Queen Elizabeth II

I've been doing a series portraying politicians in the context of board-games and game pieces. While Queen Elizabeth is technically a figurehead as opposed to a head of state, I thought this House of Cards theme seemed to suit her well. This drawing measures 20" by 32".

My dog Lily with the Queen of England

Prints of this portrait are available here!

"I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice 

but I can do something else - I can give my heart and my devotion 

to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations."

~ Queen Elizabeth II

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X is my favorite book. This civil rights leader's story addresses issues of race, crime, religion, hate, and ultimately transformation. His spiritual journey from a perspective of hatred towards one of love is truly powerful. In this age of intolerance towards Muslims, we can all learn valuable lessons by reading his story.

This portrait was drawn directly on fabric. It measures 16" by 20"

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

"To have once been a criminal is no disgrace. To remain a criminal is the disgrace."
~ Malcolm X

Blues

Here's a portrait of blues great, Billie Holiday, which I drew on fabic.

"Don't threaten me with love, baby. Let's just go walking in the rain." - Billie Holiday

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

Ben Carson MD

If Doctor Ben Carson was a board-game, what kind would he be? Given his gifted hands as a surgeon, it's gotta be Operation (that's a no-brainer).  My portrait of this presidential candidate was drawn directly on an Operation game-board. His political views are not the right prescription for me, but if I ever need brain surgery, I'm calling Ben Carson MD.

This is part of an ongoing series, Political Games,  which presents portraits of prominent political figures in the context of games. You can see my depiction of Mr. Carson's main rival in the GOP election here.

You can view a full gallery of my personal projects here!

"Economics is not brain surgery." ~ Dr. Ben Carson

Fidel Castro

Here's a portrait from my series, Political Games, in which I draw politicians on game-boards or game-pieces. Here I imagined former Cuban president, Fidel Castro, through the cultural lens of dominoes (an extremely popular game in Cuba). It seems as though either he or his brother Raúl have been in power for an eternity. One wonders when those dominoes will fall.

Here's a detail of the original, which measures 9" by 12"

"I am Fidel Castro and we have come to liberate Cuba." ~ Fidel Castro

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

American Educator

These drawings will appear in American Educator - a publication geared towards public school teachers and administrators. They accompany an article, From Reaction to Prevention, Turning the Page on School Discipline.  It looks at current discipline practices enforced in public schools - and suggests ways to make them more effective. I was asked to to create simple positive images to soften the intense subject-matter of this story.

Creating an engaging and inclusive classroom.

encouraging conflict resolution

emphasizing a safe and ordered environment

This piece opened the story...

A special thanks to creative director Jennifer Chang for another fascinating assignment.

If you'd like to discuss a project you need illustrated, please contact me at

danielbaxter@webjogger.net  
or visit my new illustration website here!

Harriet Tubman

I drew this portrait of African-American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman on cloth-swatches. A true humanitarian, she helped bring over 70 slaves to freedom before and during the Civil War. After the war, worked tirelessly to promote the cause of women's suffrage. The Underground Railroad may have functioned completely under the radar, but Harriet Tubman's selfless efforts are permanently weaved into the fabric of our history.

The original portrait measures about 22" by 30".

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you 

the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

~ Harriet Tubman

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!