Wishing family and friends, even strangers, goodwill and happiness and health, the Christmas Season brings with it natural, creative expressions. Art plays its role in the sharing of these sentiments and none more special than in a simple Christmas card.

I’ve often wondered who these artists are that we share every year without recognizing their singular contributions. They appear nameless, unsung, and ignored. Yet they carry such heartfelt messages.

In recent years, I’ve begun buying original paintings by some of these artists found for sale in odd corners of the internet. I bought this last pair of images many years ago from Fred Taraba, at Taraba Illustration Art.

If you look closely, and let go of any preconceived ideas of commercialism or marketing, they capture a timeless feeling of Christmas. Even so, I can feel the artist’s hand moved by art direction and under deadline. Someone like us, making a living at touching others, using their skills to reach a viewer’s rich memories of the Season.

While simple in their mission, full of color and light, and a reflection of the style of the time, they stir the imagination. Simply, elegantly, they embody the magic of Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone.