The Bride of Frankenstein

by Blake N. Behrens

AI & PS

For my first post I am showing you my Bride of Frankenstein illustration.

Universal Studios took the commercial success of Frankenstein (1931) and proceeded to crank out spin off after sequel after humorous spoof etc... One of the most distinct flicks to come out after the original Frankenstein was The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). It was noted for being the most successful sequel of the various spin offs.

Dr. Frankenstein's wife is held captive by an even more evil scientist, Dr. Pretorious, until he helps build a companion for Dr. Frankenstein's monster. Once she is constructed and 'alive... aaaaallllliiiiiiiiiiiiivvvvvveeeee!!!' she immediately rejects the original monster, thus cementing his role as the saddest monster in the Universal... universe.

I wanted to create a simplified and sexy 80's style poster for this illustration somewhat homaging the sexy female with geometric art of Patrick Nagel (patricknagel.com). As I worked on this illustration it became more and more geometric. Also, my initial thumbnails had the Bride with the typical Frankenstein neck bolts (which she didn't have), bare arms (she had mummy arms), and all of her facial features. As I worked on the illustration and did more research, I realized I really liked the way it looked in black&white as well as color. I also realized that I could simplify it down even further than I did, and the only thing necessary to communicate 'Bride of Frankenstein' was her white shocked hair. In the end I dropped her eyes all together and created a hybrid black&white and color version.

I have prints for sale at http://society6.com/RadFive/The-Bride-of-Frankenstein-8r5_Print if you're interested.