Happy Christmas 2014

I’m not entirely sure what happened to November or the first two-thirds of December, but here it is, December 21, and I’m not at all ready for the end of the year let alone 2015.

I have, however, managed to “do” this year’s Christmas card, despite the fact that my computer was out of action for nearly two weeks last month. I’d actually set a reminder alert to create the design back in October, but … well … I’m not entirely sure what happened to October either. With luck and a fair wind, those cards that I have posted have already arrived at their destinations; if not, I hope they’ll do so in the next couple of days.

This year’s card was another Procreate creation done with finger and stylus on the iPad. The drawing process still feels uncoordinated in comparison to using physical tools such as pencil and paper, but I love the ability to use layers (particularly important for this design), the blend feature, and the fact that it’s relatively easy to edit. Unless and until I start doing more than one artwork a year (!), however, I’m likely to remain inefficient and klutzy in my use of it.

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year (despite its likely responsibility for at least some of the disappearance of the October to December period (but not all: assignment marking does an awful lot of damage)), and I enjoy the process of preparing the cards. Most of all, though, I like to reflect on the birth of the Saviour and the blessings I enjoy of having wonderful friends and family. Preparing the cards reminds me of the good times and friendships that I have shared with some terrific people who have been part of my life, who have helped me and just “been there” for me. I appreciate you all.

May you be blessed with peace and happiness in your lives, and may the coming year bring fulfilment and joy.

If you are interested, the following links go to a gallery of all my previous Christmas card designs.

• 1985 to 1994
• 1995 to 2004
• 2005 to 2014
• 2015 to 2024