Start of Forensic Art

"Forensic art is a law enforcement artistic technique used in the identification, apprehension, or conviction of wanted persons. Forensic art encompasses several disciplines including composite art, image modification, age progression, post-mortem reconstruction and demonstrative evidence. However, composite art is traditionally the most commonly known discipline of forensic art" (Mancusi). The art of composite drawing has been used by police forces throughout time.

"Composite Art is an unusual marriage of two unlikely disciplines, police investigative work and art. The cop-artist, almost an oxymoron, possesses both skills. The artist can create a quality facial drawing with assured confidence. Though drawing skills are important parts of composite art, the real challenge is in the ability to interview and relate to a victim or witness. The purpose is to successfully gather, interpret and illustrate the information obtained from the victim's memory" (Mancusi).

In the past twenty years, composite art has evolved into forensic art. Forensic art possesses knowledge of victim psychology, post-mortem reconstruction and human aging.

works cited: Mancusi, Stephen. "Forensic Art." 2000. Forartist.com 02 June 2009

Here is a picture of a composite sketch. The composite sketch is completed in three stages; proportions, characteristics, and rendering.