Forensic Art and Illustration

As the number of stranger-on-stranger crimes increases, solving these crimes becomes more challenging. Forensic illustration has become increasingly important as a tool in identifying both perpetrators and victims. Now a leading forensic artist, who has taught this subject at law enforcement academies, schools, and universities internationally, offers readers the benefit of her extensive knowledge and experience. Forensic Art and Illustration is the first book to provide complete coverage of all aspects of the field, and includes much previously unavailable information. Beginning with the first-ever in-depth documentation of the history of forensic art, this book proceeds logically through explanations of facial anatomy, practical methodologies and techniques, case examples, and a glossary of terms. More than 200 illustrations and photographs depict art methods used in identifying and locating crime victims and criminal offenders. Numerous successful examples, taken from actual solved cases, demonstrate applications of the methods and techniques presented.
Ideal for both forensic artists who want to improve their skills and those who work with them in law enforcement, Forensic Art and Illustration is a practical guide as well as a complete look at the state of the art of forensic illustration today.

Author Biography

Karen T. Taylor is a freelance portrait artist who worked for 18 years as a forensic artist at the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin, Texas. She attended the School of Fine Arts at the University of Texas and the Chelsea School of Fine Art in London, where she was also a freelance portrait sculptor for Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. Her crime-fighting artwork for law enforcement agencies and FOX Television’s “America’s Most Wanted” has involved a variety of art services to aid in the apprehension and conviction of criminal offenders or to promote the identification of unknown deceased persons. The success of her forensic art led to Ms. Taylor being named one of the “Texas Women of the Century.” A forensic art instructor for many years at the FBI Academy and other law enforcement academies, universities, and medical schools in the U.S. and Canada, Ms. Taylor now also trains fine artists. Her specialty is highly realistic and expressive portraits in bronze. She accepts both forensic art and fine art commissions through her studio, Facial Images, in Austin. She is currently working on a book entitled Understanding the Human Face.