Reflecting on God

"Reflecting on God"  ©Maleko 2011
 Acrylic painting 18x24 on canvas  
 (Text and border added via PaintShopPro)

 

How to Be the Artist of Your Life!

(The background image of the horse is a 8x 10 colored pencil drawing on white paper.  The above print is available for purchase.  If interested  please email me at malekoarts@aol.com  Thanks!)

Standing....

Standing at the oceans shore, I am a single voice amidst the roar.

Standing in a desert land, I am a single grain of sand.

Standing on a mountain peak, I am a single wind blown leaf.

Standing in the crowd alone, I am a single melodic tone.

Standing in the dark of night, I am a single flickering spark of light.

Standing in heavens grasp, I am at home with my Father at last.

©Maleko - March 2011

Photograph ©Maleko - April 2011

Beyond the Eyes

"Beyond the Eyes"   

Colored Pencil Drawing on White Paper       5x7 inches
Copyright  MalekoArts 2011

The Bulls & The Last Cowboy Standing

 

All of the above images are miniature colored pencil drawings on white paper approximately 3.5 x 5 inches. A tribute to the Professional Bull Riders, a tip of the hat to their skill and courage.  Also, acknowledging the power and strength of the bulls they ride.  In these drawings I tried to capture not only the power but the quite beauty that lies within the explosive strength of a bull.

PBR - Last Cowboy Standing  Check here for all the details of the event on April 16, 2011

2 Different Stories of Scars

"In Memory"  ©Maleko 2011

There are stories we tell ourselves & others about the scars inflicted by this world, both physical and emotional.  I believe we must consciously create a positive message from these experiences so as not to allow the suffering to overwhelm the possibilities. 

My scars are invisible to most as they reside within my heart and head.  Here are two stories I tell myself about the early death of a loved one and my pain, loss and grief.  Both stories are equally true.

My loss and pain means that I am different from others.	Others have and suffer pain also, even if our circumstances and stories are different.
I feel alone as no one feels the way that I do nor understands.	Understanding and connection comes from sharing our different experiences and helping  others that is where relationships are built and fellowship exists.
I should keep my story to myself as others may pity me.	Others may find strength in my story of hope and perseverance in spite of the loss.
I have nothing to offer as I am broken and hurt.	My brokenness can be a source of power to help me heal and become whole again and to offer help to comfort others who suffer.
This is my pain to bear and carry alone.	I can choose not be alone to reach out and serve others to shine a light, this is my choice.
Nobody wants to hear about death!	Death is part of life and that's the reality we all face and can share!

Same scars. Same person. Very different stories.  What is the story you tell?

"A Friend Always"      ©Maleko 2011

"A View of Remembrance"      ©Maleko 2011

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The idea for this blog post comes from Micheal Bungay Stanier at Box of Crayons   Thanks Michael!

Michael Bungay Stanier is the founder and Senior Partner of Box of Crayons, a company that helps organizations do less Good Work and more Great Work. He is the author of Do More Great Work and Get Unstuck & Get Going, and the creator of The Alchemy of Great Work, The Great Work Movie, The 5.75 Questions You've Been Avoiding and The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun. Michael was a Rhodes Scholar and the 2006 Canadian Coach of the Year. He is Australian and now lives in Canada.

Emerging Amarillo Sol

"Emerging Amarillo Sol"

Watercolor 9x12 on white paper, border added using Paint Shop Pro

Another design from the 'Seeing Shadows' series again showing the outline form of the horse only as it emerges from out of a brilliant yellow color (the sun?) and into the viewers vision.  A glimpse of the reality that hides?

If you are interested in purchasing prints of my art work  email me at malekoarts@aol.com for a price list and more information.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. ~M

3 Months of 2011- Choices Remain

Life in its Simplicity is Still Simply a Choice!

Roads we tread

"A Dangerous Path!"    Copyright MalekoArts 2011

Decisions we dread

Lies we tell

Glimpses of hell

Rivers we cross

Dreams we've lost

Mountains we climb

Those left behind

 

Paths we take

Choices we make 

A destination found

Simply heaven bound

The above photograph was taken on January 2, 2011 in the mountains where I frequently go to ride my mountain bike 

and to lose myself.  The bible tells us Jesus often went into the wilderness to pray and I find myself doing 

the same thing. I find that ideas for me are often birthed in the solitude and simplicity of nature.   ~Maleko

Update - Originally posted in January of 2011, one of my goals for the new year was to live my live deliberately and to be conscious of every choice.  Knowing that every choice for one thing means a choice against something else and nothing is left unchanged.   After three months, this simple fact remains unchanged and has borne itself out both positively and negatively in my life.  I encourage everyone to live your life on purpose, engage and always choose for the good against evil but and not allow the fear to rule our choices.  A reminder to all that you do have a choice and to choose life! ~Maleko  April 2011