I love Carmel. The town looks like it was invented by artists, which, in a sense, it was. Galleries are everywhere. The houses are incredibly picturesque, and when I set up my easel on one of the boulevards, I'm just doing what so many painters do every day.

The Kinkade family is as fond of Carmel as I am; my girls were with me on the sunny afternoon when I painted TUCK BOX TEA ROOM, CARMEL. It's a thoroughly charming little spot - with scones and tea cakes that just melt in your mouth. On this particular day, Chandler, I believe it was, said to me, "Daddy, is that the gingerbread house? You know, the one Hansel and Gretel tried to eat?"