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FORENSIC ART by Cheryl Ellicott

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Unique portrait created after viewing multiple historical references

Another portrait created after viewing references that were deemed historically accurate

As a forensic artist, I'm basically asked to create portraits of people from references that would (under normal circumstances) be considered impossible to work from. Sometimes I create a fine art portrait when the only reference photo is a blurry image where HALF of their face is hidden. Other times I draw a portrait of a young adult, but my only references are photos of the person at age five . . . I've also done fine art illustrations using antique statues or roughly-drawn sketches as references of historical persons. Here are some samples of my forensic art. More information continues under the samples.

Progressed to one year, from one-day-old

I offer my services to individuals and agencies. I won't accept a job unless I feel there's sufficient data to succeed, nor will I accept any request intended to put innocent persons at risk of harm if located through my artwork. Please inquire via email with the specifics of your request.

I’ve been interviewed and written about in the Chicago Times and more recently contacted by the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding my forensic work. My studies and experience bring together a background in fine art, and years of scientific research and education, independently and also with respected instruction, my favorite teacher being an artist/inspector of Scotland Yard.

It was the loss of my first daughter to cancer that led me to learn age progression, and from there I have continued to be fascinated with all aspects of forensic art. It brings me a great sense of accomplishment to help whenever and however I can. 

_{Age Progression is a trained art form. It's part science and part artistic vision. Technology can assist, but there are no programs that predict what a person will look like years from now. Learning to age-progress a person takes talent, practice and research into things such as craniofacial development and the effects of lifestyles.}

_{Accuracy is best when age progressing no more than 5 to 7 years beyond the date of the final photographs. The quality and accuracy depend highly upon the availability of family photos. It's imperative to compare relative's features at both the last-seen age and the desired age.}

_{When I've seen the photos available and considered the desired amount of age to be projected, I'll tell you if the photos are adequate and to what degree I believe scientific accuracy can be achieved. If I accept, remember that there are no guarantees for an exact likeness. Even scientists cannot determine or agree upon exactly how the face develops.}

_{Please email me for more information.}

_{Age Progression is a black and white pencil or charcoal sketch, delivered as a digital file. This format allows me to work by hand, and then to digitally perfect it.  You receive a large, printable 8x10 size plus small web size image, delivered on a CD disk:} 

_{The cost is $300.00 (US dollars)}

_{NOTE: I no longer offer digitally manipulated, aged versions of photographs. After more research I've learned that sketches are considered (by respected age-pro experts) to be superior.}

_{A digitally altered photo appears to be a real person, therefore the mind sees it and if it doesn't exactly match a known face, it is dismissed.}

_{However, with a drawing, the eye sees it as a representation. The mind interprets it per resemblance to someone you know, if such likeness exists.}

_{Thus the sketch is more effective when searching for a lost child.}

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

My sketches and age progressions remain my copyright property unless you wish to negotiate rights. No other artist may use the age progression or composite as a reference to paint from, nor may any derivative works be made from my art.