Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2022

🍂🍁 Come To the Fabulous Fall Art Festival! 🍁🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Let's embrace the season of change.  It gives us hope as we let go of unnecessary habits.  A time to relax at home taking slower and deeper breaths.  Standing around the grill roasting the recently gathered harvest and treats.  And valuing our time together even if it's just streaming a guilty pleasure.

We've let go of summer so we can experience the joys of autumn.  Think about something you appreciate right now.  It can be anything unique about this time of year, like a favorite sweatshirt or a seasonal brew.  Knowing these little encounters can make everything more fulfilling.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Join us at the Fabulous Fall Art Show 
starting TODAY Monday, October 24th at: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595/
Gifts will be in short supply again this year.  So make sure you have something for your loved ones!  And, most of all, 
HAVE FUN! 


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

at No comments:

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

You're Invited To the Awesome Autumn Art Festival!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Every day, the sun sets a little earlier and the air gets a little bit cooler.  Autumn has arrived and the trees are about to explode into a fireworks of yellows, oranges, and reds.  Days outside enjoying the fresh harvest coming in.  Nights next to the fireplace under a cozy blanket.  The frantic pace of summer fades into memory and allows us to see how lucky we really are.  

Please join us at the Online Awesome Autumn Art Show starting TODAY Tuesday, September 6th at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion  Join your friends buying and selling various arts, crafts, furniture, fashions, jewelry, and so much more!  And, most of all, HAVE FUN! 

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Artist sign up for the Fabulous Fall Art Festival has begun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595/


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Monday, August 1, 2022

Let's Enjoy the Last Days of Summer!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


August is for roasting s'mores on brisk nights at the backyard fire pit.  Sharing stories while your furry family member snores under your chair.  Appreciating the peaceful hooting of an owl and the sparks of the fireflies.

Home is a special place.  It's where you make memories with the people you love.  A place that reveals who you really are and how you'd like the world to be.  So surround yourself with joy and happiness.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival opens August 8th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2546314848837846/?active_tab=discussion

Artist sign up for the Awesome Autumn Art Festival has begun at: https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Dad Joke #94: My Doctor Says I Need Glasses...  🍷🍷🍷

  Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


DAD LOVES SUMMER!

There were always tough days, but dad said "never give up."  After a few bumps and bruises, it did get better.  Now I can face challenges with a smile on my face.  How did your father impact your life?  What can we do to show him our gratitude for all the years of affection?  THANKS DAD!  Now let's make him happy with some grilled food and cold drinks.

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - YOU'RE INVITED
to the
SUMMER ART PARTY!!!
This is a fun way to find and buy amazing art.  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Monday, May 2, 2022

Let's Celebrate the Beauty of Mom!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Let's celebrate the beauty of mom.  A mother is important because they always have a presence in our lives.  Eternally there to protect and love us no matter what.  Mother's Day is a day to show our gratitude for all the years of affection.  THANK YOU MOM!  Let's make our mother's proud by following her example and finding our own happiness.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS -  You can help Ukrainian artists in lots of ways right now:


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

The Adventures of Ethan Vaughn The Dream Master: Book 1: The Mystery of the Treeless Forest


I'm so proud to announce that Richie Bell has illustrated their first book, The Adventures of Ethan Vaughn The Dream Master: Book 1: The Mystery of the Treeless Forest.  It's quite an accomplishment to achieve before graduating high school.  And a promising start for their career in the arts.  I've been privileged and grateful to watch Richie develop as an artist.  To have such a kind and tender heart that will guide them to a bright future.  

 
Contact Richie Bell at:

at No comments:

Friday, May 14, 2021

House on Île d'Orléans

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


House On Île d'Orléans
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.7 cm)
202105034
© copyright Mike Kraus

Near Quebec City, in the St. Lawrence River, is the Île d'Orléans.  It's our time away from the world.  When we leave our home, it's to wander among the farms and visit the fields of my ancestors who settled here from France in the 1600s.  We'll bike around the Chemin Royal to build up an appetite for dinner.  As we gather around the table, we're grateful for the bounty this island has provided us.

Près de Québec, dans le fleuve Saint-Laurent, se trouve l'île d'Orléans. C'est notre temps loin du monde. Quand nous quittons notre maison, c'est pour flâner parmi les fermes et visiter les champs de mes ancêtres qui se sont installés ici depuis la France dans les années 1600. Nous ferons le tour du Chemin Royal à vélo pour créer l'appétit pour le dîner. Alors que nous nous réunissons autour de la table, nous sommes reconnaissants de la générosité que cette île nous a apportée.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, blue, purple, beige, black, white, or wood.  


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at No comments:

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Children who love and take care of their mothers know they are lucky, because they honor the most important person in their lives.  Mother's Day is a day of celebration for the mom who is always there for you when you need them.  THANK YOU MOMS!  We really would have been nothing without you and we love you for that.

Stay Safe,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/04/new-mothers-day-traditions-having-fun.html


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine
Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State
University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago
Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies,
Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he
worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus
became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of
paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in
Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


at No comments:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

 

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

Mom deserves a lot of extra love during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, right?  The answer is: yes, absolutely.  So, here are some ideas for showing them how much we love and appreciate them.

1) Breakfast/Brunch - Gather the household to make mom her favorite breakfast.  Here are some quick, easy, and delicious ideas: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/5-ingredient-easy-breakfast-ideas/.  Even better, let mom sleep in and start the day with brunch.  Easy brunch recipes at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g4201/best-brunch-recipes/.  Keep the kids occupied letting them help cook, set the table (like a restaurant), make menus, dress up, and practice their serving skills.  

2) Picnic - If it's going to be a nice day, pack something good for lunch.  Enjoy the weather and a beautiful park.  Bring games, hike, and other activities.

3) Photo Session - This can be a great tradition, especially if you have young kids.  And it's simple.  Have mom take a photo with her kids.  If possible, take it in the same location and pose each year to capture the changes as the years go by.

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

Add caption

5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with mom and/or grandma. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Make Her Favorite Foods - Mom doesn't want to cook dinner on her special day.  So, make her favorite meal for her.  

7) Learn Together - Plan ahead and ask your mother to teach you something; her choice.  It can be knitting, family history, hang gliding, anything.  Or find something everyone can learn together.  It's a great way to bond.


8) Spa Day - Set aside time for mom to have the bathroom to herself.  Clean it and light a few candles.  Make sure you have all the soaps, shampoos, and skin care products she loves.  And move the speaker in there so she can drown out the noises coming from the living room.

9) Wine and Cocktails - Spoil her all day if you want.  Mimosas in the morning.  Rosé in the afternoon.  And something stronger at night.  

10) Hiking - Enjoy nature with mom.  There are trails for young, old, and all skill levels.  Find them at: https://www.alltrails.com

11) Quiet Time - Every minute of every day she thinks about you and your well-being.  Give her a break.  Let mom have the house while you bring the kids to the park to play, hike, picnic, etc.

12) Gratitude Challenge - Show mom your gratitude:
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude and tell her.  It can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your kids, make a gratitude board.
c) Think of a time she was kind to you and share its meaning with her.
d) Think of a difficult time and it's positive outcomes.


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Finding New Music: Having Fun During COVID-19


Finding New Music: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is a great time to find new things to love; like music.   

1) The Lazy, Easy Way - Spotify, Pandora, Bandcamp have ways to "discover" new music based on music you already like.  And they'll largely play songs within the genre you already know and love.  I encourage you to start a new playlist with songs and bands you're unfamiliar with.  

SUGGESTIONS:

















17) There's So Much More - This is nowhere near an exhaustive list.  And each genre has multiple subgenres.  And each of those subgenres has their own "100 Greatest All-Time Best" lists.  Here's a guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_music_styles

18) Mix, Match, and Assemble - Try to be eclectic.  Select a few songs from each genre and then let the streaming service discover for you.  If you like one song, listen to the whole album.  If you like a new group, discover who influenced them and listen to them.  

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!



UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19


Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has meant spending a lot of time with your family, roommate, and other members of your household. And that should be "quality time."  Parlor games are a great way to interact with each other.

Gather the Household: Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some Sherlock Holmes inspired drinks: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sherlock-holmes-cocktails-2009

Number of Players: entire household
Objective: To remain in the game as long as possible.  Have fun watching the humorous spectacle.  

Game Rules:
1) Set Up- In an open space, select and blindfold the first two players.  Each player is given a rolled-up newspaper as a "sword."  Both players will lie on the ground head-to-head about 3 feet apart.  

Variation A: Instead of a newspaper sword, replace with a pool noodle, bananas, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.  Anything soft, safe and funny.
Variation B: Add distance to increase difficulty and humorous situations.  

2) To Start Game - The first player ready will say, "Are you there, Moriarty?"  When ready, the second player will reply, "The Great Game!"


3) Sword Fight! - Using the rolled-up newspapers, each player will attempt to hit the other player.  The first player is eliminated and another member of the household replaces them.

Variation A: To prolong the game, make it a best-of-five game.  After each hit, household members on the sideline will place and spin players to restart match.  

4) Scoring - Tally wins on paper.  Or a chalkboard if you have it.  The Grand Champion will have the most tallies.  Consider a prize to the winner.  It can be something small, like a candy bar.  Or something more high stakes, like loser has to do the winners chores the next day.

Variation A: Add categories like: longest winning streak, funniest win and/or loss, most swings, etc.  And prizes for everyone! 

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!



UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:
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