Nature is the greatest artist of all. To prove that to yourself, simply visit a favorite place during an unfamiliar season. That’s what I’ve done with Christmas Evening. Here I return to the cottage that is the centerpiece of A Quiet Evening — the thatch-roofed hutch many collectors have told me is their favorite Kinkade home.

In the earlier work the cottage is framed by the brilliant blossoms of spring. Here, winter has painted the scene with its distinctive brush: snow crowns the bare trees and clings to the roof; a cheerful snowman greets visitors who walk the frozen pathway. I’ve set the scene at sunset so that the rich rose and salmon tones, filtered through a gentle mist, will warm the otherwise chilly setting with a radiant light.

It is the evening before Christmas day, and the joyous symbols of the season abound.The cozy cottage is festooned with Christmas lights; a wreath is hung on the door; a previously unseen gas lamp heralds visitors from across the icy stream.

The most poignant reminder of the season of family and joy is the cottage itself.The heartening light that pours from all its windows proclaims to one and all: herein abides love and human comfort. Like me perhaps you can imagine children gathered around the tree, singing Christmas carols while the family prepares to savor a lovingly prepared meal. Surely the Christmas spirit is alive within these stone walls.