Coming up with an annual holiday card is never a chore. It’s a chance to express my love of winter, long dark nights, and traditions. Ever since we saw a splendid exhibit of Kay Nielsen’s work at the MFA in Boston in October, I’ve had crowns on my mind.
This detail in particular struck me. I became obsessed with these three figures.
I tried making an owl crown for myself at Halloween, with mixed results.
Midway into November, when the darkness was setting in before 5 PM, I began sketching some loose ideas. Instead of the Three Kings bringing gifts, I wanted to feature Three Queens bearing light.
I decided to make the composition horizontal, perhaps add a deer.
I did a larger, more detailed rough, and began pretending these three were my daughter and her two friends across the street, all of whom have participated in the Sankta Lucia pageants on Peaks Island. My beloved friend, Gunnel Larsdotter, brought this Swedish celebration to Peaks many years ago, and organized performances every mid-December, held at the local church. Traditionally, the eldest daughter of a household, wearing a white gown and a crown of candles, brings Swedish Lucia buns and hot coffee to wake the family, as well bearing light out of the darkness. She represents Sankta Lucia, who brought food and hope to Scandinavian people during a terrible famine in ancient times. As a symbol of the winter solstice, I decided to make crowns of lit twigs for Imogen, Daisy, and Olwyn.
At the time, I took a short studio break right before sunset, and this spectacular sky became the backdrop for the procession of Three Lucias.
Here’s the final pastel.
We attended the Peaks Island Music Association’s annual Holiday Concert on December 8, and it began once again with a Santka Lucia pageant. This is what kicks my Christmas spirit into gear every year!
Meanwhile, I am mailing out my annual cards. To one and all, warmest wishes for bright holidays!
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You are amazing, Jamie. I love the card, and send equally lovely wishes to you and the family (just without the artwork.)
What a beautiful card! I love your work!
thanks, Karen!
Cheryl, thanks for reading and your lovely wishes!
I loved reading the story behind the card; the colors are so soothing and tranquil this year. Thank you, dear Jamie.
Thank you, dear Mitali, for reading and for your lovely comment!
Your gifted paintings and explanations are a true highlight Jamie. I love the final result! Merry Christmas to you and yours
Monica
Thanks, Monica, for reading and Merry Christmas to your sweet family, too!
Dearest Jamie❣️
What a treat to be able to follow you on this particular journey!
I LOVED IT!
Thank you for your kind words and for including the Saint Lucia legend as many do not know it. Thanks also for the photo of this year’s Lucia ❣️Beautiful ❣️
Brought tears to my eyes.
The only title that could possibly replace your “JamiepeepsBlogs” would be “jamietreets” 😊❣️❣️❣️
Dearest Gunnel, YOur Saint Lucia events brought so much joy here and continue to do so! Thank you, remarkable friend!
Dear Jamie,
What a magical backstory to this years stunning card. I am beyond thrilled to have worked with you, and always look forward to seeing more of your creations in our community and sharing your stories with my grandchildren.
Peace,
Audrey
Audrey, I am always grateful to have worked with YOU! Thank you for reading and for your lovely words.
Absolutely beautiful card and sweet memories of Peaks Island.