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Wholly Mackerel

By Kieran
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 Wholly Mackerel … Ode to the Bangda   Original artwork and ode by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, reminiscing about fresh Bangda seasoned with fiery Recheado masala seasoned with Tirphal or Teppal peppercorn that gives a distinct woody, citrusy aroma. The tanginess comes from dry Kokum skins of the Mangosteen that also imparts a deep pinkish hue and a sharp, clean tang. The fish is coated in Rava or rough semolina made from durum wheat and then shallow fried making the quintessential treat for Goans The Konkan Mackerel in many ways encapsulates the ethos of the Goan culture and identity It's kin the Indian Mackerel is ubiquitous but the Konkan variety is its own entity Nutrient-rich plankton-dense waters off the West Coast account for its high oil content Making it perfect for the fiery red Recheado regional marinade, like it was always meant Mile-long Rampani nets are laid by 30 or 40 fishermen working with a scouter in the deep Who keenly tracks the movement of shoals on mackere...
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Optical Illusion

By Kieran
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Optical Illusion _Artwork and original ode to the creative process of Optical Illusions by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue to explore different art forms_ Truth be told sometimes what you see is not always what you get! Our brain uses heuristics to quickly decide what is and isn’t a threat. Optical illusions are the ultimate hack on the human brain Making it jump to quick conclusion sans the analytical pain Seeing from a wrong perspective, the brain gets hoodwinked! Into false assumptions to make sense of what seems indistinct The same image from different perspective reveals the catch. Showing brains wired for quick judgement can result in a mismatch!   Footnote : Here is a video of the same artwork from different perspectives  
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Feast of the Annunciation

By Kieran
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 Feast of the Annunciation   Original artwork and ode to the most Blessed Virgin Mary on March/25th, the feast of the Annunciation, by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026 Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word Thus unfolded quietly the Story of Salvation through a humble maiden as yet unheard. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and your son will be the Son of God That her cousin Elizabeth, barren and old, was with child left her overawed! That unshakable faith would be tested in pain, suffering and loss. She remained steadfast in her word, standing at the foot of the cross! Now she reigns as the Queen of Heaven, beloved mother of all of humanity. Ready to intercede for all God’s children not just those of Christianity!
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Coffee Wash Artwork

By Kieran
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Coffee wash artwork   Original artwork and ode to gourmet coffee by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, using only instant coffee as a stain. My first attempt is at https://kieranart.blogspot.com/2025/05/coffee.html I was inspired to try once more, artwork using coffee wash. The recommended stain is instant coffee for a touch of panache For artwork in monochrome, go easy on details, keep it starker. Coffee stains become lighter when dry, so paint it darker! By varying the amount of water, one can change the viscosity. By using successive light washes one can vary the luminosity.  The scene is a master chef savoring une tasse de café gourmet Raising up the cup of brew ever so slightly to relish the bouquet À la tienne!
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Mourning Dove

By Kieran
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 The Genius of the Clumsy Mourning Dove   Original artwork and ode to the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, celebrating the counterintuitive nesting strategy that turns out to be quite ingenious At first blush, the nests of mourning doves seem reckless, an epic disaster!  Built carelessly with just a few twigs in three or four days, if not faster😳 An architect's nightmare, this minimalist approach is actually quite ingenious! The time and energy the Golden Eagle wastes on a nest for one egg is strenuous The dove cleverly uses that time to lay a pair of eggs that hatch in a fortnight. If disaster strikes, as it may, they simply repeat the cycle rather than sit tight. The squabs are fed with crop milk from the parents, thus don't rely on grubs or insects While most birds lay only one set of eggs each year, doves often lay upto six sets. In a game of chance, this brilliant strategy of many eggs yields a treasure trove. Perfection is overrated, m...
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Trompe-l'œil

By Kieran
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 Trompe-l'œil   Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue to explore light and shadow Trompe-l'œil in French means to fool the eye with an illusion of a 3D object Painted on a flat surface it uses light, shadow and perspective for the effect In my first crack at this, I painted a cornucopia of garden fresh ripe tomatoes From red Romas that make delicious paste to a bunch of cherries, anything goes I love the heirloom Purple Cherokee, a brandywine tomato that's rich in flavor First a burst of sweetness followed by an earthy smokiness, delicious to savor The Green Zebra as delightful to see as it to taste with the right bit of tartness When framed in a box these tomatoes seem to hang in balance in animated sharpness
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St Joseph

By Kieran
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 St Joseph - Patron of Fathers and Workers   Original stained-glass style artwork and ode to St Joseph on his feast day by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the stained glass window at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven, Venice, Florida. This artwork was a no brainer since Joseph is my middle name and I turn to St Joseph all the time for inspiration. Today is the Feast day of St Joseph, a man who did his duty quietly and cheerfully. From the house of King David, he is steadfast in his dedication to the Holy Family!   Chosen by God to guard and nurture the Holy Family on Earth, he was a carpenter by trade Time and again he set aside his plans, hearing God's word in dreams he simply obeyed   The epitome of a just, kind and merciful man, to life's hardships he was no stranger A model for all fathers today who spare no effort to keep their family safe from danger   His actions speak loudest yet like so many quiet workers not much is written or said Her...
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