Cheneys' Christmas cards highlight local artist's work

SNOHOMISH — Artist Thomas William Jones doesn't consider himself a political hound.

But the 60-year-old Jones has found himself designing Christmas cards for the White House five times under two administrations.

Jones was selected this year by Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, to design their Christmas card, which was distributed to 12,000 friends, relatives and staff members. The card is a watercolor rendering of the family library in the vice president's residence in Washington, D.C.

Jones, a professional artist for 35 years, had his first brush with the White House through an agent. In the mid-1980s, Ronald and Nancy Reagan were looking for an artist to design their Christmas card.

The first card Jones designed for them, "The Blue Room at Christmas" in 1985, was so well-received that Nancy Reagan requested that Jones continue painting the family's holiday cards throughout her husband's tenure in office.

"I was a little relieved after the first year was done," Jones said. "You have this responsibility for the nation's Christmas card."

For many years the Cheneys sent embossed Christmas cards but had never used the work of an artist. This year, Lynne Cheney recalled the Reagans' holiday cards, and the search began for the artist.

The Cheneys' social secretary and resident manager, Liz Denny, tracked down Jones, who received an unexpected call in April.

For the Cheneys' card, Jones essentially was given a blank slate. He began with a few snapshots of the sparsely decorated room and then dressed it up for the holidays with red bows, a holly wreath and a festive swag pinned to the fireplace.

The painting was reproduced on 5½- by 7-inch cards inscribed inside with the message, "Our best wishes to you and your family in this holiday season and throughout the year ahead," and signed by the Cheneys.

Jones donated his work for reproduction and sold the original painting.

Lynne Cheney was "very pleased" with Jones' detailed, accurate rendering of the library, Denny said.

"He captured the detail, the warmth and spirit of the room beautifully," she said.

Jones said he is honored to have been selected to design a Christmas card that will reach thousands of people.

"It's nice to have your work out there with a national audience," he said.

Tina Potterf: 425-745-7809 or tpotterf@seattletimes.com.