as an homage and otherwise. Enjoy the golf course, Drew!
He was in the Gold metal show at the California Art club this year with a painting and a sclupture. My bet is he will still do fine art.
Ed, please shut up. No one suggested he did Raiders. He did, however do the best Indiana Jones posters, of course!