Early Risers

2002
Pen and ink
5.25" x 7.25"

Since 1990 I have drawn my own Christmas card every year. Initially I chose to work in pen-and-ink because it was easier (and cheaper) to print black-and-white cards than color ones. Today the cost to print in color is about the same as B & W, but I continue to do my cards in ink for the sake of tradition.

Most of my cards since 1996 have featured my children Rachel (the older one) & Eliana. The interior is loosley based on our house (a craftsman style bungalow with hardwood floors).

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.

More Christmas Card illustrations: