Card In The Making: Luke 2: 8-11

I’ve had it in mind to create a holiday card featuring the shepherds. They aren’t as popular as the nativity scene or the three wise men. But I’ve always been fascinated by what they experienced in Luke Chapter 2:

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

These are verses 8 through 11. Growing up in Christian circles I’d heard this story over the years. I’d imagine what it would be like working the graveyard shift. It’s dark and quiet, then suddenly a bright light appears. You realize it’s something you hadn’t seen before. You’re trying to wrap your mind about what’s going on.  Then this being starts to speak, telling you to not be afraid. They bring good news about a savior being born.

It’s passages like these where I wish I was a Van Gogh or Renoir. I wish I could capture the excitement and glory of that moment. So, I started sketching to see what I could create. I’ve never created a nighttime scene before. And when I went to print my first draft, it was really dark! Yes I captured the night. But it didn’t have a sense of wonder. It was just dark and gloomy.

My second draft was definitely lighter, a definite improvement. I tried to add the scripture verses, but I couldn’t get it to fit. I wanted Bethlehem in the background with the North Star shining above it. Then I wanted a silhouette of the three wise men on camels, making their journey. I also debated about whether to add a small window in the town of Bethlehem. I thought it could signify where the holy family was located. When I did that, I noticed my eye was immediately drawn to it. That was the first thing I looked at. But I wanted to focus to be on the angel appearing before the shepherds. I removed the tiny window.

When I sent the design to print, it still felt too dark. Back to the drawing board. I redid the sky. I gave it more of a celestial feel with hues of purple, pink and blue. I emphasized the brightness of the north star with pointed lights. I lightened the green field and gave it more saturation. All done with the magic of software. Van Gogh or Renoir would have so much fun with today’s technology.

Then for the scripture, I added it to the inside of the card:

I think this is as far as I’m going to go with the illustration. It doesn’t feel “done”, but I think it’s good enough to print and give to people. If I redo the design, I’d like to add trees or bushes to the field so it doesn’t look so wide and open. I’d also like to improve the angel more. She looks like she’s wearing a nightgown haha. I’d shape the dress to look more regal and otherworldly.