Each May, the world seems to remember how to paint again.

One of the easiest ways to reconnect with creativity is to take a walk with no particular goal in mind — just a camera, a phone, and a willingness to notice.

Every season seems to come with its own set of chores. Fall means firewood, snow tires, and winter prep. Spring brings yard work, screens, and outdoor cleanup. Before one season arrives, we are already getting ready for the next.

Artists live that way too.

We've all seen those wild AI caricatures popping up online—snap a photo, feed it to some digital wizard, and poof! A cartoon version stares back. Asking for the image is easy; accepting the hilariously exaggerated result? That's where the real challenge hits.

Enter McQuade Fine Arts.

By early March in New Hampshire, winter grows quieter. The excitement of the first snowfall has faded, spring still feels just out of reach, and the landscape settles into a brief pause between seasons.

It is Always fun to win, especially when you don’t expect it.

In 2025, I missed our town’s official fireworks due to a family event. But on the Fourth itself, we were riverside at a picnic on the Piscataquog in Goffstown, NH—an ideal setting for an impromptu fireworks show.

Looking for something fun, relaxing, and maybe even a little magical? Whether you're on vacation, newly retired, or just craving a creative spark, art lessons are a joyful way to unwind and try something new. You don’t need fancy skills—just curiosity and a willingness to play with color. From boosting your mood to helping you see the world with fresh eyes, here’s why picking up a paintbrush might be the best part of your week.

Capturing fireworks can be a thrilling challenge—bursting color, fleeting light, and dramatic contrast make for stunning photos when done right. Whether you're using a phone or a DSLR, here’s how to make the most of the spectacle. If you would like information on capturing the excitement in pictures, check out our “How to Photograph Fireworks” blog.

At first glance, this black-and-white photograph by Mike McQuade might appear to document nothing more than a tangle of low tree limbs in a garden grove. But look more closely, and it reveals the quiet sophistication of a fine art image—one that invites both emotional response and visual exploration.

A peaceful morning turns magical when a barred owl swoops into view—perching just feet from the kitchen window. Living and working in the country brings moments like these, where nature drops by unannounced. Read about this rare, close encounter and see photos of our beloved wild neighbor.

New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee has more than its share of beautiful coves and inlets. Robert’s Cove is one example. From a photography standpoint . . .

It’s never too late to pick up a brush, a camera, or a stick of pastel. For adults navigating the demands of work, family, . . .

There’s more to art than paint on paper. What happens when you set the brush down, clean up the paints and turn the lights out?

DSLR vs Smartphone and why I still carry around a heavy DSLR

The Smartphone, your photography assistant in your pocket.