Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts

Monday, June 26, 2023

Grandma's Cupcake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Grandma's Cupcake #530
pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202306030
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What reminds you of someone you love?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
What Can We Do About Our Culture?

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Look To the Cookie

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Look To the Cookie #514
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202301001
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227483127799532&set=gm.533800675434573&idorvanity=305635098251133

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:

Monday, June 13, 2022

The Artisanal Pickle

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Artisanal Pickle #243
gouache paint on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201707070
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

TODAY IS THE START
of the
Summer Art Party at:

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:

Friday, April 9, 2021

Honeycrisp Apple

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeycrisp Apple
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104024
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-original-acrylic

The weekend before my birthday, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York.  Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos.  Others are simply apple farms that just grow apples.  We'll roam the grounds selecting a variety to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats.  And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away...

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Heirloom Tomato

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Heirloom Tomato
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202010099
© copyright Mike Kraus

I want the taste of heirloom tomatoes in everything.  They're sweeter and just make meals more delicious.  At the end of summer, there's an Amish farmer that has a stall at the end of the farmer's market.  He doesn't sell much, but I purchase all that he has each week.  Some I use on meals right away.  The rest of the bushel I can and preserve in mason jars for the winter.  And there's gallons of salsa waiting for me in my basement pantry.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't stop autumn.  It's a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the weather.  Let's embrace the change and find ways to be grateful together.

1) Where To Go? - What kind of experience are you looking for? Do you have kids? Then you'll probably want some place close that has more of a theme park feel. A farm with a petting zoo, hay rides, and many other activities. If you're a couple that wants something a little more romantic, look for a more remote farm with fewer amenities. Chefs may be interested in farms with a large variety of apples. And people looking for something more unique may search for farms with heirloom fruits and veggies.

So, do a little research before you visit. Especially if you are looking for some place special or want to bring a pet. (Also, have a couple backup orchards/farms just in case you encounter large gatherings or other unsafe situations)

2) When To Go? - To avoid crowds, it tends to be best to visit farms before noon.

September and October are great for apple picking. But, it can vary greatly depending on your specific location and climate. Also, there are lots of other foods available at pick-your-own (PYO) farms like fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, and products like homemade honey, syrup, and pies.


3) Is This a Good Apple? - Most orchards will tell you which foods are ready to pick. If you see a lot of apples dropped under a tree, it may be past ripe. The apples are probably still good, but may need to be eaten sooner.

Start by picking apples from the bottom of a tree and working your way up. A ripe apple is easily removed with a simple twist and pull. It's okay if an apple is a bit tart as they can be stored longer. And avoid bruised apples "as a few bad apples can spoil the bunch" is a true saying.  Prevent bruises by gently placing apples in your bag.

4) Where To Put All These Apples? - Find a cool, dry spot in your home to keep fresh. If moist from rain or sprinklers, lightly dry off before storage. But don't rub off the white blush until you're ready to eat. 


5) So Many Apples? - In your excitement, you brought home several bushels of apples. Fortunately, there's lots you can do with them like make vinegar, candles, jam, soaps, butter, lotions, decorations, and so much more.

Personally, baking apples are my favorite. It can be by themselves, as part of an entre, side dishes, or in pies. Lots of great recipes at: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g650/apple-recipes/

6) Enjoy the Experience - It's all about time with your friends and family. Of course, you could just go to a grocery store and be done with this in five minutes. But, it's about the people you're with. It's searching for the "perfect" orchard that has what you're looking for. It's finding the best apples. Taking photos as we awkwardly pretend like we know anything about farming and agriculture. Maybe getting fresh apple cider and adding something extra to it. Once home, sharing great treats and meals of food that you picked yourself. 
 
AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!




Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) 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. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
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:

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!


HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!
YAY!  How is it possible that so much and so little time has passed?  It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were on the dance floor celebrating our wedding.  Yet, it's amazing that it's only been 10 years since we moved from Chicago, got awesome jobs, bought a house, adopted a silly mutt, and so much more.  And while so much has changed (like my Coronavirus Mutton Chops), the most important things have not; I love you, Megan and I look forward to the next 10 years with you!


Megan showing how she would pose if we were on our planned 2nd honeymoon in Hyères, France right now.  Oh well... 

Life is what you make of it.  We don't need money or things to have fun; just each other.  To commemorate our trip to Belgium we had not-so-Belgian waffles for breakfast.  I'll admit Maison Dandoy (https://maisondandoy.com/in Brussels were slightly better...


After a relaxing morning and a brief walk along Lake Ontario, we had a "Spanish picnic" in honor of our vacation to Mallorca/Barcelona in Durand Eastman Park.


Faisão Wines (https://enoport.pt/) overlooking Lake Ontario from the allegedly haunted "White Lady's Castle."  The myth is a mother haunts the old foundations of a mansion where her daughter went forever missing.  But, the foundations are a ruin of a former hotel.  So...


Tapas, my love?  Another inspiration from our trip to Spain.  But, with an Irish-America twist of loaded potato skins.  Buen provecho and Taitneamh a bhaint as do chuid béile


Green onions are different from leeks.  My wife informs me I was lied to by the produce staff.


Reminds me of our visit to L'Affaire Est Ketchup (https://www.facebook.com/pg/laffaireest.ketchup) in Québec, Canada.



Another Belgian treat.  This time it's waterzooi and french fries (I know, mayo instead of ketchup is more authentic (Welcome to life during Coronavirus).  The restaurant in Bruges/Brugge, Belgium doubled as an antique store.  We had a hearty meal before an evening trying a myriad of Belgian beers in a fairy tale of a city.


Why is coronavirus turning me into Ted Nugent?  Is Covid-19 a variant of Cat Scratch Fever?


Celebrating 10 years together with a 10 year old tawny port wine from Taylor Fladgate (https://www.taylor.pt/us).  On our honeymoon in Porto, Portugal we toured their facilities and sampled their wine.  It was an estate up on a hill overlooking the city across the Douro River.  We had the tasting room with the parachute ceiling all to ourselves.


Cheer to the 10 years we've been married and cheers to the many more years of happiness we have to look forward to!

Monday, February 12, 2018

Fuji Apple

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
  Fuji Apple, 2018
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801022
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/fuji-apple-original-acrylic-painting-8-x

The weekend before my birthday in mid-October, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York.  Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos.  Others are simply apple farms that grow apples.  We'll roam the grounds selecting a variety of apples to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats.  And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away...

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, green, dark or light blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood

LOVING ROCHESTER WITH KAREN LAMBERT INTERVIEWS MIKE KRAUS!

Michael 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.


Friday, September 4, 2015

Summer Memories

ROLLING STONES CONCERT!  WHOOO!!!  Love the lady over my shoulder.  Also the one on my shoulder...

Went to the concert with Sean and Marianne.  Stadium is just a little different than it is for a Bills game.  A lot of milling around during the set by St. Paul and the Broken Bones. 

You know you're band has put on a lot of concerts when the tour name has regressed into zip codes... 

YEAH!!! 



 That's a mob


Heading back to the car after the show.  One band from the bucket list crossed off.

Robin feeding her chicks at the in-law's house.  You can see a couple of the hungry mouths peaking out. 

Keep feedin' 'em momma! 

Mom and babes moved out the the ol nest.  Summer, where did you go?

And here's a human baby nest!  It was a good way to contain the twins for a while.  Now they crawl over, under, around, and through anything.   

Not nearly enough bonfires this summer.  Too much rain and cold early on.  Maybe that means more in the fall?   

For dessert, some grilled watermelon.  Some recipe from Pinterest said to glaze them with olive oil or something.  Made it taste like weird meat...  

That's all for now. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

SLUMBER PARTY!

 photo 100_6364_zps67d895af.jpg
HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY RACHEL!  HOPE YOU HAD A FUN SLUMBER PARTY!

 photo 100_6363_zpsc91e3d78.jpg
"I'm difficult" with "Most difficult."  Only a matter of time before the apprentice becomes the master...

 photo 100_6365_zpsc390a29d.jpg
MEER MEER ME MEER!  You mean we're going to eat pizza and play board games!  Beeker is excited
 photo 100_6368_zpsb87c9e85.jpg
Bonfire means one thing, Aunt Megan has S'more supplies!

 photo 100_6366_zps63beeca1.jpg
Rachel ponders the deer and two fawn she just saw.  Wonders if the fawn would be willing to join the slumber party and snuggle.

 photo 100_6371_zps72bf9cf7.jpg

 photo 100_6372_zps64f829ba.jpg
Nothing like a little Palace, Garbage, and Go Fish card games before going to bed.

 photo 100_6373_zpsbbe884bc.jpg
CHOCOLATE JELLY WAFFLES!  Some little girl really loves her Aunt Meg

 photo 100_6376_zps893ba487.jpg

Aunt Meg and Rachel working on their arts and crafts project

 photo 100_6377_zpsa5da5238.jpg
A skeleton vase!

 photo 100_6378_zpsa9f52348.jpg
Even the garbage is art!  We hope you had a lot of fun with us Rachel.  We hope you had fun on your really belated b-day slumber party!

 photo 100_6379_zps54d3f277.jpg
On another note, when did Megan and I buy a boat?
 photo 100_6380_zpsfa2e4201.jpg
The gang's all here.  Nothing like walking along the Erie Canal in Fairport and finding a fun pontoon boat.  I'd like to take this ship from Buffalo to NYC.  

 photo 100_6381_zpsb9014863.jpg
Cap'n of da ship! 

 photo 100_6382_zps1c0de981.jpg

YEAH!  FRIED TURKEY!  Or, someone is starting a meth lab...  This is you start thinking when you watch Breaking Bad.  

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...