Art Notes

I work to be a storyteller in my art. Whether it is my own tale that I am telling or the musings of another raconteur, I love to provide my viewers with an imaginative visual journey. In “A Christmas Carol,” I attempt to capture the literary sojourn of one of the world’s greatest fabulists, Charles Dickens.

This painting of his culturally profound novella has all of its major characters brushed into existence. Of course, the four visiting ghosts of tradition make an appearance. Marley’s Ghost and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are all fully realized to scrutinize and sermonize my frightened Ebenezer Scrooge sitting awake in his parlor. But beyond these denizens of the great beyond and their singular mortal target of concern, this painting pays homage to others who inhabit Dickens’ world. Look closely, and you will find Fezziwig, Scrooge’s old mentor, whose jovial nature and generosity stand in stark contrast to Ebenezer’s miserly ways. And, of course, there are Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, characters designed to show the true meaning of holiday happiness and evoke the charity of the Christmas spirit.

“A Christmas Carol” is a long-standing holiday favorite, and I hope that this interpretation will inspire holiday “spirit” in all who see it. As Tiny Tim might exult, “God bless us, everyone,” and thank you all for sharing my adventure in art.

Key Points

• A Christmas Carol is the first Limited Edition Art release in Zac Kinkade’s Literary Classics series, which pays tribute to favorite stories and beloved characters.
• The ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge’s former business partner Jacob Marley stands before him chained and tormented because of his greedy ways, eager to give his friend a second chance he never had.
• The Ghost of Christmas Past is portrayed in both the background and the foreground of the painting. Do you see her?
• Can you find the mini-portrait of The Ghost of Christmas Present (in addition to his massive presence in the painting)?
• The Ghost of Christmas Future shares a grim preview of what may become of Scrooge should he not heed the messages of his supernatural visitors.
• Can you find the subtle nods to Charles Dickens’ other literary works, including “A Tale of Two Cities,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” and “Oliver Twist?”
• Do you see the portrait of Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge’s former boss, who treated Ebenezer like his own son?
• Can you find the reference to the book’s joyful closing scene, featuring Scrooge’s loyal clerk Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim?