Henry Taylor's series of portraits of psychiatric patients, created during his tenure as a psychiatric technician at Camarillo State Mental Hospital from 1984 to 1994, is a profoundly significant body of work. These early portraits are notable for their deep empathy and raw, honest portrayal of the patients he encountered in the hospital. This experience had a lasting impact on Taylor's artistic approach, emphasizing the humanity and individuality of his subjects.

While working at the hospital, Taylor spent his off-hours sketching and painting the patients, capturing their likenesses with an acute sensitivity to their emotional states and personal struggles. These portraits, often done in pencil or paint, provide a nuanced view into the lives of individuals who were often marginalized and overlooked by society. Taylor's ability to convey the complex inner lives of his subjects set a strong foundation for his later works, which continue to focus on the human condition and social issues (Artspace) (Artsy).

One of the distinguishing features of Taylor's work from this period is his focus on the eyes of his subjects. He believes that the eyes are a window into the soul, and his intense study of them in his portraits brings a sense of personal connection and emotional depth. This technique of starting with the eyes and building the portrait around them allows Taylor to capture the essence of his subjects in a way that is both intimate and revealing (Artsy).

These early portraits also reflect Taylor's broader artistic philosophy, which is to portray people as they are, in all their complexity and vulnerability. He does not idealize his subjects but instead presents them with honesty and respect, highlighting their dignity and humanity despite their circumstances. This approach has continued to define his work throughout his career, making his art both socially relevant and emotionally impactful (Artspace) (Artsy).

Henry Taylor's portraits of psychiatric patients are a testament to his ability to find and express the humanity in every individual. These works laid the groundwork for his later success and established him as a significant figure in contemporary art, known for his empathetic and socially conscious approach to painting.