Drawing Western Avenue in Muskegon, Michigan

I thought I'd share the process of how I draw.  For the subject, I decided on drawing Western Avenue in my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan.  It's the main street of downtown which has been bulldozed and rebuilt about every other generation.  Somehow, both of these buildings, the Russell Block to the left and the Century Club to the right, have been able to survive since the 1890s.  Anyway, this is how I draw.

 I've measured out a piece of paper to fit an 8" x 10" frame.  I've also added a border.  I like to leave an edge to the paper just in case someone decides to change the frame in the future.  It allows more flexibility for using mats and different size frames.  Next, I tape the paper down to my drawing board and prepare to sketch.

So, I sketch out my general lines in pencil.  I place various points of reference.  For example, I've used the edge of the street and rooflines to keep everything in balance. 

Once I have my reference points, I move into framing the structures.  I really like bold, straight lines that border on architectural drafting.  

This is the nitty-gritty.  From the outside of the building, you can usually see where the support beams are located.  In mid-century Modernist building they tend to be completely exposed.  But, in Victorian-era structures they are more subtle and hidden.  Most of my pencil lines are used to find the underlying structure so I can apply the facade appropriately.

The outline of the Century Club is now complete. 

The restored Western Avenue now has a median.  I had to sketch this in before moving on to the Russell Block building because it is in the foreground.  Then to the van, sidewalk, and the first floor of the structure.  From there, I worked my way up the building using the initial support beams as my guides once again.   

The outline is complete. 

 Then, I add the ink wash.  I like to add an organic wash to counter-balance the rigid drafting technique.    It takes the drawing out of the realm of a photograph and places it into a memory or dream.

The landscaping was particularly fun on this project. 

A detail of the cars. 

And, we're done.  We have a drawing celebrating the crown jewel of Muskegon's downtown.

Add it to a frame and hang it on your wall. 

Or place it on your mantle.  

Have any questions?  Let me know.

Western Avenue In Muskegon, Michigan, 2014

Pen and ink on paper

8" x 10"

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/194679066/western-avenue-in-muskegon-michigan

Vinyl Collector

Vinyl Collector, 2014

pen and ink on paper

4" x 6" in a 8 1/4" x 10 1/4"

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189900241/vinyl-collector-original-4-x-6-in-a-8-14?

It's a cool, cloudy day at the southside flea market.  Vendors shout about the virtues of their cheap and/or stolen goods from their stands.  The free-est of free markets.  But, on this early spring morning he is here to find old records in good condition.  Music only sounds right when there's the hiss of the turntable.

This drawing would great in almost any space with its neutral frame, but would accent light green, deep blue, light yellow, or beige spaces very well.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt 

River Street In Manistee, Michigan

River Street In Manistee Michigan, 2014

pen and ink on paper

5" x 7" in a 8" x 10" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/188922256/river-street-in-manistee-michigan

River Street in Manistee, Michigan.  The last we'll see of civilization before we head into the national forest.  This outpost squeezed between the dense woods and Lake Michigan.  We stop in The Pub for a drink, check out a few antique shops, and watch the street performers.  It's wonderful to visit a place that respects their history.

This painting would look best almost anywhere in its neutral rustic frame and black and white image.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Girls GameOn

Girls GameOn, 2014

graphite and ink on paper

5" x 7" 

Collection of Yvonne McKessy

© copyright Mike Kraus

Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art

Through the fun of soccer, help young girls build their confidence, find their voice and learn how to lead. The Goal Fun soccer activities will introduce the girls to new leadership concepts. Through these activities, they are encouraged to explore a variety of leadership styles, empower them with the ability to choose the way in which they will accomplish a goal, and then support them as they put their ideas into action. Often this helps find a girl’s personal strengths, skills and interests, which gives them the confidence to be a leader. Through this camp, girls better understand themselves and their values. The girls will learn to recognize how situations, attitudes, and the behaviors of others affect their sense of self.

Please visit their website at: http://www.girlsgameon.com/ 

Oh the Humanity

Oh the Humanity, 2014

pen and ink on paper

6 1/2" x 4 1/2" in a 12 1/2" x 10 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$23 + shipping

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184982750/oh-the-humanity-6-12-x-4-12-in-a-12-12-x?ref=shop_home_active_1

With over seven billion people on earth, it's hard to imagine that each one is an unique individual.  No two people are genetically the same, not even "identical twins."  Our DNA is always changing and mutating.  People come in infinite shapes and sizes.  An immeasurable diversity that can be easy to forget.

This piece would work in almost any space with its use of black and white in a neutral frame

WELCOME TO MIKE KRAUS' ART SHOP!

WELCOME TO MIKE KRAUS' ART SHOP!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

I hope you find something you like. If you're unable to find something or saw an item on this blog you liked, please let me know and I may be able to create something special for you.  THANKS AGAIN!

Deep Red Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

8" x 6"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035672/deep-red-birch-forest-8-x-6-by-mike?ref=shop_home_active_3

White Birch, 2014

acrylic and ink on paper

6" x 6" in an 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$32 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184036840/white-birch-6-x-6-in-a-8-12-x-10-12?ref=shop_home_active_2

Dark Green Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

6" x 8"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035042/dark-green-birch-forest-6-x-8-by-mike?ref=shop_home_active_4

Blue Birch, 2014

acrylic on canvas board

6" x 8"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184034274/blue-birch-tree-6-x-8-by-mike-kraus?ref=listing-shop-header-4

Night Birch, 2014

scratchboard

7" x 5" in an 11 1/2" x 9 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$32 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184045579/night-birch-7-x-5-in-a-11-12-x-9-12?ref=listing-shop-header-0

White Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

8" x 6"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184040365/white-birch-forest-8-x-6-by-mike-kraus?ref=related-4

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

If you need anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me:
MikeKKraus@gmail.com

Faces In the Crowd

Faces In the Crowd, 2003ish

pen and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

I wonder how many people know that I've captured them in my sketchbook?  Here's a sampling from hanging out in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.  Lots of characters makes for interesting people watching.  You can tell who is a tourist because they look up at all the skyscrapers.  I don't know about the people looking down or about the guy in the top hat.

Meerkat Assembly Plant

Meerkat Assembly Plant, 2014

pen and ink
Collection of Stefanie Gilmour

© copyright Mike Kraus
Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike?

Science and technology can improve the meerkat.  To challenge what it means to be a meerkat.  Why be only 10 inches tall when you could be six foot tall?  Demand for large meerkats is expected to high as insect and lizard populations are projected to explode due to global climate change.  Of course, this will help Mother Nature stay in balance.

Night Birch

Night Birch, 2014

scratchboard

© copyright Mike Kraus

Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me.  Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming.  And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge.  I’ve always found the unique and nearly insignificant white tree interesting.

The IT Guy

The IT Guy, 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus

During the day, he's largely ignored by the staff until someone has a computer problem.  You'll usually find him in his distant office that doubles as a storage room for servers and cannibalized electronics.  At night, he performs at the local theatre and becomes a character himself.  Two lives which couldn't be any more different.

White Birch

White Birch, 2014

Acrylic and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

What’s black and white and red all over?  A birch tree of course.  Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me.  Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming.  And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge.  I’ve always found the unique and nearly useless white tree interesting.

Palmer Hall

"Palmer Hall", 2014

pen and ink 
© copyright Mike Kraus

I paid the fee and they unlocked the doors.  We transferred our equipment from the car onto the stage.  Other groups arrive and friends gather in the parking lot.  Standing around the back door waiting for our drinks to be delivered.  This is the only place where kids are welcome.  Killing time with skateboards and forgetting the long week.  It’s 7pm and time to open the doors for the show.

Everybody Loves a Landlord

"Everybody Loves a Landlord", 2014

pen, ink, graphite 
© copyright Mike Kraus

On the edge of the city, a landlord busies himself with his rental estate.  Always with a cigarette in hand, he wanders around the structure trying to find a purpose.  He doesn’t have to show a vacant apartment until 3pm.  It’s not unusual to find him sitting in the lobby welcoming tenants and staring off into the distance.  The boom box repeats his only cassette: Dark Side of the Moon.  

Where's Vern?

"Where's Vern", 2014

Colored pencil and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

Katie and Vern are explorers from New York.  They like to get dressed up and see all their friends in the city.  So, the next time you are in the Big Apple, look for them in a crowd because they’ll be the life of the party.

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still"

"All Entities Move and Nothing Remains Still", 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

© copyright Mike Kraus

When is a place no longer home?  Is it when you no longer recognize the town?  Maybe it’s when all the institutions you were involved with have dissolved?  Or could it be when all your friends and family have fled?  Is the passing of time what makes it so “you can’t go home again?”