Early Risers

2002
Pen and ink
5.25" x 7.25"

In 1989 I decided to make my own Christmas card. Because color reproduction was expensive, I created a black-and-white line drawing. The card proved to be a hit and it started a tradition—I've drawn the artwork for my (now our) Christmas card ever since. Initially my cards featured anonymous, fictional people (mostly children); but since the birth of my daughters they have become my primary subject.

This is one of my favorite drawings in the series. I think the composition and sense of light are particularly strong, and I think it really captures the magic of Christmas morning.

I don’t want to give anyone the wrong impression—we don’t really pile that many presents beneath our tree (and we make sure Santa only brings one or two gifts for each girl). It's done here for dramatic & visual effect.