Nifty Piks – Photos and Art

Beautiful stormy light on the cliffs behind an old movie set cabin on Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

Storm over the Painted Desert. Painted Desert/Petrified Forest National Parks

Beautiful sunset over Chuska Mountains, Arizona. Taken from the North Rim of Canyon de Chelly.

The rugged, red cliffs of Canyon de Chelly National Monument in early morning light. This majestic canyon is located on the lands of the Navajo Nation near Chinle, Arizona

Calling these dwellings "ruins" may be offensive to the Navajo. They are home to spirits of the "Ancients," who have inhabited the canyon for nearly a thousand years.

Lifeless tree frames Monument Valley in early morning light

A large butte under a rainbow in Monument Valley after a late afternoon storm.

Monument Valley Sunrise behind a silhouetted Navajo Hogan.

The Mittens and Merrick Butte stand out majestically against late day storm clouds. It made me think of Ansel Adams.

A dead branch in the foreground emphasizes the desolation of Monument Valley.

Afternoon rain storms in Monument Valley are common in September.

Cold, blustery morning light and dark clouds over the Cape Hatteras National Seashore -- Nags Head, North Carolina

Walking alone under cold, dark skies of Cape Hatteras National Seashore -- North Carolina Outer Banks

Beautifully backlit fawn is alert to a stranger pointing a large black instrument at him.

White tail buck, still in velvet antlers, touches noses with his young offspring.

Puma, Cougar or Mountain Lion, it still is a very beautiful "big cat."

A group of yellow blossoms on a prickly pear jump out from a black background.

Yellow cactus blooms on a black background