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

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

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

To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/heirloom-tomato-by-mike-kraus-art-food-fruit-tomatoes-breakfast-lunch-dinners-snacks-treats-red_print?sku=s6-17480541p4a1v45

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: 

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html

Building a Fire Pit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html

Share Heart of Hope:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html

Hiking:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html

Celebrating Women:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html

Have A Picnic:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html

You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html

Have Some Theme Spirit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html

Working For the Weekend:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html

Honor and Remembrance:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html

Apple Picking and Other Farms:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/halloween-gravedigger-flashlight-game.html

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/spook-your-friends-and-neighbors-having.html

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

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!

More Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

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).

7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.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.

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

The Ontario Raspberry

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Ontario Raspberry

acrylic paint on canvas board

9" x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm)
201809116

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/647775733/the-ontario-raspberry-original-digital

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.

More About Mike Kraus Art

Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/check-mike-krauss-artwork/

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

https://www.facebook.com/events/308616739898516

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:

https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Burr's Seedling

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Burr's Seedling

acrylic paint on canvas board

9" x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm)
201809115

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://society6.com/product/burrs-seedling_print?sku=s6-9773747p4a1v45

40% off this item with code NOPLANS ends tonight at midnight PT!

Make a blank space pop with rad Art Prints. Better yet, start a gallery wall and mix Art Prints, posters, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints of all sizes to elevate your space with design. Available in five sizes, from mini to x-large.

-Gallery quality Giclée print
-Natural white, matte, ultra smooth background
-100% cotton, acid and lignin-free archival paper
-Epson K3 archival inks for high-quality print
-Custom trimmed with 1” border for framing

More About Mike Kraus Art

Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/check-mike-krauss-artwork/

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

https://www.facebook.com/events/308616739898516

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:

https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

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.

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

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. 

Salmon or Sal Bass? He just substituted one fish for another!

Looking for Salmon in the Irondequoit Creek at Corbett's Glen in Brighton



Here's Rachel in her impromptu straightjacket.  



Tops Grocery isn't know for their exotic food.  Kiwano Melon?  It tastes like cucumber, banana and lime?  Jelly texture?  



Finally got to see the salmon spawning.  It was really awesome.  Giant fish swimming upstream and jumping up the waterfalls.  It was just like those nature shows except for the grizzly bears trying to catch them.  That's Rich in one of the many "Hudson River School" photos I've taken since moving to Rochester.



Somewhere in there is a giant salmon...



And, a salmon is about to jump or already jumped.  What lame photos for such a cool event...



Rachel with a couple of boys trying to see how close they can get to the salmon



Megan!



Me...



Three Bells.  The littlest one's hip hip name is Lil' Arby



WhatchaGotCookin? Eats! on the Erie Canal in Fairport.  We had a donor event there last Saturday that was a lot of fun with lots of great food.  Megan and I walked by last summer (on our epic walk from Pittsford-Fairport and back) and thought it would be good.  We were right



Setting up on what turned out to be a perfect day












Donors!



Yesterday was an epic "Cleaning Day."  So, we cleaned everything and rearranged the whole office.  Now, I can see everyone instead of starring at the wall.  It really has changed my worldview



Gertie with my new desk ornament I found in the cabinet I cleaned out.  


That's about it.  

We're Going To Need A Few Drinks If We Actually Do This...

Megan's work, AIAChicago, decided to throw us a Martini Engagement Party last Friday after work. It was very nice of them to do that for us and a lot of fun. Pictured above is my Orange Bitter Martini with Gin. It was damn good.


Here's Steve. He's an interesting guy. Every time I talk with him, some fascinating story or event happens. This Martini event is one of them. I had no idea he was such a Martini artist. He had this whole thing planned out with chilled glasses, ingredients, and crafted each drink to perfection by rubbing various fruit and stuff. It was amazing just to watch.


Here's Megan cutting up some Mango for a few drinks.


Here's the team at work


Here's Steve explaining the fine balance of making a Martini, "Well, it's a lot of alcohol with a small splash of juice." And that is why Megan and I ended up at Gino's East and ate a whole pizza afterwards...

PS - Has anyone else been watching the "THIS" Movie Channel? It's like HBO that you get with an antennae, but only shows really terrible B movies. And, if you know me, I love B movies. They had Charles Blakely's Monster, Species III, and millions of others I've never heard of before. It's pretty awesome. I highly suggest it...