Sphinx 1981

Robert Peak made this poster for the film Sphinx using illustrative techniques. It feels like a painting though, doesn’t it? The poster uses light and shadow to build drama. The color palette is warm, with the light seemingly emanating from within the scene. Look at the way the light flares off the architecture, it's almost like an expressionist painting in places. And those faces in the background, half-formed, emerging from the shadows - they’re like ghosts, hinting at the story's themes of mystery and the past. You can see the hand of the artist in those broad strokes, building up a sense of depth and texture. The use of light here isn't just to illuminate; it's a way to create mood, to draw us into the adventure. It’s a good reminder that art isn’t just about what you see, but how it makes you feel. Think of someone like Frank Frazetta who made a career out of this kind of thing, the poster is a great example of how art can be a conversation between different artists, across different genres.