Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"TRANSFORMATION" - a video of discovery for 2011!


This is a short video about my interpretation of the grace of God and how His love can transform our lives into something different than what it was before and just as beautiful if we submit our wills to His.

I started with an original pastel crayon and ink wash drawing I did of a butterfly and then using Paint Shop Pro, digitally tweaked the original to 'transform' the butterfly into different versions.  Still a butterfly, but each one unique in with its own qualities and beauty.

God makes each of us unique when reflected in His image.  Let the year 2011 be the year God transforms your life into something more beautiful than it is today, more than you can imagine.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     "Butterfly Dreams"     11x14       Pastel Crayon and Ink Wash   
   Copyright MalekoArts 2010 / Grace Unveiled Productions

   "Azure Blue"              www.royaltyfreemusic.com


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Magic & Mystery!

"Nativity"   Watercolor Pencils   5"x7"
There is a magic & mystery in this season, but we so often fail to see or experience it.  We so often get caught up in the commercialization, consumerism and competition.  We run on and on ever faster trying to out give, out spend and simply out do everyone around us.  These distractions so easily rob the Christmas season of the mystery and throw a veil over the magic.

We forget the simple joy of twinkling    lights on a tree, sitting in silence listening for God's voice.  The magic and mystery contained in a baby born in a manger over 2000 years ago.  The shepherds were awestruck in fear when angels appeared and announced the Messiah's birth.  Wise men from other lands endured hardship and traveled great distances to see a new born king. Have we in our modern day lost that wonderment and passion of this event that split time in two? 

For there up in the sky was a star to follow but few dared to risk and embark on the adventure. Would we today leave the safety of the story we have created for ourselves to follow a star?  God always gives us a star to follow both literally and figuratively if we would only take our eyes off our circumstances and look up.  My prayer  this season is that each of us finds a moment and basks in the eternal glow of the magic and mystery! 


Merry Christmas!   ~Maleko

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Snow Melts within my Heart

The snow softly comes down
A blanket of pure white light
No traces of remorse or guilt
All appears to be as it should be

The snow covers the landscape
As God's grace covers our sins
Beneath the covering of purity
Lies the filth of my heart

The lies, the slander, the hate
Stalk the dark corners, waiting
Moments of selfish craving
The conflict unceasingly rages


My life has been redeemed
Bought with the ultimate price
Only by God's willing sacrifice
Freedom is mine to have


But deep within the flesh 
A voice & hunger still screams
Beneath the covering of grace
Daily I must surrender my will 


The blaze of independence
Grows stronger left untended
God's grace covers like snow, but
The snow melts within my heart

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Just Believe

Thank you for the joy
Thank you for the tears
Thank you for the laughter
Thank you for the years


The time seemed so short
But memories echo forever on
The sound of my heart beating
In only a moment all is gone


When mists of uncertainty surround you, the darkness hounds you, madness and insecurities confound you, just BELIEVE!

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"     ~Mark 9:24 

Friday, December 10, 2010

"Red Scarfed Snowman" - Christmas Ornament & Other Products

A happy snowman wearing a red scarf and red stocking cap, smiles joyfully against a backdrop of snow.  (Watercolors, approximately 4x6 inches, Maleko © 2010)

Ornament (Oval)  $7.99

Product Information
Add a special and unique ornament to your tree this holiday. Our handmade oval ornament is made of high quality porcelain. It measures 2.3" x 3.25" with red ribbon included.
  • High quality porcelain
  • Oval 2.3" x 3.25"
  • Ribbon for hanging included 
Click on the following link MalekoArts CafePress 
to be taken directly to the store product page to view products available with this design.

Click on this link to view other Snowman Designs.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

"Journals" for the writer in the family!

Journals  $10.99


Product Information
Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more.
Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal has your choice of papers
and measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack.
Get creative and let the muse flow.
  • Back cover made of thin black flexible 
  • Textured plastic, measures 16/1000" thick
  • Front cover made of 12pt glossy paper, 
  • Laminated for durability
  • Filled with  choice of 60lb bookweight (24 lb bond) paper 
  • Blank, dot grid, lined college-ruled, or a task journal.

Journals with unique designs to fit any personality.  A perfect Christmas gift. Click on Journals here to view over 80 different available designs!  Maleko © 2010
 

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Drinkware - Mugs • Steins • Water Bottles


Also available ceramic travel mugs, Funtainer thermos bottles, Sigg and stainless water bottles all with one of a kind designs from 
original art work by Maleko, starting as low as $11.99.


Mug   $12.99

Product Information
The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special.
  •     Measures 3.75" tall, 3" diameter
  •     Dishwasher and microwave safe
Product Information
Love style? Then drink this up, because our eye -catching 
ceramic tumbler is a work of art. Plus it's also a workhorse               
-- thanks to a solid design with steel inner-sleeve that's ideal
for hot or cold beverages. Holding a full 15 oz. and fitting 
into most vehicle's cup holders (includes snap-tight lid),
it's also a great choice for travel.
  • Measures 7" tall & holds 15 oz.
  • Ceramic outer shell, with stainless steel inner sleeve
  • Gasket-sealed lid, with snap tight closure
  • Hand wash only 



Product Information
Help save the planet while you rehydrate in style with an eye-catching water bottle from SIGG. Made from a single piece of aluminum with an EcoCare BPA-free lining, it's ultra-lightweight (yet rugged and crack-resistant). To minimize unwanted tastes and scents, the inside is lined with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin that exceeds FDA leaching requirements.
  • Holds 1.0L, recyclable & resuable
  • EcoCare BPA -free lining
  • Lifetime warranty

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Apparel for Men, Women & Kids!!!

A colorful watercolor leopard graces the front of this white baseball jersey with dark navy sleeves.  Our 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with both men and women whether you're in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves.

  • 6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton
  • Standard fit
  • 3/4 length contrasting raglan sleeves
  •  Available in Blue/White, Red/White & Black/White


The most comfortable Women's t-shirt ever! Our 100% cotton Women's tee is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.
  • 5.6 oz. 100% cotton
  • Standard fit

 Infant Bodysuit > Cowboy Snowman       $13.99

Babies love creepin', crawlin' and sleepin' in our super comfy, 100% cotton jersey knit Infant Creeper. Infant clothes shouldn't be hard to change, so our three-snap bottom helps ease those nasty diaper changes. Great baby stuff for your special little one.
  • 5.5 oz. 100% cotton
  • Three bottom snaps
  • Standard T-shirt neck
  • Available in Cloud White, Sky Blue, Petal Pink & Kiwi 

To browse other designs and products visit MalekoArts on CafePress.   You are sure to find
 something for everyone on your list this holiday season.  Merry Christmas!!! Maleko © 2010

Customer Service

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

3 Things I am Thankful For in 2010


Family & Friends, 
who support and love me, even in my struggles.

 America, 
the freedom to pursue my God-given dreams and faith.

 Dark Times, 
for in the dark I am able to truly see His Light that shines.

"The Sun Came Down"      Copyright 2010 ~Maleko

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

"Silent Night" - Christmas Greeting Cards - $3.99 to $27.99

"Silent Night"  A clear winters night and a lonely church stands a cold vigil underneath a brilliantly shining star in anticipation of a baby's birth, emerges from a broken gold Christmas ornament.          (An original design drawn in colored pencils on white paper by Maleko © 2010)



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

"Christmas Stocking" - Greeting Cards

 "Christmas Stocking"  A simple design of a red Christmas stocking overlaid with a kaleidoscope colored cross which heralds the free gift to all that is available via the birth of Christ. (An original colored pencil drawing on white paper, by Maleko © 2010)


Monday, November 15, 2010

"Nativity" - Christmas Greeting Cards

"Nativity"  A simple design done in watercolor pencils of the manger scene and the birth of the Christ child beneath the Star of Bethlehem.  (An original watercolor pencil painting on white paper, 4x6 inches, by Maleko © 2010)


Saturday, November 13, 2010

"Mesmerized" - Christmas Greeting Cards

"Mesmerized"     A black cat in a red stocking cap stares intently at  a burning golden candle, dreaming Christmas dreams!  (An original design drawn in colored pencil and sharpie pen on white paper by Maleko © 2010 )


Greeting Cards (Pk of 20) $27.99

Product Information
Greeting cards are for more than holidays; they are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake.
  • Available in your choice of paper stock
    • High quality, chlorine and acid free matte paper consisting of 30% post consumer waste and 50% total recycled fiber
    • Twelve point, one-sided glossy paper
  • Ten cards per package/envelopes included
  • Measures 5" X 7"
Click on the above card links above or MalekoArts CafePress to be taken directly to this product at the store.

Click this Christmas link to view other Christmas designs available.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Lifted up on Transcendent Wings


"Wings of Transcendence"   Watercolor Painting/Paint Shop Pro (double image)   18x24 inches   Maleko © 2010
I have reached a crossroad where it is time to make a decision.  A time to quit playing around the edges and go all in.  

I am not even sure what that means or what I am to do, but I do know the time is now and if not now then never.

I am sick of the games and living within the box inside my head, left only to wonder.  Permission to open your hands, relax your death grip and to let go; no more standing at the edge, time to step into the dark, into the abyss.

I know nothing but that the rewards from a life renewed far outweigh the small safe story I have created for myself.  Yes, dangers become greater, but the fullness of life is waiting, the adventure, the passion is worth the risk.  

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  ~John 10:10

I will grab a hold of this promise.  For I know He sends his Spirit to go before me, watch my back, and to be an ever present help in times of trouble. I must be seated in Him before I can stand in His strength.  

I pray for daily reminders and that your grace be unveiled.

The above painting was my attempt to portray a moment of transcendence as we search this world for our answers. I believe answers (or at least our acceptance of the questions) so often lies just beyond the veil of the undiscovered within the presence of God and his angels.  Who sometimes invade our world and how if we only learn to look we could truly see and allow ourselves to be transformed into so much more. ~M

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

"TRANSFORMATION" - a video of discovery!

I believe each individual has a unique calling and destiny that was created by God.  Our responsibility is to find that calling and follow it where ever it may lead and if we do that our contribution to the world will be a positive one.


The goal was for this video to portray the positive effect of how a life may be transformed into many different variations each beautiful and purposeful in its uniqueness.  
 
 
We all have a choice, live deliberately!   ~Maleko Copyright 2010

(The images are based on an original ink wash and crayon design of a butterfly {first one in the video}, approximately 11x14 inches and then the subsequent images were digitally tweaked using Paint Shop Pro.  The music added is 'Azure Blue' from  Royalty Free Music at the following link {www.royaltyfreemusic.com}.  Hopefully this will inspire you to become the person you were meant to be and allow yourself to be transformed, never settle and never be conformed to this world.  God Bless!)
 

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Fall & Onward ...Prayers for the Future!

 




Even on Halloween, the Son still shines and is in control!  

Everyday can be begun anew with promises of a brighter and better future.  The joy is in the moment, as C.S. Lewis stated, "for the present is the point at which time touches eternity".    My prayer for all is for contentment this during this season and may each of us encounter the creator of the universe this holiday!


'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.      Jeremiah 29:11 NASB

Friday, October 29, 2010

My Manifesto of Insignificance

Knowing that my physical death is certain, but the time of death is uncertain;

Knowing that my life and work does matter, but also will not last;

  • I will seek to love and worship God in each act
  • I will slow down and live in the moments of today
  • I will love unceasingly; my family, friends and others
  • I will strive to create beauty within and without
  • I will acknowledge the wonder, live deliberately and laugh often
  • I will believe in the ripple effect that if I touch one life, I have touched the world

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. 

This is to have succeeded."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 ("An Angels Travels" - Copyright 2010 Maleko, Watercolor pencils on 

watercolor paper, approx. 4x6 inches, Paint Shop flood fill and border)

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Life is found ...


Life is found, 
in moments both tender & tragic; 
in moments both mundane & magic! 
 ~Maleko


"Brun Cheval"



"Blanc Cheval"
 (The top drawing is the original done in black sharpie marker on white paper, approximately 4x6 inches
and the border was added in Paint Shop Pro.  The lower image is a negative image of the original.  The 
stark of black on white or white on black portrays the dramatic conflict between opposing forces in our
lives as captured in the words of the poem above.)                                                ©Maleko 2010
                                                                         
 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Look Back - Halloween 2009 & Forward!


Pictures to remember 2009! Muppin & Pumpkins!


A carving of our MalekoArts logo that was 
carved into a pumpkin by a dear friend.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Check out more designs on many everyday products at the
online store - MalekoArts - Cafepress 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Seize the Moment! (Carpe Diem)


There are times in life when you must lead the 
pack and other times when you must sit on the 
wheel and wait for that moment to move in faith.

Waiting is hard but wisdom is knowing the difference! 


(The above is a photo of my daughter and I riding our bikes together.  The thought occurred to me that this is a good representation of the times in our lives when we need to know when is it the right time to make our move and seize the moment and the other times when we must wait on God.)

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Rearing Stallions in Color

"Blue Majesty"
"Flames Reign Down"
"The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears".
-Arabian Proverb

Three stallions rearing show the raw power and strength of the horse, the colors portray the beauty of the scene.  

(These drawings were done using colored pencils and pastels on white paper and measure approximately 14 x 11 inches.  The 
border and black outline was added using Paint Shop Pro.)

Copyright 2010 Maleko

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Seeking Permission? Ramblings ....

"To live is Christ, to die is gain", what?  How is that?

It seems to me that death often takes me further away from God not closer.  Death throws a silence over 
my faith.  So many verses seem contradictory as they seem so unreal.  God is good? 

Can you truly say that when you have faced death, tragedy and the destruction of your world?  
Can you say that and believe it when you have a never faced the end?  
Your own mortality?
The death of someone you love?

With no one to blame, is evil the easy answer for the cause of so much pain in the world?  The violence,
the hate, the addictions, the lust, the greed, continue on unabated and good people get hurt because of it.  

But what about illness, a sickness and death with no concrete cause?  Was there a cause, an action that brought about the effect and the consequence?  What is the grand design in that if there are no coincidences?

Do I blame God?  Am I angry at God?  My life has been irrevocably altered.  I say I still believe and I 
go through the motions on the outside, but inside...do I believe?  The face I show the world is that the truth of me?  Do I truly believe what I say I believe?

What am I left with?

Total utter silence from God?  No words from beyond except for a faint whisper of  "Trust me", but faith is the evidence of things unseen, right?  Then I should have a lot of evidence.

What remains unanswered is why?  That is the question that still haunts my waking and sleeping, but no answer ever seems forthcoming. "Trust me"

Do I only have faith in the finality of that?  What is next?  The next life?  Is it there? Heaven?  Hell?

Time to give yourself permission.  Feel the fear and accept that loss and devastation may come again. "Trust me"  It all makes me tired, so very tired.

Life should not and is not meant to be lived waiting for the 'hammer to fall'.  The days and the years go by
and the hole remains.  You learn to laugh and love again.  The moments of joy you so desperately longed
for returns, but failing to be fully present and to live in that moment because of the fear.  Juxtaposing the past, present and the future. "Trust me" whispers through my mind while I feel a -
  • Fear of God
  • Fear of loss
  • Fear of happiness
  • Fear of guilt
  • Fear of forgetting
  • Fear of hurting
  • Fear of love
"Trust me", time to give myself permission to fully live, to be happy and fully love again.  Permission to enjoy, to delight, to cherish.

"Trust me", you are permitted to love God, to accept your destiny, your life, your fate, "I have come so that they (you) may have life and have it more abundantly". 


(This was originally written in October 2008 and updated in October 2010 as I contemplated the previous seventeen years of life? ~Maleko)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

My Manifesto of Grace & Mercy

Knowing that the world and all peoples desire grace

Knowing that sometimes there is no justice only mercy

  • I will be kind to myself and family
  • I will strive to see the hurt and offer comfort
  • I will forgive those who have hurt me
  • I will seek forgiveness from others and God
  • I will trust in the grace and mercy of God
'The Light Always Shines Through'  copyright Maleko 2010


    Sunday, September 26, 2010

    My Manifesto of Fatherhood

    Knowing that, God willing, no matter the circumstances, I will always be a daddy to my little girl;

    Knowing that, God willing, my daughter will one day be an adult and leave to follow her own path;
    • I will love my daughter for the gift that she is, not what she does
    • I will cherish every moment we spend together
    • I will strive to give her whatever wisdom I might possess
    • I will teach her the value of relationships & honoring promises
    • I will allow my daughter to soar upon her own wings
    • I will let her go to travel the path God has laid before her

    "May the Lord give me the wisdom to parent with love, humility and strength, to give my daughter the best that I can offer.
          ~Maleko, 9/2010

    Summer 2010 - Gifford Pinchot National Forest

    Monday, September 20, 2010

    Lost in the Flow

    "Lost in the Flow" (copyright Maleko 2010)

    This design emphasizes the flow and swirl of events that are constantly going on around
    us all the time that often impede our efforts.  However on occasion we get lost in the
    'flow' and everything proceeds often effortlessly from there.  At these times the chaos,
    the demands, the troubles of our lives and time have no relevance and stillness ensues.

    This drawing was done using an ink wash and crayon technique and then using
    Paint  Shop Pro the blue photo tint (circa 1885) and blue border were added.
    The original as pictured below is approximately 11 x 14 inches.


    Wednesday, September 15, 2010

    An All Consuming Fire

    Do you truly believe what you say you truly believe?  Growing up I used to think of Jesus as -
    • a baby in a manger surrounded with a bunch of animals
    • a historical figure who was killed some 2000 years ago
    • a vague and confusing idea of what might be ahead after this life
    • an idea that represents the good in people and society
    • a god(?) uninterested in the day to day lives of human beings
    But as I've aged and traversed my own journey through life encountering the joys and the sorrows,  I have come to realize that when I surrender to God and allow Him to lead and guide me, He is so much more than I have ever dreamed of.  A friend and father that shows himself to me anew in a hundred different ways each day; my source of strength and comfort in the black, cold and stillness of night.  My purpose, my power, my potential in this world and hope in the next.

    I am never alone as He loves me and cares for me in each and every moment , in the right here and right now.

    He is real and alive now, He is God,  He is all I have, all I am and all I can be.

    He is in the east and the west, the north and the south, 
    the day and the night, the black and the white! 

    Sunday, September 12, 2010

    Christmas Designs Begin Early!


    Busily working on new designs for the 2010Christmas season.  These three were done using colored pencils and pastels.  The black and blue borders were added to the Santa designs Paint Shop Pro.

    These designs and many others will soon be available on holiday greeting cards, mugs, t-shirts and many other types of gifts on ours website on Cafepress - http://www.cafepress.com/malekoarts

    Tuesday, September 7, 2010

    What is 15 Minutes of Fame?

    According to Andy Warhol, every person will get '15 minutes of fame' during there lifetime.  Is this 15 minutes in front of the multitudes on an epic world stage, portraying an image, playing a part that is never meant to last or chasing the material dreams of society?  Which then just as quickly fades to black?

    Or is it those moments in your life when you stand for what is right.  You make a decision to fight the seductive pull of self absorption and self love.  To turn from evil and the lure of what society tells us will make us loved, popular and rich.  To sacrifice and to love no matter what the cost.  The moments in between the events in our lives when we slow down and extend a helping hand, a smile or a hello. 

    The true moments of eternal fame can happen more than once and so often occur when no one is watching, except perhaps a crowd of angels who applaud and cheer unseen in this world's realm!


    From the DC Talk song ~ "What if I Stumble"
          Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?
          Do I simply serenade for things I must afford?

       
    My version of this lyric as it applies to my life as an artist is as follows - 
           Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?     
          Am I simply painting for things I must obtain?

    I believe we find our true significance not in what we do as  much as in how what we do impacts others.  Your 15 minutes of fame only matters if it in someway touches others and makes a difference in the lives of others. I so often struggle with the silence that often accompanies the moments following the posting of my art whether a drawing, painting or writings.  I must remind myself that whatever talent I possess is a gift I have been given not to make me famous, but to share it all with others.  

    One of my biggest joys comes in those moments when my daughter wants to stand next to me at the drawing table and create her own 'masterpiece' cause that is what daddy does.  The impact of our daily actions we may never know while in this life, but will live on after us and the effects ripple forever into eternity.

    If it is true and each person gets 15 minutes of fame, (I believe we get the opportunity not just once but over and over again) then it is our obligation and duty to not waste it.  Ever aware of the importance of each individual life and the impact we have on others especially those closest to us such as family and friends who we so often take for granted, as CS Lewis wrote: 

    "There are no ordinary people.  You have never talked to a mere mortal.  But it is with immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors."

    Are you loving deliberately, doing the next right thing and impacting others?
    (Independence Day 2010, Copyright Maleko, 2010)

    Friday, September 3, 2010

    Reflections of Attraction


    "Reflections of Attraction" 7x9 inches, colored pencil, copyright Maleko 2010
    "Reflections of Attraction in the Night"  7x9 inches, colored pencil/photoshop, copyright Maleko 2010
      
    Ideas spring forth,
    from hidden places unseen.

    Eternity calls down,
    in the moments between.

    Reflections of attraction,
    lurk within the heart.

    Shadows in the night,
    speak volumes in the dark.

    The arcing of one life,
    ascends into the serpentine

    ~Maleko 2010

    Tuesday, August 31, 2010

    Working out the Differences - Christmas Ideas 2010!!!


    Three different versions for possible Christmas designs, 
    currently working on for this year 2010.  These are the 
    preliminary drawings using sharpie markers and photo shop
    finished. Hope to enlarge these ideas into full scale 
    watercolors, pastels or colored pencil drawings.  

    Look for these new designs on greeting cards and 
    other merchandise soon at our online store at: 
    http://www.cafepress.com/malekoarts

    Live Deliberately!   ~Maleko