Kieran's Art

  Gondolier Along with the Lion (and pigeons??) of St Mark Square (Piazza San Marco) and the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), an image of a Gondolier steering his Gondola along the Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is one of the iconic images of the unique City of Venice . The Gondolas are handcrafted in traditional shipyards called squeri, by skilled artisans called squerarioli, using around 280 wooden parts from eight different types of wood (oak, elm, walnut, cherry, larch, fir, mahogany, lime). The Tourism Office supports this craftsmanship through the El Felze Association, ensuring age‑old boatbuilding traditions are maintained as formalised under a European trademark since 1996 The design features an asymmetrical hull, allowing a single gondolier to navigate the boat using a single oar. Due to the asymmetrical shape of the gondola, rowing requires the gondolier to counterbalance and constantly adjust their position to steer straight. Steering the Gondola requires deep familiarity w...

  Alexander and Bucephalus Original painting by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Alexander the Great (356 BC – 323 BC) is regarded as one of history’s most brilliant military commanders (along with Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte et al).  By the time of his death at age 32, he had created one of the largest empires in the ancient world, stretching from Greece to Egypt and as far east as India. According to the historian Plutarch, when Prince Alexander was around 12 years old, a horse trader brought a magnificent albeit untamable black stallion named Bucephalus  to his father, King Philip II of Macedonia.  No one was able to tame it; all who tried to mount were immediately thrown off. Alexander, however, noticed that the horse was afraid of its own shadow. He turned Bucephalus toward the sun, so the horse couldn’t see its shadow. Speaking gently and keeping calm, Alexander mounted the horse and rode him with full control.  His father, King Philip, was s...

  Fractured Relations Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Life has its ways of pulling lovers apart But it can ne’er quench the desires of the heart  A loved one sacrificing it all for the front line Bereft lover gazes out the window for a sign Alzheimer's steals the memory of a beloved spouse Even together, it’s like no one’s in the house A misunderstanding can lead to a thaw in relations Each waiting foolishly for the other to rise to the occasion Grim reaper snatches your soulmate without warning Left too much unsaid now it’s too late; truly heartburning Far too busy reaching personal ambitions and goals No time for simple companionship and tender emotions Live in the moment, celebrate with friends and family Carpe diem, and you’ll live ever happily

  The Lotus and the Koi Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 The Lotus and the Koi, a study in elegance and grace Nature’s lesson on coexistence for the human race Consider the Lotus, it grows in waters dark and murky Still rises above its circumstances, looking cheerful and perky Making the most of its lot, the flowers are incredible  The stems are a culinary delight - they’re edible In Japanese culture, the Koi fish is a good luck charm Found everywhere in rivers, lakes and ponds, it’s the norm Said to be a harbinger of success and prosperity  Everyone wants one, a testament to their popularity There is much we can learn much from this unlikely pair  To be radiant, resilient, contented and thrive anywhere

  Red-crown Crane The red-crowned crane is a national treasure and is regarded as the symbol of happiness.  It holds a special place in the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea as a symbol of longevity and immortality in Taoism, with immortals often depicted riding on cranes in art and literature.  The Japanese crane is considered to be most beautiful when it spreads open its long wings, and inhabits the eastern regions of the northern island of Hokkaido.  The crane is known as " tancho " or " tancho-zuru " in Japanese. When written with the Chinese characters "red" and "summit," which also indicates the "crown" of the head. It is said to live for 1,000 years and appears on the 1000-yen note and is featured in the logo of Japan Airlines.  Origami cranes are symbols of peace, and the folding of 1,000 cranes is believed to grant wishes.

  South Rim, Grand Canyon, AZ Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Nothing like the views from the edge of the South Rim Soaking in the sheer immensity from the bottom to brim Over millennia, water becomes the ultimate stone cutter Cutting through layers of rock like a hot knife through butter Eighteen miles across the vast chasm as the condor flies Approx 270 miles as it haphazardly meanders lengthwise The debate amongst the pundits about its exact age Is as deep and ferocious as the greenish torrents rage  From meteors that predate the very founding of Earth To the very dawn of dinosaurs, for what it’s worth The Hopi, Navajo and the People of the Tall Pines  Long inhabited this area before the ore and uranium mines We hiked Bright Angel Trail one morn early and bright A good test of your endurance, mettle and your might Footnote : The original Plien Art Painting was done on 6/19/25 on our visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

 John the Baptist Today’s artwork is inspired by *John the Baptist*, born on June 24th.  His mission was to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah, leading them through the darkness of confusion and sin, toward the redeeming light of Christ’s salvation.  Like him, we are called to be lamplighters for Christ, bringing light where there is hurt, fear, and division.  Offering kindness where there is cruelty, harshness, and bitterness. Being the first to forgive, even when it is hard, because forgiveness breaks the cycle of darkness and lets the light of healing and reconciliation shine. Source : Extract from my parish priest, Fr Brendan McGuire https://giveusthisday.org/2025/06/24/a-trail-of-light/

  Chihuly Today’s artwork is inspired by Dale Chihuly's  " Fiori di Como " ceiling at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, which features 2,000 hand-blown glass blossoms, creating a breathtaking spectacle of colour. Dale Chihuly, the glass master, is so popular that, in 1992, he was named the first National Living Treasure in the United States. His glass art is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant colour, organic forms, and immersive installations that transform both natural and architectural spaces. He is renowned for layering molten glass to achieve marbled, vibrant surfaces. Chihuly’s artistic merits are many.  He pioneered innovative glass-blowing techniques that utilise the effects of gravity and centrifugal force to capture natural irregularity and asymmetry.  As a result, Chihuly’s work has an organic look as well as a theatrical and wildly imaginative appearance. His installations are playful yet sophisticated. Source : https://www.artandobject.com/news/chihulys-...

  Two moving as one Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Cheers to the dancers who float with grace Two souls interconnected in a warm embrace  Salsa dancers sway sensually to the sultry tune Two lovers lost to each other under the moon Flamenco dancers feverishly clicking their heels Their high energy is palpable as is their zeal A waltzing couple moves with style and elegance Like two romantic swans in a rhythmic dance

  Unpacking Cubist Abstraction  Come, let’s look at this style of artwork With curved lines, colours gone berserk Aim for the whimsical, a lil abstract  Start with a form, then add or subtract  Choose colours that are vibrant and strong  Sprinkle randomly, there’s no right or wrong  Add bold, dark borders for a touch of class Elevates the artwork to look like stained glass 

  Summer Reading Artwork and light-hearted poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Back in the day, summertime was all booked up With our nose in the book, we ne’er ever looked up The reading was varied but always a delight  We didn’t do much else but that’s alright We jumped on our bikes and headed outdoors  To raid the different libraries and bookstores New authors, new stories, new adventures Whodunnits full of mystery and conjecture Timeless classics by the Russian masters  World War II saboteurs in British Lancasters Asimov opening up new worlds in outer space Mafia stories of omertà, loyalty and Scarface

Daddy, gone but still always near Original artwork and poem in remembrance of my beloved father Osmond Avelino Gonsalves (1920-1994) by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Daddy, I still recall what I was doing that day When they called to say, you had passed away A wretched emptiness tormented me at first My heart was pounding so hard I thought it’d burst But before long my sorrow turned to pure joy Knowing you’re always there with me, your boy When I am uncertain about what I ought to do I oft find the answer in what I learned from you You said even if no one’s watching, do your best  And how one treats the poor tells more than the rest  A person’s name is precious to each one (learn it) One cannot simply demand respect (you earn it) If I don’t have anything good to say, I should be quiet  Discussing religion or politics at work can cause a riot Oh those heart-to-heart talks we had late into the night  You did real swell, Daddy. Hope my kids say I did alright  

  Happy Father’s Day Original artwork by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025. The quote is inspired by Theodore M Hesburgh The most important example that a Father can set for his children is to unconditionally shower their Mother with love, friendship, respect, companionship and loyalty.

The Exotic Hoopoe I was introduced to the Hoopoe ( Upupa epops ) while hiking and trekking on the outskirts of Poona/Pune in the late 1980s. It's a truly mesmerising sight, and once you see it, you cannot unsee it. Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 I thought my eyes were playing a trick When I first spied this colourful maverick Could it possibly be that a circus in town Is unbeknownst perhaps missing a clown? Or did an ambitious bird in a flight of fantasy Crown itself King of the forest in a flush of fancy? Ladies and gentlemen, I present the exotic Hoopoe Always dressed to go 'n putting on a grand ole show Addi tional notes : The Hoopoe is an exotic-looking bird with an orangish-brown body, with zebra-striped wings, a Chinese-fan of a crest (usually held closed, but often raised just after landing or when excited), and a rapier of black downcurved bill. Its birdcall is a distinctive “hoopoopoo,” giving it its name To view a short, slow-motion video, b...

Anna's hummingbird Anna’s Hummingbirds ( Calypte anna ), no more than 4 inches in size, are common in Western Californian yards, parks, residential streets, eucalyptus groves, riverside woods, savannahs, and coastal scrub. They readily come to hummingbird feeders and flowering plants, including cultivated species in gardens. Anna’s Hummingbirds are mostly green and grey, without any rufous or orange marks on the body. The male's head and throat are covered in iridescent reddish-pink feathers that can look dull brown or grey without direct sunlight.  Females are plain green above, and dingy grey below, often with red spots on the throat. They subsist mostly on nectar and insects. Takes nectar from flowers, and will feed on tiny insects as well. Will also feed on sugar-water mixtures in hummingbird feeders. Anna’s Hummingbirds are a blur of motion as they hover before flowers, looking for nectar and insects. If you listen carefully, you can hear the male's scratchy metallic ...

 Joyous - he's coming home Whimsical original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 It’s the 12th of June, my dear son is coming home soon Should be here by noon, I’m so joyous, over the moon I last saw him four years ago (or was it more? Not sure) His coming home is so good for my soul, this I do know Has he changed a lot? A little maybe (he’s a grown man) In my heart, he’s still my little baby, (I’ll hug him if I can) I’ve cooked his comfort food of meatballs and spaghetti  Even kept two glasses and a bottle of Chianti all ready Can’t wait to see him; he is my pride and my joy Strong and handsome … so proud of my little boy

  Ode to Women in Saree Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Her load is heavy, but her gait is deceptively light She flits along elegantly like a butterfly in flight Tis no ordinary saree she wears - 'tis a rich tapestry Each thread carries untold stories steeped in history  A silent witness to tireless angels of a sacred vocation Of Indian women everywhere rising up to meet the occasion Allowing her to move freely, creating a graceful silhouette A perfect tribute to her resilience, elegance and etiquette The saree, old yet modern, always romantic and a tad sensual Preserving modesty, yet revealing just enough - very sensible

  Artwork and original light-hearted poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Confessions of an Orchid Killa Orchids, nonpareil .. my Achilles heel, I feel I just can’t seal the deal, and that’s for real Love ‘em to death … drives me totally crazy They’re all six feet under, pushing up daisies Eye ‘em at Farmer’s Market … smitten, I’d buy Bring ‘em home only to watch ‘em wither'n die Too dark, too much sunlight .. try as I might   Nutrients, soil, water .. can’t get it right!   No more orchids for me, I goes with the rose Those I suppose I knows just how it grows  Orchids (family  Orchidaceae,  order Asparagales ) are a horticultural wonder that blends mystique, beauty, and diversity in a way few other plants do.  Fun fact: Orchids get their name from the Greek word for testicle, ' orchis '. Orchids are exotic and symbolise love, luxury, strength, refinement, and rare beauty in various Asian cultures Orchids often have intricate, symmetrical bl...

  The Pied Kingfisher ( Ceryle rudis ) is a striking black-and-white mid-sized bird with a large head, small body, small feet, a long, dagger-like bill and a distinctive crest.  These birds are boldly marked black-and-white kingfishers with short, bushy crest and glossy all-dark bills. Males have a double chest band resembling a bowtie, while females display a single, often broken, band. ⁠ Caution : Pied Kingfishers may be confused with the larger Crested Kingfishers ( Megaceryle lugubris ), also called greater pied kingfishers. Crested kingfishers, unlike pied kingfishers, have a pink brown lining on the wings instead of a white lining. Aerial perching  It is known for its unique hovering ability, managing a true hover without using any air currents, relying on wing power alone. setting it apart from other kingfishers. The pied kingfisher is the largest bird in the world that is capable of aerial perching, hovering in place without using air currents, which means it doe...

 The Feast of Pentecost Think of the Feast of Pentecost as the first birthday of the Church ... because that's the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Faithful to remain permanently and unfailingly till the end of time, guiding the Faithful to carry the Gospel to the ends of the world as Christ's disciples. Liturgy of the Pentecost In Acts of the Apostles 1:4-8 , the risen Lord Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Jesus explained that they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (1:5) and they would receive power to be Christ’s witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the Earth (1:8). In Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 , St Luke, the author of Acts of the Apostles, methodically lists all the nations encircling Israel starting from the East to the West to show Jews from every nation had gathered (probably for the Festival of Harvest ) when th...

  I wish rainbows would rain Original artwork and whimsical poem on comical English words by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 I long for the day rainbows make colourful rainfall  And the beach glows with starfish, big and small When a pat of butter knows that it can fly And all the traffic jams are tasty, not dry Just leave the bee alone, he doesn't ever bumble  Ain't seen a studious worm out of a book tumble! Alas, I'll never know what's up with Ketch in ketchup. SMH, the English language has so many crazy mashups Inspiration : After completing the artwork, I decided to splash colour, which brought up the image of a rainbow raining down ... whimsical? Of course, but then there are so many inexplicable English words ... hence the whimsical poem

  Meadow of Red Blooms and Butterflies  Original artwork and whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 As the world seems to be crashing all around me, I close my eyes and soon enter a world of fantasy. In a remote fairyland in a mysterious time and space, A cool zephyr blows my hair all across my tired face! I'm in a magical meadow ablaze with red wildflowers, Where seconds turn to minutes, which soon turn to hours. Just then, a swirl of red petals magically starts to appear Turning into pretty little butterflies ... my fears disappear Inspiration : I came across a photograph of a girl in a floral dress in a meadow full of flowers. And thought to myself, what if the flowers from her dresses rise up with those in the meadow into the sky and turn into pretty little butterflies ... I reimagined the scene which I painted and let the poem describe it.

  The life cycle of a butterfly is the epitome of complete metamorphosis, consisting of four distinct stages: 🥚 1. Egg Where? Eggs, containing a developing larva (caterpillar), are laid on leaves or stems of host plants that serve as food for the hungry larvae. Appearance: Tiny, round or oval, sometimes ribbed or with a pattern. Duration: A few days to a week, depending on the species and temperature. 🐛 2. Larva (Caterpillar) Main Goal: Eat voraciously to grow rapidly, feeding mainly on the leaves of the host plant Moulting: As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin several times (called instars). Duration: Usually a few weeks. End Goal: Prepare for transformation into a pupa. 🐚 3. Pupa (Chrysalis) This happens when the caterpillar forms a protective casing around itself. Often appearing still and vulnerable, a major transformation is occurring inside it, as the body completely reorganises the organs, wings, and legs in a process called histogenesis. Duration: Varies from days...

  Tango Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 It's getting close to midnight in Buenos Aires The night is torrid with passion and desires Strains of a melancholic violin 'neath a full moon A couple immersed in each other, sway to the tune The woman seductively flirts in a red sequin dress As her paramour gently wraps her in a warm caress To the beat of the music, she playfully leans in He draws her ever closer to smell her soft skin Footnote : After I shared this with my family and friends, I got reminded by Ajay who is extremely artistic, of the evocative Tango scene with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas in the 1998 movie, ' The Mask of Zorro ' - visit https://youtu.be/kaJv6L8vF-Y