Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historic. Show all posts

Friday, March 31, 2023

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Arles Amphitheatre
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807098
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

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

😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎
Perfectly unique items for your home 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 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:

Friday, March 10, 2023

Rhône River at Avignon

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Rhône River at Avignon
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803041
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

On the left bank of the Rhône River nestles the city of Avignon.  A slight bend in the river that has been a destination for the Greeks, Romans, Popes, and countless others.  And the Pont d'Avignon (the Pont Saint-Bénézet) is the last of many bridges trying to reach the other side.  Previous attempts have been destroyed in war, ruined by floods, or doomed to failure by poor engineering.  But what it lacks in function, it excels in adding to the beauty of a marvelous city.   

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark 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 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, March 8, 2023

On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201808105
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The final hole on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf Course; "Cathedral of Golf."  In 1764, William St. Clair of Rosslyn decided to alter the course to have the standard 18-holes we have today.  And it has hosted 29 Open Championships since 1873.  That sense of history is felt with every footstep as I carry my golf bag down each fairway and over ancient bridges.  And I have a lot of time to ponder the days of yore when I'm in the "road bunker..."

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

Please listen to my 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 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, June 16, 2021

Dad Joke #142: I Don't Trust Those Trees. They Seem Kind Of Shady...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


INSPIRATION FOR DAD!

Mass-produced ties, cards, and novelty gifts aren't good enough for your loving dad.  Give him something special with original artwork.  With a wide selection and a range of prices, you'll be sure to find something perfect just for him.  (And dad, you deserve to choose something you want for yourself too.)

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR ART COLLECTORS!  A box-set of dozens of original pieces documenting, educating, and memorializing the historic COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic are currently on sale with free shipping within the United States.  Perfect for museums, galleries, experienced collectors, or an art lover making their first acquisition.  Information at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/511949014/covid-19coronavirus-box-set-artist 


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.


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.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

House on Île d'Orléans

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 House on Île d'Orléans
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Near Quebec City, in the St. Lawrence River, is the Île d'Orléans.  We spend the day parallel to the coast on Chemin Royal stopping at roadside markets, colonial markets, and wineries.   Seeing where my ancestors settled after leaving France in the 1600s.  We ended the day in Sainte-Pétronille with art galleries, coffee, and chocolate.  Just relaxing and enjoying the view.

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



Monday, July 1, 2019

Roman Théâtre antique d'Orange

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Roman Théâtre antique d'Orange
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201906057
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/704302320/roman-theatre-antique-dorange-original

After a short train ride from Arles, we had brunch at 

Restaurant du Théâtre.  We snacked on various treats and drank plenty of Rosé as we relaxed before our excursion into the sparse and imposing Roman Theatre across the street.  As we entered from the sidewalk, the commanding structure gives way to the openness of a 7,300 seat semi-circular amplitheatre.  I turn to see a massive stage and have difficulty imagining it covered with colorful mosaics and marble.  A statue of Emperor Augustus waves to remind us of the legacy of great empires that all inevitably fall.   It's a miracle that this structure has survived for over 2,000 years so I can see it today.


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

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.




Jakelin was a 7-year-old fleeing gang infested Guatemala.  
Felipe Gómez Alonzo died of an infection and the flu at 8-years-old
Juan de León Gutiérrez was 16-years-old when he died from an infection.
A 2-year-old died of pneumonia.

These are just a few of the 15,000 children imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other United States Government Agencies and their for-profit contractors.  They are being kept in concrete cells, deprived of basic necessities, and starving from hunger.  The filth they are forced to live in has led to flu, lice, and respiratory outbreaks, that are purposefully being neglected.  And guards punish these children for minor offences by taking away their blankets, mats, and forcing them to sleep directly on the concrete floor (Southern Poverty Law Center)

I am extremely disturbed that a country that has shown me and my family such kindness is so cruel to others. This is not about politics. This is about justice, kindness, and truth. These children and parents are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala because government-supported gangs are violently attacking them (United Nations). After a dangerous journey, we deny them their rights to asylum (Amnesty International), we kidnap and lose their children (American Civil Liberties Union), cage and sexually assault kids (New York Times), and deny them due process and indefinite imprisonment at detention/internment/concentration camps (Los Angeles Times).  We're allowing them to die in these terrible conditions (NBC News).  And we arrest and try to imprison good, Christians who provide food and water to those in need (The Guardian).

I don't care about politics and find involvement in them to be humiliating.  I do care about honesty, fairness, and respect.  I ask that you remember your family roots, that you search your heart, and confront cruelty in all its forms.

For ways to help, please visit:


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Spanish Expedition - Barcelona, Spain - Part IV

WELCOME TO
BARCELONA, SPAIN!

This is our "Gaudi Day" excursion.  Everywhere has their "weird artists."  It's incredible to me that Barcelona not only accepted their weird artists, but have supported and encouraged them in ways I've never imagined.  Barcelona took these crazy, wild ideas from their creative people for some very large and expensive projects.  Taking that risk is what makes Barcelona the world-class city it is today.

The "Block of Discord (Illa de la Discòrdia)."  A name given to the buildings because they all seem to compete for your attention.  All constructed by famous Moderista (Art Nouveau) architects.

Casa Amatller (https://amatller.org/entradas/) was created for the Amatller Family Chocolatiers by Josep Puig I Cadafalch.


Interior of Casa Amatller.  Keep walking and you'll find the Amatller cafe and chocolate shop.

Detail of Casa Amatller's Neo-Catalan Gothic facade.


Well, this is disappointing...  Casa Batlló (https://www.casabatllo.es/en/) having renovation work.

A model of Casa Batlló before and after Antoni Gaudi remodeled the structure.  So, you can kind of get a sense of the building.  But, I suggest looking up photos online.  It's worth it if you're not familiar with the house.

Casa Lleó Morera (http://www.casalleomorera.com/en/) was completed in 1906 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner





Fundació Antoni Tàpies (https://fundaciotapies.org/en/) is a contemporary art museum mostly dedicated to Antoni Tàpies' work.

Taking a bit of a break in the Jardí del Palau Robert

Hotel Casa Fuster (https://www.lhw.com/hotel/Hotel-Casa-Fuster-Barcelona-Spain?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sCQ5r_Q4QIVg2SGCh00DQ6VEAAYASAAEgJm_vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) was designed by Lluís Domènch i Montaner in 1907.  Mariano Fuster hired him to build the most expensive house in the city as a gift to his wife.

Casa de les Punxes (https://casadelespunxes.com/en/) by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Bartomeu Terradas Brutau had the house built for his three sisters.

Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece Sagrada Familia (https://sagradafamilia.org/en/home).  

From 1883 until Antoni Gaudi was killed by a streetcar in 1926, he worked on the construction of this church.  Work continues today and they are optimistic that it will be completed by 2026 for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

The Passion Facade realized by Josep Maria Subirachs in 2005.

The exterior of the building is designed to tell the story of Jesus Christ.  This side of the building is recounting the torture and execution of Jesus.


Just look at the expression of agony in that face.

The unfinished Glory Facade will tell the story of dying, the Last Judgement, hell, and finding heaven through God.  This may take a while to complete though.  In the 1950s, the Mayor of Barcelona sold the land across the street to developers of some very ugly apartments.  Obviously, he didn't think the church would ever be completed.  Now, Barcelona is trying to buy the land back to tear the buildings down so they can complete the project as planned.

The central spire is under construction and planned to stant 560 feet high.  So, about twice as high as the towers you see already completed


The Nativity Facade, which was the only part of the church completed during Gaudi's life.

Every inch and detail of the church has a meaning.  The Nativity Facade tells the story of the birth of Christ and the Holy Family (the Sagrada Familia), whom the church is honoring. 

Jesus lovingly looked over by Joseph, Mary and a countless number of angels, animals, flora, and other beings.

Probably one of the most emotional and horrific statues I've ever seen.  Herod the Great hears about Jesus' birth and orders all children under the age of 2 to be killed believing the "King of the Jews" would take his crown.  This is a mother pleading and failing with a Roman soldier not to kill her infant.



It's an incredible feat to conduct this much construction with the over 3,000,000 visitors per year.  That's over 8,200 per day if there were open 365 days per year.


The interior is no less impressive.  The mathematics and engineering involved to keep this building from collapsing must be very intense. 

Just a few of the 56 column ranging from 36-to-72 feet tall resembling a forest of trees. 


The colored stained glass splashes light throughout the light colored interior.

The church is about 48,000 square feet and can accommodate around 8,000 people.  Not sure if that includes the 1,000 members that can fit into the choir.

The Spanish sun blasting through the stained glass.


A view into a very traditional crypt where Gaudi is buried.  The church's original architect was Francisco de Paula del Villar.  And his design was still massive, but much more conservative.  After a dispute, he resigned and Gaudi asked for the job and advocated for the structure we are seeing rise today.

Megan on Avinguda de Gaudí.


Looking the other way on Avinguda de Gaudí

Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul - (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) (https://www.santpaubarcelona.org/en/visits-sant-pau-art-nouveau-site) is the main building of the 26 building complex built between 1901 to 1930.

A new Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul - (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) building has been constructed on the back of the site.  While this has not been an operating medical center since 2009, it is still in use.  Currently, it's a museum and cultural center and recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Güell (https://parkguell.barcelona/en/home-en). And the only proof of bad weather we've seen in the Iberian Peninsula.

Casa Martí Trias i Domènech.  Park Güell was originally envisioned as an upscale housing development.  A neighborhood of high-quality homes, new technology, accessible amenities, with an artistic flair.  Unfortunately, for Eusebi Güell, it was a rocky hill far outside of Barcelona with terrible access to roads.  So, only two homes were ever built.  Güell 's heirs sold the property to Barcelona in 1918 for use as a flower nursery, school, and public park.

Colonnaded pathway


Looking toward Barcelona

View of Barcelona Harbor from top of Park Güell

View of Sagrada Familia fromPark Güell

Park Güell is a small public park that attracts tourists from around the world.  Unfortunately, that can cause a lot of problems with overcrowding, structural damage, and other related issues.  To protect this historic and cultural asset, the "Monumental Zone" with all the main structures requires a fee to enter and is limited to 800 people at a time.

Wandered around the area waiting for our timed entrance into the park.  While just outside the park, this was a tower of what appears to be the world's fanciest shed.

With a full day of walking, we thought it'd be a good idea to take a few minutes to relax at Bar Piranya (https://barpiranya.wixsite.com/piranya) before heading into the Monumental Zone.  Didn't realize that their large Moritz beer (https://www.wegow.com/conciertos/concierto-de-mourn-en-barcelona-ciclo-backstage/) was "Bavarian-sized."

Entrance of the Monumental Zone of Park Güell

Guard House (Casa del Guarda)




El Drac (The Dragon) is a crowd pleasing mosaic sculpture on the main stairway.  It's also a reason why this park now has strict restrictions.  It was vandalized in 2007 and had to be restored.

Sala Hipòstila (pillared hall) was intended to be a market to serve the 60 houses of the development.  But, it was never completed.  These 86 columns support a public square.  

One of several mosaic medallions in Sala Hipòstila

Deep inside Sala Hipòstila looking back toward the city.


Close up of the broken glass and tile Gaudí used to create the park

The public square above the Sala Hipòstila having some minor maintenance done.  The ground is usually unpaved dirt though.  This is so when it rains (like it will be soon) the water can be collected and distributed to plants throughout the park.  And where I'm standing was the planned location for the "Greek Theatre" to entertain the residents of the failed housing community.





Form and function.  This pathway not only looks interesting.  But on the right side it acts as a retaining wall.  And the columns and part above are holding up a road.

The Portico of the Washerwoman is curious.  Like Sagrada Familia, every square inch of the park is packed with symbolism and meaning.  It would take a lifetime to find and decode every detail.

Tree on top of the terraced wall.



Casa Milà, nicknamed La Pedrera (The Stone Quarry) (http://www.lapedrera.com/en) is another Antoni Gaudí creation commissioned by Pere Milà i Camps.  Construction took place from 1906 to 1912.


Detail of  Casa Milà-La Pedrera's balcony railing

Interior courtyard of Casa Milà-La Pedrera.  These areas help the apartments stay cool in the summer.  And provide light to the interior.

This is the landlord's stairwell.  This gave him a private entrance to avoid the tenants.  But, I assume they could always see him coming home...

Attic of Casa Milà-La Pedrera.  These odd shaped arches did many things.  1) It gave the building its unique shape, 2) provided ventilation to keep building cool in summer and warm in the winter, 3) space for tenants to store items and perform other tasks.

An apartment of a middle-class tenant

Megan checking out this very well organized children's room


Gaudi's vision of nature playing out on his Modernista (Art Nouveau) ceiling


The roof of Casa Milà-La Pedrera where 30 chimneys guide you for a view of the sky and the surrounding city of Barcelona.


Megan overlooking the atrium courtyard.

The private space behind the homes of the Eixample.


View of the Passeig de Gràcia



Megan looking down the Passeig de Gràcia


Overlooking the Carrer de Provença


Arch purposefully framing Gaudi's other masterpiece, Sagrada Familia


And, with that, we spent our last bit of time celebrating Barcelona with Antoni Gaudi.

Barcelona - El Prat Airport (https://www.barcelona-airport.com/).  It amazes me how Europe has been preparing their infrastructure for the 21st century.  I've been fortunate to visit Portugal, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany in recent years and it seems like they are embracing (with a few grumbles) the future.



Goodbye Barcelona!  

It was an incredible experience.  I've been to very few places that are this exciting.  There's activity everywhere at all times.  Sights to see around every block.  It's sophisticated enough to be special, but casual enough to be fun.  Barcelona takes pride in where they live and it shows by how they reach for the future while respecting their history.

See more of our vacation at:



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