Kieran's Art

  Sitting on the beach listening to the muffled sound of waves gently lapping the seashore... what could go wrong? Suddenly, a squall whips up out of nowhere, swaying the palm tree, which yields to this force of nature - the wind sock tells of gale force winds of 15 knots or more. An intrepid seagull seizes the moment and flies headlong into the strong wind ... as the lone eyewitness takes it all in. So what exactly does the windsock tell us? The shape of the windsock is designed to catch the wind, and as it fills, the sock will point directly away from the wind source. In the artwork, the wind is blowing from right to left The greater the wind speed, the more the sock will fill out and stretch. This amount of inflation gives a visual cue not only of the direction of the wind but also of the wind’s strength. For example, for winds of a strong or severe gale (15+ knots or 30+ mph or 48+ km/h) force: The windsock will extend fully, even nearly horizontal, indicating very strong wind...

  Mice don't often evoke laughter, but with a little bit of imagination, poet Michael Crawley wrote this hilarious poem My wife is quite brave, but she is scared of mice A fact so true, that it’s worth saying twice A comical event could not help but unfold Making this a story that needs to be told We were going to turn in. It was late in the night When my bride got a shock – a terrible fright Wearing flannel pajamas and ready for bed Something happened that filled her heart with great dread Her worst fear came true. There was a mouse in the house! And he made a beeline straight for my spouse! She saw him coming and could not help but screech loud Too late! Inside of her PJ leg, the pesky pest plowed! With dizzying deftness, he scurried up fast I wondered how long this adventure would last It was more than my wife could possibly bear But I knew not to laugh! No, I didn’t dare Lord have mercy! What a comical sight! My hysterical bride, horrified by her plight As the fleet furry fiend...

  The Indian Pitta has a striking mix of green, blue, yellow, and red plumage, making it look like a walking rainbow. These vivid feathers help this skittish bird blend in with the dappled undergrowth of dense forests, where it often resides. The Indian Pitta is omnivorous, feeding on various insects, small invertebrates, and fruits. It is a skilled forager, often seen hopping around the ground in search of food. Did you know that the Indian Pitta is also a great mimic, often imitating the calls of other birds? Its vocalizations are a series of musical notes, and it can imitate calls from its environment to communicate or ward off potential threats. Of truisms and axioms : They say, ' The early bird catches the worm ', suggesting that being proactive and seizing opportunities early often leads to success. But look what happened to the early worm - it got eaten!! But having worked in high tech in the Silicon Valley for most of my life, I subscribe more to the saying, '...

  This was inspired by the Sumi-e Japanese ink painting style of a fisherman in the mist. But then I got thinking about the fisherman himself. Who was he? What was going on in his mind? And these words flowed out ...   J ust because you don’t know him Doesn’t mean he has no name ... Just because he is contented  Why can’t his heart be aflame!  Just because he’s  alone now Doesn’t mean he’s lonely ... That’s because he’s in love With her, his one and only! Spell check knows not what the heart feels - it flagged the phrase ' he is contented' as an error, suggesting I use ' he is content' instead. Little does it know  the difference between being “content” and “contented” ... “ content ” means that you are completely happy with your current situation. It means that you do not want anything to change and that you feel satisfied. “c ontented ” implies that a specific thing has led to happiness, but that thing could easily go at any second and remove the feeling....

  Pelicans have the second-largest average wingspan (8.5 feet) of any North American bird, after the California condor (9.5 feet).  Because of this, they are strong fliers that can soar gracefully over long distances.  They often use thermal updrafts to glide over oceans and lakes with minimal effort, without even needing to flap. Did you know that White pelicans ( Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ) hunt by using a coordinated team strategy? They typically work together in a group to herd a shoal of fish like minnows and carp (all rough fish of little value to humans) into the shallow edge, making them easier to scoop up with their large bills acting like nets.

  The Coconut tree ( Cocos nucifera ) belongs to the Arecaceae family, also known as the palm family, which also includes date palms and oil palms.  Did you know that there are more coconut trees than people? Twelve billion coconut trees generate approximately $12 billion in the  worldwide  trade in coconut oil, coconut water, desiccated coconut, copra (dried coconut meat), coconut milk, and other by-products like coconut husk and shells.  One reason coconuts have spread to most coastal areas of South Asia is that they are well-suited for long-distance travel due to their ability to float on water. They can survive for up to 4 to 6 months at sea as the tough outer shell helps protect the seed inside from water and salt, allowing it to remain viable.  Once a coconut washes up on land, it can take root and begin growing into a new coconut palm. Fun fact: Coconut crabs ( Birgus latro ),  the largest land-dwelling arthropods in the world,  found on ...

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are believed to have originated over 5000 years ago in the region spanning modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, and northern India.  They are a nutrient-packed fruit known for their juicy, ruby-red seeds (called arils) and sweet-tart flavour.  Various cultures have long associated it with fertility, prosperity, and abundance.  Persian poetry and art frequently celebrate them as a sign of love and beauty.  In Greek mythology pomegranates are found in the story of Persephone and Hades — when Persephone ate pomegranate seeds in the Underworld, she was bound to return for part of each year, explaining the seasons and symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.  It was found in the ancient tombs of Egyptian pharaohs suggesting a belief in its power for the afterlife.  In Buddhism, they are considered one of the three blessed fruits, alongside peaches and citrus, representing good health and longevity.  In East Asia, it is a sy...

  Female red-bellied woodpecker ( Melanerpes carolinus ) - watercolor on 9"x12" 300g 100% cotton paper inspired by an Audobon photo  Did you know that woodpeckers drum into trees to find food, build nests, and communicate during the breeding season? Evolutionary adaptations enable the woodpecker’s head to strike 1200 times a minute, enduring up to 1500 g-force units (for comparison’s sake, concussions in football players occur at 80 g-force) without any risk of migraine or concussion Woodpeckers use their beaks to hammer into the trunks of trees to make holes to extract insects and sap, but have several unique brain, skull, beak and neck adaptations that help them perform their high-impact, repetitive drumming behavior: 1. Strong Beak and Jaw : The woodpecker’s beak is designed to withstand heavy impacts. Its lower mandible is slightly longer than the upper mandible, which helps to cushion the shock as they strike the tree, transmitting 99.7% of the strain forces to the body,...

  The human spirit is wired to break out of the shackles of physical and mental limitations. Swimming effortlessly like a dolphin or soaring through the air like an eagle has an enduring and alluring charm.  Artistic swimming aka water gymnastics magically brings together swimming, dance, and gymnastics elements in water. How liberating is that? Water supports the weight of the body, allowing athletes to perform fluid gravity-defying, impossible moves on land.  Furthermore, water reduces the impact on joints, making acrobatics smoother and more kinetic.  Athletes invariably develop incredible core strength to maintain control because water resistance makes movement more challenging - but that is a small price to pay for the freedom to twist and twirl like a dolphin. This is my own composition Color painting using Payne's grey on 9"x12" 300g 100% Cotton Paper

  Typical hilltop shrine in the lower Himalayas - where time stands still.  I feel nostalgic about the 8-day 40-km backpacking trip from Yuksom (altitude 1780 m and the first capital of Sikkim) to Dzongri (altitude 4150 m) in Sikkim that I did with 4 friends back in June 1987.    This is one of the most popular and scenic Himalayan treks, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Pandim, Kabru and other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, as you meander through lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes. This was long before the days of GPS and navigation maps - all we had was a letter of introduction from a forest officer giving us permission to stay at the guest houses along the way at Sachen, Bakhim, Thsoka and Phedang.  One thing not in short supply was our youthful enthusiasm seasoned with a generous sprinkling of bravado and recklessness. It was scary too. On the last night, as we were descending down to the guesthouse we lost ...

  The cello has a rich, warm tone that is often described as closest to the human voice.  It can produce a wide range of sounds, from deep resonant low notes to bright sparkling high notes, enabling it to express a broad gamut of emotions, from sorrow and melancholy to joy and triumph.  This unique ability to convey emotional depth is why the cello is found in many musical genres, from classical to contemporary.  In chamber music, cellists bring a strong sense of balance and depth, often anchoring the ensemble while also having the opportunity to shine in solos. A skilled cellist can express a wide spectrum of emotions, from sorrow and melancholy to joy and triumph. Cellists are often highly respected for their musicianship, and virtuoso cellists like Yo-Yo Ma and Jacqueline du Pré are celebrated worldwide for their incredible artistry and interpretation of music. This is the fourth painting in my series, 'The Musicians' which also includes the pianist, the guitaris...

  The Bird of Paradise plant ( Strelitzia reginae ) has eye-catching, exotic orange-and-blue flowers that  stand above the foliage at the tips of long stalks.  The flowers resemble the shape of a bird in flight, which gives it the name "Bird of Paradise".  The plant is native to the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa but thrives in all warm, tropical environments.  It is propagated by division and is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in the garden, being fairly tolerant of soil conditions and needing little water once established.  If cared for well, they will flower several times a year mostly in winter and early spring.  In addition to its beauty, the Bird of Paradise is a popular ornamental plant often used in landscaping and floral arrangements.

  The common house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) is a small, adaptable bird that has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Despite its historical abundance in our childhood, house sparrow populations have since significantly declined.  Possible reasons for the decline in sparrow population include: Predation and Competition : Increased numbers of predators like house cats and competition from other bird species, such as pigeons and starlings, have put significant pressure on sparrow populations. Changes in Human Diet:  A shift to packaged and processed foods means fewer suitable food scraps, such as grains for sparrows in urban areas. Loss of Nesting Sites:  Modern concrete homes, unlike older structures, lack wooden eaves for sparrows to nest in. Decline in Insects:  Young sparrows rely on insects for protein, but loss of green spaces and increased pesticide use have reduced their food supply. Here’s what you can do to rehabilitate sparrows Install ne...

  "Today in our world where psychological, verbal and physical violence toward women is so evident, St Joseph appears as a figure of a respectful and sensitive man." - Pope Francis Joseph is also my middle name, and I gravitated naturally to St Joseph when looking for a role model for my married life. On this feast day of St. Joseph, may we turn to St. Joseph as a role model of faithful husband and father, with total obedience and faith in God, steadfast in his pure love for Jesus and Mary St. Augustine said, " What could Jesus Christ refuse St. Joseph, who gave his all in the service of God during his life on earth? ” This artwork was inspired by a woodcarving I saw on the Net. Painted on 9"x12" 300g 100% cotton paper 

  Komorebi (木漏れ日) is a beautiful Japanese word that describes sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees.  It symbolizes the harmony between light and shadow and represents the delicate balance found in nature.  Komorebi captures a fleeting, yet deeply evocative moment in nature, reflecting a core aspect of Japanese aesthetics and cultural appreciation for fleeting, transient beauty.  It embodies the idea of appreciating small, everyday wonders, which is integral to Japanese philosophy.  Many Japanese parks and temples are designed to highlight the interplay of sunlight through trees. Three-panel triptych, on 3.5"x6" Japanese art paper, of a forested path with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy to capture the essence of Komorebi. This artwork was inspired by a suggestion by my friend Pritha Dutt who also introduced me to the concept of Komorebi. Thanks, Pritha!

  Enamelware was a standard army issue during World War II, in the European and Pacific theaters, particularly for cooking and as eating utensils.  The military used enamel-coated cookware, including pots, pans, mugs, and plates, because of its durability, lightweight nature, and ease of cleaning.  The enamel coating helped prevent rusting and corrosion, essential in field conditions. It also provided a non-stick surface for cooking and was much more durable than other materials available at the time.  Soldiers used these items as part of their mess kits, essential for preparing and eating meals during the war.  After the war, many of these enamelware pieces became collectable items due to their association with military history. 9"x12" loose watercolour on 300g cotton paper

  One of Nature's wonders in my neighborhood, a veritable harbinger of Spring, the Saucer Magnolia  ( Magnolia × soulangeana ) is notable for the stunning, large, and showy pinkish flowers that bloom in early spring even before the leaves appear.  The blossoms, mostly pink but also white and purplish,  are usually saucer-shaped, hence the name.  These dwarf trees are a hybrid between Magnolia denudata  (Yulan magnolia) and Magnolia liliiflora  (Lily magnolia), making them ideal for gardens with limited space.  They also provide a striking contrast when blooming against a backdrop of bare branches, as they flower early, often as one of the first trees to signal the arrival of spring.  The tree's graceful form and lovely fragrance further contribute to its elegance, making it the perfect ornamental tree. 9"x12" watercolor on 100% cotton 300g paper

  Loose watercolors are always fun and unpredictable - the water and paint mingle with abandon in surprising ways.  Today’s artwork is inspired by the 6th century Japanese *Enso* (円相) ⭕️, a Zen concept of immense space that has no need of anything and contains nothing that it needs. It’s empty and yet full, with no beginning or end.  Once drawn it cannot be altered ... you have to accept what life gives you. Drop a comment on my blog telling me how you interpret it …

My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...

The Ume  (梅), or Japanese plum, has deep cultural significance in Japan. It symbolizes resilience, renewal, and beauty.  Ume trees are hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions, which has made them a symbol of perseverance and strength in Japanese culture.  Ume blossoms are the first to bloom in early spring even before cherry blossoms, and represent renewal and the resilience of nature, blooming despite the cold.  Ume has been celebrated in Japanese poetry, particularly in waka (Japanese poetry), where it often symbolizes beauty and the fleeting nature of life, similar to cherry blossoms. This is one of my compositions inspired by artwork from the Internet. 9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

Siamese cats, originally from Thailand aka Siam, stand out for their striking appearance with unique dark "points" (darker fur), which is a result of a temperature-sensitive type of albinism.  Thanks to this mutated enzyme and the warm temperature of their mama’s womb, Siamese kittens are born a creamy white color and their distinctive darker color patterns on their ears, tails, and limbs only develop when exposed to temperatures below 33℃.  Siamese cats have a sleek, slender body with a short coat, large ears, and almond-shaped blue eyes that stand out.  They are famous for their playful nature, affectionate vocal personality, and their intelligent personalities This is one of my compositions when practising minimalist wet on wet painting - the butterfly was a late addition to add an element of movement and levity. 9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

The 6th century Japanese Enso (円相) ⭕️ is a Zen concept of immense space that has no need of anything and contains nothing that it needs.  It’s empty and yet full, with no beginning or end.  Drawing the Enso is a precise art that has to be done in one or two fluid strokes. Once drawn, the Enso can’t be altered in any way.  Anyone wishing to draw the Enso must evoke his inner mind and accept his imperfections. Food for thought: Where do you find God? In a temple, in your heart, anywhere, nowhere …  Source: SymbolSage This is one of my compositions based on artwork from the Internet 9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are intelligent mammals known for their playful behavior, which includes surfing on waves.  Dolphins live their entire lives in groups called pods and use a variety of vocalizations, body movements, and even bubble patterns to communicate.  They each have a signature whistle, like a name, that they use to identify each other.  Dolphins use echolocation, a type of sonar, to navigate and hunt for food. By emitting sound waves and listening for the echoes, they can create a mental map of their surroundings, even in murky waters. Painting seawaves is always fun and challenging. The dolphins were a last-minute addition to add movement and a sense of frolic and fun. 9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

My first attempt at diptych art - contrasting human activity and natural stillness.  A diptych painting is made up of two separate panels which are visually or thematically connected and meant to be displayed together as one cohesive work.  Eight with coxswain is a type of rowing race where eight rowers have only one oar on alternating sides (four on the port side, four on the starboard side) to propel the boat.  A Coxswain (cox) sitting in the stern, facing the rowers, to steer the boat, motivate the rowers, maintain coordination and rhythm by giving voice commands.  This is the fastest boat class in rowing and is commonly raced in major competitions, including the Olympics, demanding precise coordination, high endurance, and tactical execution using different stroke rates at various stages of the race. This is one of my compositions inspired by artwork at PAMF Sunnyvale - I decided to do it diptych style contrasting human movement with natural stillness Each pane...

This is one of my compositions celebrating some of the fruits I love - fresh tender coconut, strawberries, oranges and kiwi fruit. 9"x12" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

  One of my compositions to explore ink-style painting 6"x9" Watercolor painting on 300g cotton paper

 

 

Grand pianos, renowned for their exceptional sound quality, expressiveness, and precision, are from 4 feet (baby grand) to 9 feet (concert grand) in length. The soundboard is larger and the strings run horizontally allowing for richer tonal quality and more resonant volume compared to upright pianos. The action is more direct and responsive allowing for faster note repetition and a greater range of dynamics. Dedicated to all musicians including my son who is a fourth generation pianist.

 

Dandelions are associated with resilience, hope, and wishes. When you blow on a dandelion puffball, it's said that you're sending a wish into the wind. are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, providing an early source of nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees. Every part of the dandelion plant is edible—leaves, flowers, and roots. The leaves are often used in salads or teas, the flowers can be turned into wine or syrup, and the roots are sometimes roasted as a coffee substitute.

 

Roses are a universal symbol of love, beauty, and remembrance. They are featured prominently in literature, art, and celebrations worldwide. Fossilised rose remains of Rosa gallica, Rosacanina and Rosa rugosa have been discovered, proving that wild roses existed over 35 million years ago, making them one of the oldest flowering plants on Earth. Roses were cultivated as early as 5,000 years ago in China and the Middle East for medicinal and ornamental purposes. Today, thanks to grafting, over 30,000 varieties of roses exist. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of hybrid tea roses, floribundas, and miniature roses.

My first attempt at narrative art inspired by Japanese Sumi-e inks … 4 panels.  Sumi-e is a traditional Japanese style of ink painting that emphasizes simplicity, grace, and the use of minimal brushstrokes to convey the essence of the subject. The term "sumi-e" comes from the Japanese words "sumi" (ink) and "e" (painting), reflecting the use of black ink as the primary medium. This art form deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism aims to capture the spiritual essence and fleeting beauty of nature with minimalistic compositions and a sense of fluidity. For example in the painting of a "red boatsman," we are presented with a serene scene of a boatsman rowing through a tranquil body of water. The boatsman, depicted in a simple yet dynamic pose, is represented with just a few expressive brushstrokes, while the boat itself also be painted in broad, simple strokes, suggests either motion or stillness, depending on the viewers mood. The color red, especially in t...

‘The harpist’ - second in my musician series. The harp is one of the oldest stringed instruments, with early versions of a curved wooden bow with a string attached found in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3000 BC. Around 1000 BC, The lyre (a type of harp) became an important instrument in Greek storytelling, poetry, and performances. During the early Middle Ages, harps were primarily used in Celtic areas of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales (now the logo of Guinness). In the Baroque period around 1750 AD, harps became more complex with the introduction of pedals that allowed for more precise tuning. The harp reached its peak in the Classical and Romantic periods (1750-1900 AD) when Mozart, Beethoven, and later Tchaikovsky incorporated the harp into their orchestral works.