Kieran's Art

 The Giraffe and the Oxpecker Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by recent safari photos sent by my sister Rohini. Giraffes are an evolutionary marvel; standing straight and tall 18 feet tall with a 6-foot neck, their 11 kg heart does it all Their markings are unique quite like human fingerprints, each one Not just for beauty or stealth, but also to keep cool in the sun The oxpecker and the giraffe have a mutualistic relationship The birds feast on fleas and act like sentinels- that’s true friendship  A giraffe calf is built battle tough as it drops down six feet at birth In 30 short minutes it’s off the races to take its rightful place on Earth

 Open Prairie Skies Original loose artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by my eight years living in Calgary, Canada Wide open skies of the Prairies, where the sky holds court, nothing but wide open sky    The joke goes, if your dog runs away, don't fret, you can see it from here until July     There's nothing to block your view, just rolling Prairie lands as far as you can see   The perfect canvas for blazing sunrises and sunsets, God's artwork on display for free     A riot of orange, pinks and lavender that delights the senses just before the sun dips   There are daily  encore  performances, each one extemporaneous, sans music, sans scripts     Then the stars come out to play; no city lights to spoil the show, pure unalloyed joy   The Milky Way, a band of a gazillion heavenly bodies, a grand light-show for all to enjoy     Life moves with the seasons. Winters are bleak, but Spring is the...

Red Oaks in Fall Loose artwork of *Oaks in Fall* by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, recalling the poignant O Henry short story, ‘The Last Leaf’ I love the quirks of nature. 'Tis said that for every rule there is an exception   Take the Red Oak for instance, it bucks the trend or seems to give the perception Evolution dictates that all deciduous trees have to shed their leaves during Fall Not so the Red Oak … it defiantly hangs on to a few dead leaves. No total recall Scientists are baffled by this curious phenomenon, with a fancy name, marcescence So far, no one seems to know for sure what Red Oaks are saying by their presence Which reminds me of the classic short story by O Henry called, ‘The Last Leaf’ It's a story of sisterly love with a savage twist, a happy tale ending in grief Two artistic friends Sue and Johnsy look out of their studio at a gnarled ivy vine. Johnsy’s steadily losing her fight with Pneumonia when Sue throws her a lifeline On the wall outside, Winter snuffs out...

 Duck Pond Today’s original artwork *Duck pond* is another loose watercolor painting of wetlands, as I play with light and shadows

 Red Dragonfly Original loose watercolour artwork and poem of a Red Dragonfly by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by * aka-tombo *, the rich Japanese symbolism of this remarkable insect, with lessons for us all Red is the universal colour of life forces of passion, courage, and strength A dragonfly at rest symbolises the island of Japan, curved along its length *Red Dragonfly* inspired Akitsushima, in ancient mythology, the name of Japan Morphing from an insignificant nymph to a fearsome insect in  a short lifespan 'Tis a powerful metaphor for our own transformations from the depths of despair  Ready to take on life’s challenges with a dash of penchant 'n a splash of fanfare Their energetic flight propels them purposefully forward always, never backwards Another powerful lesson for us to keep on keeping on till we get life's rewards

 Bucolic Life *Bucolic life* Loose Artwork of a watershed and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 inspired by my August 2022, 10-day stay in a remote village in Manipur  I'm always struck by the clarity in village life; some call it boring, but that's not true You learn to live with what you have; there are no 24x7 convenience stores, no drive-through You get up at the crack of dawn, knowing exactly what needs to be done, no questions asked The cows need to be milked and the farm animals fed, no matter, rain or shine in the forecast After a quick breakfast, it's off to the fields to tend to the vegetable patch that needs care You hurry to get all the outside work done before the heat of noon, no time to stand and stare As you putter around the farm, your neighbour calls out asking for help, so you take a detour Then it's time to fill the water troughs before doing the thankless task of raking the manure After lunch, you get busy trying to fix the water pump that ...

 Hazy Shades of Winter The title of today's loose watercolour is inspired by Simon & Garfunkel's hit number of the same name. The artwork was an attempt at playing with shadows

 Sharks Artwork and original poem in support of Sharks 🦈 much maligned but now protected by a 2011 Californian ban on shark fins Sharks have perfected hunting for 400 million years, long before there were any dinosaurs  The fearsome Megalodon was a 60-foot nightmare with 7-inch teeth, for anyone keeping scores Sharks constantly shed and regenerate teeth, running through 30,000 shrapnel-sharp incisors With just a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized pool, it goes into overdrive for appetisers The Greenland shark lives for 400 years, that's roughly since the Puritans landed at Cape Cod  But even the mighty Shark, the ultimate hunter, can become the hunted by crafty Orcas in a pod Shout 'Shark Alert' and everyone scrambles out of the water double quick; no questions asked But the real terror of the seas is mankind, the indiscriminate killer, the wretched outcast! Shark fin soup is probably the most abhorrent and wasteful of traditions we uphold fatuously For a few ounce...

 Homestead Artwork and original whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by the Prairie Home Companion, radio show hosted by the singular Garrison Keillor   Tis been a good year on our homestead, there’s much to be grateful for We got a bumper crop of peaches and apricots, and Santa Rosa plums galore Mable’s stocked the pantry with Mason jars of the very best apricots  There’s plenty to gift our family and friends without casting lots As for me, I’ll take a slice of her plum jam pie with a buttery crust It’s scrumptious, juicy and so flavorful, worth way more than stardust  Age is catching up Bessie, we got her when our daughter was born I can tell as Bessie no longer wakes me up at the crack of dawn Sad that ole Jackson was forced to sell his farm last summer The recent drought’s been hard on us farmers, that’s a real bummer As for Mable and me, we’re in this for the long haul, no doubt  Tis the only life we’ve known; there ain’t no one gonna make ...

 Do you believe in Kismet? Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025. The title and poem were inspired by an unexpected request today. There are times when you stop and wonder, is this kismet or just chance? The odds of something happening as it did, seem too long at first glance  Take today’s artwork, for instance, ‘twas something about the ambience The setting sun slowly fading into the dusk, gives a sense of impermanence    Cranes, by contrast, are universal symbols of transcendence and longevity  This paradox introduces a subtle tension, a brief pause for a moment of levity  Just as I was doing the final brushstrokes, a friend unexpectedly dropped by excited ‘Can you please paint me this crane?’, she asked. ‘Done, ’ said I, sounding foresighted She looked at my painting in disbelief, ‘But .. how did you know?’, she blurted ‘I didn't. But I think we both can chalk it down to Kismet', I quietly asserted Footnote: Here is the painting on sale ...

 Ode to the Deccan Queen Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 - inspired by memories of taking the DQ from Pune to Mumbai in the 1980s Her maiden run in 1930 was epic - stopping everyone in their tracks A ride through the formidable Western Ghats in the monsoon is the climax The steep gradients were solved by the ingenious use of a switchback Soon, it was chic to ride the Deccan Queen racing down the fast track  Amazingly, it was the very first Indian train to introduce a pantry car The menu soon became a crowd favourite, with the Wada Pav as the all-star The first of Indian trains to be electrified, the pride of Central Railways Among regular commuters, a cheery ‘ See you on the DQ ’, became a catch phrase

  Seven Blessed Sacraments - #7 Annointing of the Sick This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  The Anointing of the Sick is one of the sacraments of healing that unites the suffering of the sick person to Christ’s Passion, for their good and the good of the whole Church.   Instituted by Christ ( James 5:14–15 ) himself, it provides moral courage, peace, and strength to overcome the difficulties of serious illness or old age.  This sacrament can be repeated if the person recovers and falls ill again, or if illness worsens Source :  Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article 5 — paragraphs 1499–1532.

   Seven Blessed Sacraments - #6 Holy Orders This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  Holy Orders is the sacrament instituted by Christ when he chose the Twelve Apostles and gave them authority to teach, sanctify, and govern- [ John 20:21–23 ]  It continues as Bishops, Priests, Deacons and religious in the Church act in persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the Head) until the end of time. This sacrament requires a special call from God, who provides a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the ministry.  Source :  Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Three, Article 6 — paragraphs 1536–1600.

  Seven Blessed Sacraments - #5 Holy Matrimony This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  Holy Matrimony or marriage is an exclusive, lifelong covenant made freely without coercion or pressure, between a man and a woman, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.  This sacrament is rooted in Genesis 2:24 ("The two shall become one flesh”) and reaffirmed as indissolvable by Christ himself. The sacrament gives special grace to perfect love, strengthens unity, and helps spouses grow in holiness together Source :  Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section Two, Chapter Three, Article 7 — paragraphs 1601–1666.

  Seven Blessed Sacraments - #4 Confirmation This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens baptismal grace, roots the person more deeply in their identity as a child of God, unites them more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and bonds them more closely to the Church.  Soon after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, at Pentecost, the Apostles received the fullness of the Spirit and then conferred it by the laying on of hands - this formed the basis of this sacrament Source :  Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part Two, Section Two, Chapter One, Article 2 — paragraphs 1285 to 1321.

  Seven Blessed Sacraments - #3 Reconciliation This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation was instituted by Christ for the forgiveness of post-baptismal sin, when he bequeathed the authority to forgive sins to his Apostles  [ John 20:21-23 ]. The sacrament involves telling sins to a priest, in absolute secrecy, showing remorse for having sinned and having the intention not to sin again. The priest, in the name of Christ, gives absolution by prescribing prayers instead of penance. This sacrament should be received often and devoutly since it reconciles the individual with God and the Church, restores sanctifying grace lost by mo...

Seven Blessed Sacraments - #2 Holy Eucharist This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  The Eucharistic Celebration or 'Mass' is the source and summit of the Christian life. All the Church’s life flows from and leads to it. The Eucharist is the sacramental representation of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary and was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper as a memorial of His Passion and Resurrection. Transubstantiation: During the Mass, the substance of bread and wine becomes Christ’s Body and Blood, while the appearances remain. Christ is truly, really, and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity There are 2 parts of the Mass Liturgy...

 Seven Blessed Sacraments - #1 Baptism This original series of artwork, titled " Seven Blessed Sacraments " in cloisonné-style painting,  is one of my most comprehensive works to date. It was inspired by the stained glass windows at St Simon's Catholic Church in Los Altos, California, that depict the important aspects of each of the seven sacraments in the style of stained glass.  Baptism is the gateway to Christian life, which frees us from the bondage of original sin and makes us members of the body of Christ (the Church), allowing us to be his disciples chartered with spreading the Good News (Gospel) of redemption. Christ himself was baptised in the river Jordan by John the Baptist, and commanded the Apostles to baptise all nations. The ceremony, administered by a bishop, priest, or deacon, is conferred only once in a lifetime by immersion in water or pouring water on the head, with the words: “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sp...

Unseen Struggles Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves inspired by the unseen price paid for excellence … They make it look so effortless, so perfect, it's absolutely breathtaking What we don't see is the years of blood, sweat and tears that go in the making Childhoods mortgaged for a moonshot, a chance to make it big on the world stage Countless parties and holidays sacrificed in the hope of making the front page  Bruised bodies, aching muscles, and broken spirits become familiar companions Learning from such failures instead of packing it in is truly the stuff of champions The adrenaline rush of a winning performance is the proverbial icing on the cake With a target on their backs and the competition closing in, no time for mistakes Even one slight misstep or the subtlest of misfortunes can be very devastating For the best of the best, the bright lights and applause are very intoxicating Heavy lies the head that wears the crown; you either crumble or become the GOAT N...

 Loose Open Spaces Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, a protest against workspace stresses exacerbated by Covid, AI hype and economic uncertainty I find that every so often, my weary soul yearns for vast open spaces  Far from Zoom calls with disinterested coworkers in random workplaces  Stepping out into nature is my tried and tested escape from the office blues Trading endless boring meetings for my trusted pair of  hiking shoes Hearing the burbling stream magically slows down my racing heartbeat Breathing the fresh air, I'm a world away from reports and spreadsheets  A songbird singing sans audience or applause doesn’t feel like a rat race Get off the hamster wheel and start chasing your dreams at your own sweet pace

A day in Pigeon Office Original artwork and whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 inspired by a cartoon I saw years ago The weather report says skies will be clear today Couldn’t ask for better for what I love to do, I’d say Is that fancy Nancy in her expensive new red dress? Oh, tempting, very tempting indeed, I confess!! I’ll be darned, if it ain’t dandy Andy dressed to kill Scoring a bullseye on his suit would be such a thrill Bingo, tis hoity-toity Sir Archibald Hemingway   He just made my day! One two three, bombs away!!

Ode to Spring Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by the colourful artwork, which started as a study of wet-on-wet technique but turned out rather colourful Oh, wretched Winter, dark and cold, where oh where is thy sting? Tulips have shattered your armour, heralding the coming of Spring Begone, putrid stench of melancholy and loneliness; Open wide the door The glorious triumph of life o'er death rekindles passions once more Cupid and Aphrodite are busy tugging at the restless heartstrings Right on cue, the songbirds raise their voices as they sing  Halleluia! Rejoice one and all in the treasures of God's own creation A joyous renewal of life tis but a feeble reminder of eternal salvation 

  Khadi Artwork and original poem dedicated to Khadi - a versatile, uniquely Indian fabric that proved to be the most effective filter when I blended a delicious, smooth liqueur. Let’s raise a toast 🥂 to Khadi The national fabric of India, a timeless, proud symbol Homespun, each carefully handcrafted by fingers nimble Interwoven loosely on a chakra, the humble spinning wheel  Khadi was a clarion call for independence as strong as steel Suddenly, Swadeshi was in; Colonialism was on the way out This most unlikely of weapons sparked a nationwide boycott Khadi continues to be a popular fabric of the nation Practical, affordable and eco-friendly - always in fashion

 Loose Watershed Original impressionist artwork and whimsical poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 as I experiment with this style of painting Light dancing on the water is a fleeting illusion  The setting sun goes down in a colourful infusion Is that black cloud an omen of a thunderstorm? Or just a harmless, forgotten submerged landform?? And what of those ripples? A grebe taking flight… Or just a child skipping stones in sheer delight! All or none of the above, 'tis but an illusory instance All in your head, blink, and it's gone from existence

 Loose Landscape Painting and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 Loose art  brings spontaneity to painting Watching water and paint dance can be entertaining Instead of precise details, the forms emerge on their own Learning to let go, that my friends, is the keystone It’s about capturing the essence and setting the mood Letting the audience interpret what you mean to allude We too should learn to go with the flow and live loose Taking the road less travelled is yours to choose

Cat Burglar  Original artwork by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 based on a childhood memory During the '70s, the upper floor of the neighbouring house, ‘Ambika Bhavan’, was rented by students, some from out of Poona and some from out of India, who came for undergraduate and graduate studies in Poona.  Later in the early ‘80, the same premises were rented by a medical representative, a rather colourful character who for the purpose of this story we shall call John Doe. Around this time, along with our cocker spaniel Penny (who was a senior citizen by now), we also had a cat, of no particular pedigree, that answered to the name “Puddy”, though I suspect it actually answered to the lure of food. Now Puddy, I might add, was not much of an economist (Trust me when I say not once did Puddy ever ask for the business section of the Times of India. Aye. And what’s more, Puddy never ever stopped by to listen to the business round-up on BBC radio! That's my story and I'm sticking with it, ...

  Flamingo Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025 inspired by David Attenborough's BBC documentary  'Our Planet' A flamboyance of flamingos is indeed an unforgettable sight So numerous that in flight, they often blot out the sunlight Carotenoids in algae give Flamingos their pinkish-orange color Without the algae, these striking birds would be much duller It has remarkable navigational skills to fly with uncanny timing Just in time to feast on the algae blooms that make fine dining  Parents take turns to feed the chicks with a protein-rich crop milk At three months, chicks congregate in large creches with their ilk Soon, the chicks develop filters in curved beaks to feed on their own But it takes two or three years till the pinkish-orange hues as shown Footnote: The 2019 BBC documentary "Blue Planet," presented by the one-of-a-kind Sir David Attenborough, features breathtaking footage of millions of Lesser Flamingos arriving at Lake Natron in Tanza...

  Blackberry Liqueur Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, inspired by a fresh batch of Blackberry Liqueur I just made using homegrown berries French monks were the first to clue into this digestif Have it when you need to chill or if you feel festive My garden abounds in sweet, large, juicy blackberries O la la liqueur is divine, the drink of the fairies 'Tis my fourth year making it, an annual summer ritual Best had chilled to make the experience nigh spiritual Now that I've whetted your appetite, I'll share the recipe Be warned, one sip of this ambrosia, you'll taste ecstasy Footnote : In case you are wondering, 'How can I get some?' - come visit. Until then, you can get the recipe and other details on my blog  https://talkofotherthings.blogspot.com/2022/08/blackberry-liqueur.html