Finer Frames

This flag carried more than stars and stripes.
It carried hope across the English Channel on June 6, 1944.

With forty-eight stars, frayed edges, and stained by saltwater and battle, it flew over the beaches of Normandy as thousands of young Americans stepped into unimaginable danger. Many would never return home. They fought not for themselves, but for the generations who would follow.

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate 250 years of America, let's remember that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by those who believed they were worth defending—even if they would never fully enjoy them themselves.

May we honor their courage by protecting the freedoms they entrusted to us and by never taking them for granted.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Here's to the next 250 years.

I loved this sweet sugar-faced dog so much... still do. She was my first dog and I was not perpared for how much I'd miss her. That's what makes this photo a treasure. So, to honor my sweet Tikka, I've created a "Senior Sweethearts" category in our Pet Photo Contest.
Submit your senior sweetheart photos by midnight Friday!

https://finerframes.com/events/fur-tography/

Now Showing: Experiencing the Canyon de Chelly with Niles Nordquist

To enter the Canyon and explore the bottomlands, a Navajo guide is required. I first visited this place 25 years ago. I've come back several times because its dramatic landforms and color are unique. The high cliffs can reach over 1300 feet deep in the canyon. There are many ancient cliff dwellings. The colors, shapes and textures are inspiration for any painter.

Canyon de Chelly is a fascinating place in Northeastern Arizona within the Navajo Nation near Chinle. It is a National Monument established in 1931. Maynard Dixon painted some of his most famous works here. The Canyon is off the beaten path from the Canyonlands-Arches-Bryce and Zion loop. But it is well worth the extended effort to get there.

To enter the Canyon and explore the bottomlands a Navajo guide is required. I first visited this place 25 years ago. I've come back several times because its dramatic landforms and color are unique. The high cliffs can reach over 1300 feet deep in the canyon. There are many ancient cliff dwellings. The colors, shapes and textures are inspiration for any painter.

As with many of my works, I have created these paintings as a series, "Experiencing Canyon de Chelly". With each painting, I explore further into the challenge of capturing my impressions and how I felt being there and seeing this wonderful place. Standing on the rim of the Canyon allows me to experience a sense of scale and how small I am compared to this grandeur. When back in my studio, I often look through various sketches and photos to get a sense of that feeling.

Niles Nordquist Studio