Showing posts with label desserts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label desserts. 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:
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Friday, May 26, 2023

Donut Worry About It

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Donut Worry About It
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305024
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

MMMMmmmm...  Sunlight sparkles through the glass display of the old diner.  Dessert for breakfast.  There's nothing like a freshly made fried doughnut with frosting and sprinkles.  The perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.  It's a good place to hangout after the morning rush has ended.    

How do you spoil yourself after a difficult day?  Is it a snack or something more luxurious?  Maybe it's wasting some time on video games?  It's good to take care of ourselves sometimes.

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


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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:
at No comments:

Monday, May 8, 2023

Have S'more!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Have S'more! #520
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
202305016
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

It's been a long, beautiful day hiking through the natural settings of the state park.  We soak our worn feet into a cool creek and put on sandals on the way back to the picnic area for dinner.  In the twilight, we grill a few brats and vegetables over a small flame.  It gives a flavor you can't acquire on a stove or oven.  And, of course, the perfect way to finish the day is with a s'more.


LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?
Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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:
at No comments:

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:
at No comments:

Friday, December 2, 2022

The Only Holy Cannoli

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Only Holy Cannoli
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202210065
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Get holiday deals at the 
WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL!!!  
Perfectly unique gifts for everyone on your list 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Have S'more!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Have S'more! #480
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202208035
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/187361236/have-smore-480-artist-trading-cards-25-x

LAST DAY!!! You're invited to the ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! It's the place to find and buy amazing ATCs/ACEOs. Browse unique, hand-made pieces by some of your favorite artists (AT VERY AFFORDABLE PRICES!) Visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/2546314848837846/?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:

Monday, June 27, 2022

That's a Piece of Cake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


That's a Piece of Cake #208
Gouache on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Ingredients
Cake

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
7 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 ¾ cups sugar
3 eggs (large at room temperature)
1 egg yolk (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting

3 ½ cups pecan halves (14 ounces)
2 sticks unsalted butter (plus 2 tablespoons at room temperature)
28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (about 2 cans)
¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
5 egg yolks
10 ounces sweetened shredded coconut (about 3 cups)
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Directions
Make the cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch baking pans and line with parchment paper.

Step 2

Use heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add chopped chocolate and melt, stirring occasionally. Chocolate can be melted in microwave too. Let cool slightly.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 sticks of butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. One at a time, beat in the eggs, egg yolk, ending with vanilla. At low speed, beat in the buttermilk and flour mixture in 3 alternating batches, ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the melted chocolate till blending.

Step 4

Batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a cake tester (toothpick) comes out clean. Let cool completely. Turn the cakes out of the pans and remove parchment paper.

Frosting

Step 1

Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop. In a large saucepan, combine butter, condensed milk, and brown sugar and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until smooth. Add egg yolks and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes until thickened. Transfer the frosting to a large bowl and stir in 3 cups of the pecans and the coconut, vanilla and salt; let cool.

Step 2

Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread half of the frosting evenly over one cake. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting on top. Garnish with the remaining pecans.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?


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:

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:
at No comments:

Monday, November 23, 2020

Grandpa Jer's Rollin' Cinnamon Rolls

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Grandpa Jer's Rollin' Cinnamon Rolls
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202010100
© copyright Mike Kraus

Sunday mornings would include a drive through downtown, passing suburbs, to the woods where my grandparents had their log cabin.  The scent of cinnamon emanating through the brisk air as we trudge the path to the door.  Grandpa was an Army cook that raised six kids, so he only knew how to bake in large quantities.  Piles of cinnamon rolls would be in cake pans, plates, Bone China, platters, pie tins, mixing bowls, cutting boards, colanders, and whatever else was available.  By evening, the only things that remained were all the kitchen utensils needing to be washed in the sink.

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
at 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Have A Picnic: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Have A Picnic: Having Fun During Coronavirus

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe practices can feel isolating and lonely.  But, there are still many ways to stay healthy, active, and keep our mental health (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/04/tips-for-working-at-home-mental-health.html).  One way to have fun is to have a picnic.  Here are some tips.

 1) The Perfect Location - Are you looking for a romantic spot or a place to bring the kids?  Will it be crowded?  Are there amenities and will they be open?  What is the weather prediction?  Some things to consider before packing up the car.

 2) Other People Invited? - Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, utensils and no sharing.  Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.  Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).  Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html).  Limit attendance and check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.  Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations. 

3) Kids - Make them feel included.  Provide options and let them choose what they want to eat, where they'd like to go, and what activities they want to participate in.  Engage them in preparing the meal and other events.  It's a lot more fun if they have ownership in it's creation.

 4) What To Pack - How will you get to the spot; near car or hiking?  How difficult will it be to bring a cooler?  Plan accordingly.  And don't forget your large blanket, plates, cups, utensils, ice, corkscrew/bottle opener, serving spoon/knife, napkins, paper towels, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen if needed.  

5) Food - It can be as simple or as complicated as you like.  You can hike deep in the forest and have pre-made sandwiches.  Or bring a grill and spend all day smoking meat to perfection.  There are websites dedicated to every picnic recipe possibility.  Personally, I like all the courses: drinks and appetizers, main course with sides, dessert, more drinks, and snacks for other activities.

 6) DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! - Choose a theme.  Hike through nature.  Bring some games with prizes.  

 This is all about breaking routine.  To feel good by ditching monotony.  To engage with those we love and find new inspiration.  Leave the boredom of electronic device at home and discover something exciting by exploring something new.

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.

at 3 comments:

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.


at No comments:

Friday, November 25, 2016

Pumpkin Pie

 Pumpkin Pie #195
Gouache on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus 

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

at No comments:
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