This is a detail (watercolor) from my upcoming book which depicts hypnotist Herbert L. Flynt. Norman Baker was heavily influenced by his books on hypnotic suggestion and how to acquire and utilize hypnotic power. The Victorian era ushered in many great advancements in science and technology and with that came the proliferation practices of what we now consider "pseudo-science" such as spiritualism and spirit photography as well as mesmerism (hypnosis) and phrenology.
Sistine Chapel (Detail) Sketch
This was drawn on collaged travel documents stubs in my sketchbook while exploring the Sistine Chapel located within the apostolic Palace within Vatican City (Rome). This is a detail I drew from the highly influential and iconic ceiling fresco, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. Prior to Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, it had been painted by Piero Matteo d'Amelia with a blue sky and stars. Little did Matteo d'Amelia know but upon that very ceiling, a project would soon after begin which would change the course of Western art and be regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization.
Porch of the Maidens
This is one of my small paintings that I printed as a negative and then drew, painted and collaged back into. This is the Porch of the Maidens located at The Erechtheion, an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. These ancient sculptures stand like sentinels on a marble parapet atop the Acropolis. They gaze at the great temple of Athena (the Parthenon) that, even in its present ruin, is one of the marvels of the world. These stately women, balancing the heavy stone roof on their heads is a remarkable display of female strength and power.
