Have you ever looked at a framed fine-art photograph and quietly wondered, “Why does it cost that much? It’s a photograph.”?

I know I have—

When we look at a finished piece of artwork, our attention naturally goes to the image itself. But the mat, frame, glazing, backing, and mounting materials all play an important role in how that artwork looks today—and how well it holds up over time.

A good frame does more than provide decoration.

June can be a generous month for artists. The days stretch longer, the greens deepen, gardens begin to fill with color . . .

In recent months, I have been looking back through my image library and noticing how often water appears in my photographs. Sometimes it is the main subject, but often it is simply present somewhere within the scene: a lake, a river, a harbor, a shoreline, a reflection, or even a small . . .

Wedding anniversaries come around once a year, yet we always seem to wait until the last minute to plan something special. Our 2026 anniversary was no different—except this time, we actually did something.

As many of you may know, we have several exciting changes on the horizon this year and next. Even so, learning never stops—at least not for me.

Over the last weekend of June, I had the wonderful opportunity. . .

June 21, 2026 marks the official start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and each year . . .

Some of you who follow Mike on Facebook or Instagram may have seen that McQuade Fine Arts recently added a rather large new member to the art-making family. . .

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.