Memorial Day In the Mitten

Just got back from Memorial Day in Muskegon, Michigan.  We had a great time visiting everyone.  Wish we had time to see more people. This is a pic of my sister, mom, and Megan at Hoffmaster State Park (http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=457)

Frances and I taking our traditional beautiful people pic.  Noah and Frances' house is awesome.  The style and artwork come together perfectly.  Also, very happy to throw a frisbee to Paxton.  Funny pup. 

 New shopping Chalets in downtown Muskegon.  It's 12 semi-permanent affordable retail spaces that give the area a "art fair" vibe.  It's a great idea that seems to be finding success.  It's been a few years since I've been back home.  But, I'm impressed that things seem to be improving.  There's quite a few new local businesses, people walking around downtown, various activities around the new Farmer's Market and at the breweries along Western Avenue.  It's exciting to see. (http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/03/12_retailers_to_rent_downtown.html)

 More chalets with the former Comerica Bank building in the background.  The former bank is in the process of being converted into condos (http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2016/05/new_highpoint_flats_apartment.html).  We were able to see the Edward Curtis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_S._Curtis) exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art (https://www.mfah.org).  It was very well done.  And it was much larger, expansive, interesting, curious, educational, and fun than many shows that I've seen.  It was completely unexpected.  I wish I was still an intern at the museum so I could spend a lot of time with the collection.

 Oddly, Raggedy Ann's red hair is thicker in real life...  

On a sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan 

 Lisa and my mom

Spending some time at the beach 

 Wandering around Lake Harbor Park.  (http://nortonshoresparks.org/Home/Parks)

Spent some time at Pigeon Hill Brewing (http://pigeonhillbrew.com/).  Great selection of craft beers.  Also went to 18th Amendment Distillery (http://www.18thamendmentspirits.com/), and Unruly Brewing (http://unrulybrewing.com/).  We had a lot of fun wandering around checking out all the new places.  Apparently, a lot of other people were too.  It's probably the most people I've seen downtown without a festival or other event going on.    

 A couple of wild turkeys wandering around the old neighborhood.  

The beach at Duck Lake State Park (http://www.michigan.org/property/duck-lake-state-park)

There is no family resemblance.  It's just an illusion created by our grey sweatshirts...  THANKS AGAIN for hosting us.  We had a great time.  It went by too quickly, as usual.

On the Shores of Lake Michigan

On the Shores of Lake Michigan, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

350 dpi

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/530916595/on-the-shores-of-lake-michigan-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

THE SHOW IS OPEN NOW!

THANKS SO MUCH TO UNION PLACE COFFEE ROASTERS for hosting a wonderful open house last night.  We had a great time and met lots of fun new friends.  I really enjoyed the coffee roasting demonstrations, Sweet and Cute coffee syrup tasting on ice cream, Dolce Cupcakery's treats, Southern Tier Brewing Company stout and IPA, and Rochester, NY's mayoral candidate Rachel Barnhart discuss her plans.

There's still time to see my work and have some amazing coffee too!  Whitman Work Co. will have my pieces up until May 25th.  More information at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/433621963677913/

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Genesee Valley Regional Market

900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504

Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 784-0404

www.UnionPlaceCoffeeRoasters.com

Store Hours:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-3pm

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

 On the Shore of Lake Michigan, 2017

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/268850899/on-the-shore-of-lake-michigan-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Friends of St. Jean Baptiste Church

WELCOME TO THE FRIENDS OF ST. JEAN BAPTISTE CHURCH PAGE! Founded In 1856, St. Jean Baptiste is one of the oldest and most historic churches in west Michigan. Our goal is to save the building from the neglect and the bulldozers that have been the fate of so many other important structures to the community.

We hope you join us in preserving this important icon to Third Street, the Nelson Neighborhood, and the Muskegon Community.

As a part of the efforts, please ask your friends and family to join us. And for fun, post of pics of your memories of St. Jean's. THANKS and please let us know if you need anything, have questions, or any suggestions.

https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-St-Jean-Baptiste-Church-1628460284140086/

Where I'm From

Where I'm From, 2014

pen, ink, graphite on paper

11" x 14" 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/203235458/where-im-from-original-ink-drawing-11-x?

10% OFF with coupon code: JOINtheFUN

Where I'm from reveals who I am.  A small working class town on the shores of western Michigan during industrial decline.  Families packing up and leaving for far off places just for the opportunity to work at a decent wage.  But that struggle has made the community stronger as it fights to revive downtown with new shops, residences, and breweries.  Sometimes it's best to be the underdog.

This drawing would look best in almost any space with it's neutral tones.  The paper is a light pink hue.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

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

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/ 

About Three Streets Down Memory Lane You'll Find Punk Rock Drive. Can't Miss It...

NoFX at Warped Tour '98 in Pontiac, Michigan.  We had backstage passes because of the 'zine.  One of these pictures has my friend Sandy in them, but I can't find her right now.  Fat Mike is probably taunting the crowd.

El Hefe doing the box jump exercise while playing guitar. 

El Hefe again 

I have to say these are pretty good shots considering that I was probably using a disposable camera.   

Best seats I've ever had for a concert.

Jim Lindberg, lead singer of Pennywise.

Randy Bradbury, bass for Pennywise

Now for shows slightly smaller than Warped Tour.  This is a show we organized at McGraft Park in Muskegon.  The officer sat in the parking lot behind the stage for about 45 minutes in his car while we had our performance.  Rapper's Guild was on stage when he walked up to the stage and stood their for a while.  After a couple of songs, he suddenly started to unplug all the microphones, amps, guitars, and all.  Was yelling about something.  We showed him our permits and everything to which he started making up nonexistent laws.  Eventually, the park manager got involved and we were allowed to go on with the show.

A meeting of the minds with J.T. Law, Rapper's Guild, and the Muskegon Police Department.  I forget who else played that day (sorry if it was your band).  I do remember trying to set this all up for a couple of bands touring from Florida or something.  We were suppose to meet in the Meijer parking lot beforehand.  They never showed up and never replied when I contacted them afterwards.  Weird show all the same...

Impromptu J.T. Law reunion show in the basement of the infamous Mastodon House in Kalamazoo.  

How many shows did I organize at Palmer Hall?

Fold at Palmer Hall in 2002.  

 Me, Nick Nummerdor, Jen Kelenske, Mike Nummerdor, and Jared Passinault in beautiful Michigan City, Indiana on our way to Chicago.

These were our mug/lost children shots.  If you've ever watched The Simpsons, you know what this town is like.  The nuclear power plant in the center of the city is only one similarity.

 Jared knocking back another Bubba Cola in the hotel

All of us at the Queers, Screw 32, Groovie Ghoulies, and Alkaline Trio show at the Metro in Chicago..  

Brandon "Bubba" Ogborn with a rocket launch behind him.  I forget how I came in possession of this photo, but I did.

Rick Johnson of the Wack Trucks, The Skeptics (The Ska Kings of Muskegon), and half the other bands that were on stage that night is getting ready to play at the Schism Zine One-Year Anniversary Show at the Walker Community Center in North Muskegon.  Rick's now in Mustard Plug http://www.mustardplug.com

Misled Youth on stage at the anniversary show. 

The Skeptics (?) on stage at the anniversary show.  

The Bounty Hunters headlined the anniversary show.  Unfortunately, I don't have photos of all the other bands that played that night.  There were 7+ bands playing to hundreds of people for six hours or so.  

Another batch of photos digitally preserved...