An Illustrated Christmas

all images, c. Kevin Sprouls

It's that time again, so I'm presenting an Illustrated Christmas. These are a collection of personal and professional projects created for celebrating the Holiday. The first was used in a Christmas card I sent out in the 1980's. The drawing is a copy of a portrait engraving by Albrecht Durer. The concept here was to offer a "Mean Santa". The message inside...I've always enjoyed hand-lettering, as you may gather. Next, one of the few full-color, non-pen-and-ink drawings I've done...This is an illustration of a Charles Dickens tale, "A Child's Dream of a Star". I was thinking about my two kids while creating this image. Materials for this illustration: watercolors, colored pencils, ink.The image above was created for a client. Ho-Ho!Next, Two large illustrations I made for the Home Insurance company. I believe this venerable company is now defunct, after many years of operation. These drawings were made in the 1990's, in two consecutive years...Turn-of the-Century feel, a street scene from either Chicago or New York, I have not been able to ascertain which!Above, a cozy interior scene full of Christmas spirit and a whiff of nostalgia.This illustration was created for another personal project, a Christmas greeting card from the 1980's. A rather trippy drawing of two codgers heading to a great hall at close of day.Below, an illustration I made for The Wall Street Journal, when I was lead illustrator for the paper:Looks like this was derived from an illustrated manuscript. In the usual stipple technique I pioneered for the WSJ.Finally, a rare acrylic painting from me. I leave you with this closing sentiment: Peace on Earth to All People of Good Will!