CAMPUS – In an effort to aid in the search for elusive criminals, the Ann Arbor Department of Public Safety has encouraged their team to work with different approaches to identify criminals’ identities. Veering away from the traditional pen-and-paper style, Jeff Reynolds, the head sketch artist, has decided to dabble in watercolors, still life, romantic, and acrylic styles.

“We want Jeff to let his creativity flow,” explained Christopher Barbour, a head DPS officer. “He’s a very talented young man, and we don’t want to set any limits on where his sketches can take him, or even where his sketches can take his subjects – though we prefer jail.”

Reynolds, a former art history and lead-based paint major, is exited to begin work on his next piece, one based on the severe angles and time-elapsed effects of analytical cubism. The project’s goal is to capture the inner evil and fractured nature of criminals.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the convict’s face turns out this time,” grinned Reynolds. “I’ve really evolved from my post-impressionist period and hope to speak to the suspect’s overall attitude and plight.”

Reynolds’ first piece in an abstract style – an epiphany for the artist – depicted two dark stripes of blue and several tan dots and was titled Larcenist in Blue. “These paintings are what I love to do, and if Larcenist in Blue helps catch a notorious villain, well, I’d say that’s a perk.”

Many within the department are excited to see the forthcoming completion of Reynolds’ work. “With free reign over so many different artistic techniques,” said Barbour, “we feel as though Jeff will be able to create some really great pieces, accurately capturing the criminal and all of his unsightly characteristics.”

When asked about his future plans for the infamous face, Reynolds responded with a twinkle in his eye. He explained he’d like to experiment with neo-classicism, though he’s not ruling out the possibility of forays into rococo or Dutch genre painting.