Kieran's Art

 Mural of Love and Hope   Mural by Br Mickey and original ode by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the chance to work side by side with him on a 12'x7' mural at St Simon's Catholic Church, Los Altos, California as part of a 3-day Lenten retreat. Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, OSFS, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an award-winning artist, author, and storyteller. You can see his works at https://www.bromickeymcgrath.com/   It's not very often that a renowned artist comes to town, but miracles do happen, you know I got a one-in-a-million chance to work side by side with Br Mickey who put on quite a show He has the unique gift of bringing together communities through the medium of public art Large colorful murals with local symbols and colours that come straight from the heart For over 30 years, his magic has rejuvenated all sorts of people in different communities The broken and wounded, the young and not-so-young - they all have plenty of opportunities I thin...

 My unlikely foray into art   Original artwork and autobiographical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, dedicated to my mentor Tushar Manohar Shetty who believes everyone has innate artistic talents but few develop them. His elegant solution is one-art-a-day just for the sheer joy of it As I was strolling through a flea market one dappled Saturday morn A beguiling siren call came from a charming paint box dented and worn It was the assortment of dried paint tubes that really clinched it for me Tubes of Payne’s Grey, Quinacridone Rose, Phthalo Green - quaint to see Curious, I picked up the paints as if listening to their secret tales I spied paint brushes in chamois leather and pondered the details  ‘My wife was an artist’, he said wistfully, ‘a damn good one too! It’s yours if you want it, something tells me it was meant for you’ Suddenly the sage words of my mentor flashed through my mind ‘All are artists, start painting one-a-day, ‘n your groove you’ll find’ ‘Don’t overt...

 It's a Cat Thing   Original painting and whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, anyone who has kept a cat will understand Don't ever forget I own you, you don't own me; See that was quite easy You heard it here, my fave treat is freeze dried salmon, give it to me No, I didn't miss you when you were gone, why would I? I was well fed Don't expect me to wag my tail when I see you. Nah! I'm a thoroughbred By the way, what's with the flowers when it's catnip that I care for? Tell that pesky Mrs WhatsHerName that I purr, I certainly don't snore If you see me curled up nice and snug with a smile, I'm having a dream In which I'm smacking my lips after lapping a big saucer of warm cream

 Memoir of the Front Door   Artwork and pensive poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, thinking about innumerable friends who left home and family to find their place in the sun - at a hidden cost, no doubt How little remains of the feverish activities and hustle bustle  The metamorphosis of children growing up in wisdom and muscle All their lives the parents worked selflessly giving the best to their kids. Private school, music, art and dance classes, never counting the quids. Table conversations sparkling with animated enlightened discussions Young minds embracing bold ideas 'n risk taking, despite repercussions High achievers unafraid to challenge the status quo, soon came of age. Knocking on archiac institutions far too rigid to be able to engage! They left for greener pastures, putting down roots where they flourished! Meanwhile aging parents back home pine for those they so lovingly nourished

 Explosion of flavor   Original artwork and ode to Cherry Tomatoes by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, celebrating one of the perennial treasures of summer gardening Toss a garden fresh Cherry Tomato into your mouth and you're in for a treat! Get ready for an exuberant explosion of flavors refreshing tangy and sweet. Bite sized snacks that pack a big punch of a powerful antioxidant lycopene. That special enzyme in tomatoes that keeps the heart ticking lean ‘n clean The intense flavor comes from a high sugar-to-acid and skin-to-flesh ratios. You can eat it raw, tossed in salads or a pasta or just as your fancy goes! Cherry tomato plants are prolific producers, throughout the growing season Sun Gold, Black Cherry, Fox Cherry, Yellow Pear, Isis Candy, 'nuff reason

 Quiet flows the river   Original artwork and pensive poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the many refreshing mountain streams one comes across when hiking the mountains When I see a quiet flowing river, I let the tranquility soak into my bones. The water acts like a patient sculptor smoothing the rough edges of stones. Breathing life, allowing green moss to flourish along the sun-soaked edges Tiny fish feast on algae and weed, making a food chain in the murky dredges Soon snails, dragonflies and tadpoles appear to complete the ecosystem. Be still and look carefully did you spot the warbler dive or did you miss him? Shallow river pools are nature's veritable hot spots teeming with activity! Small pleasures that one gets to enjoy gratis when hiking with perceptivity