Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Still Having Summer Fun!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Latest 2020 Summer Fashions 

I hope you're enjoying your summer!  That you're spending sunny days by the water, grilling delicious meals, and playing games in the yard.  We can still have fun, right?

Your health and safety is very important to me.  As a few places reopen, I will not be participating (and have cancelled) all face-to-face art shows, exhibits, or other events until I can guarantee your protection from infection, hospitalizations, or worse.  My pieces are still available to view and purchase at: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com following the latest CDC guidelines.

Life is what we make of it.  So, let's focus on the good, take care of ourselves, and be helpful to others.  And remember to savor the warm, radiant days of summer while they are here.  The inspiration can last a lifetime.

Stay Safe,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Need something to read poolside or at the beach?  Check out my FREE eBook Wooden Bear for a limited time 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 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:
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Tuesday, June 30, 2020

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!


HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!
YAY!  How is it possible that so much and so little time has passed?  It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were on the dance floor celebrating our wedding.  Yet, it's amazing that it's only been 10 years since we moved from Chicago, got awesome jobs, bought a house, adopted a silly mutt, and so much more.  And while so much has changed (like my Coronavirus Mutton Chops), the most important things have not; I love you, Megan and I look forward to the next 10 years with you!


 Megan showing how she would pose if we were on our planned 2nd honeymoon in Hyères, France right now.  Oh well... 

Life is what you make of it.  We don't need money or things to have fun; just each other.  To commemorate our trip to Belgium we had not-so-Belgian waffles for breakfast.  I'll admit Maison Dandoy (https://maisondandoy.com/) in Brussels were slightly better...


 After a relaxing morning and a brief walk along Lake Ontario, we had a "Spanish picnic" in honor of our vacation to Mallorca/Barcelona in Durand Eastman Park.


 Faisão Wines (https://enoport.pt/) overlooking Lake Ontario from the allegedly haunted "White Lady's Castle."  The myth is a mother haunts the old foundations of a mansion where her daughter went forever missing.  But, the foundations are a ruin of a former hotel.  So...


 Tapas, my love?  Another inspiration from our trip to Spain.  But, with an Irish-America twist of loaded potato skins.  Buen provecho and Taitneamh a bhaint as do chuid béile


 Green onions are different from leeks.  My wife informs me I was lied to by the produce staff.


 Reminds me of our visit to L'Affaire Est Ketchup (https://www.facebook.com/pg/laffaireest.ketchup) in Québec, Canada.

Another Belgian treat.  This time it's waterzooi and french fries (I know, mayo instead of ketchup is more authentic (Welcome to life during Coronavirus).  The restaurant in Bruges/Brugge, Belgium doubled as an antique store.  We had a hearty meal before an evening trying a myriad of Belgian beers in a fairy tale of a city.


 Why is coronavirus turning me into Ted Nugent?  Is Covid-19 a variant of Cat Scratch Fever?


 Celebrating 10 years together with a 10 year old tawny port wine from Taylor Fladgate (https://www.taylor.pt/us).  On our honeymoon in Porto, Portugal we toured their facilities and sampled their wine.  It was an estate up on a hill overlooking the city across the Douro River.  We had the tasting room with the parachute ceiling all to ourselves.


Cheer to the 10 years we've been married and cheers to the many more years of happiness we have to look forward to!

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Monday, June 29, 2020

Vision Quest XLIV

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLIV
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202006049
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244169382/vision-quest-xliv-original-acrylic

Twilight along the shore of the Lake Michigan.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

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

Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 

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:

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Don't Touch Your Face!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Don't Touch Your Face! #372
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202006048
© copyright Mike Kraus

It is estimated that people touch their faces about 23 times per hour! Respiratory infections can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing germs. When you touch your face with dirty, unwashed hands, germs can take up residence in your mucous membranes which can lead to an infection.

There are several ways that you can protect yourself from getting a respiratory infection:
1) Wear a mask and cover your nose and mouth.
2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Never touch your face with dirty hands.
3) Wash your hands frequently. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations (Use an 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands if soap and water are not available).
4) Get a flu shot every year. Encourage your family and friends to get a flu shot too!
5) Ask your healthcare provider if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
6) Avoid being close to people who are coughing and sneezing.

Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 

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.

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Monday, June 22, 2020

Latest 2020 Summer Fashions

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Latest 2020 Summer Fashions 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
202006047
© copyright Mike Kraus

The thing about other people is when they breathe, cough, and talk their infected droplets get into your mouth, nose, and eyes.  Eventually those droplets get into your lungs.  That can happen from 6 feet away.  Ew!  We can create a style with a higher standard - i.e., a pop of color or a pattern.  By covering your nose and mouth, you are telling the world you have loved ones with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents.  You are saying "I love my family and friends and I don't want them to die alone on a ventilator drowning in their own lungs.    

With only one mask, you need to take every opportunity to make it count.  What's the best way to do this?  Well, find a mask that fits your personality at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks).  Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that won't break bank.  There's colorful flowers from Mayan Expressions (https://www.etsy.com/listing/820439155) or countless designs by Made By MiMi Leslie (https://www.etsy.com/listing/808823197).  Check out our sexy selection of statement-making masks, all at an affordable price at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks)  
Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 

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:

Friday, June 19, 2020

Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


BLACK LIVES MATTER
https://blacklivesmatter.com/

Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202006046
© copyright Mike Kraus
Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 

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:

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Latest 2020 Summer Fashions

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Latest 2020 Summer Fashions #371
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202006045
© copyright Mike Kraus

The thing about other people is when they breathe, cough, and talk their infected droplets get into your mouth, nose, and eyes.  Eventually those droplets get into your lungs.  That can happen from 6 feet away.  Ew!  We can create a style with a higher standard - i.e., a pop of color or a pattern.  By covering your mouth, you are telling the world you have loved ones with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents.  You are saying "I love my family and friends and I don't want them to die alone on a ventilator drowning in their own lungs.    

With only one mask, you need to take every opportunity to make it count.  What's the best way to do this?  Well, find a mask that fits your personality at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks).  Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that won't break bank.  There's colorful flowers from Mayan Expressions (https://www.etsy.com/listing/820439155) and fierce animal prints by Katie Leigh Co (https://www.etsy.com/listing/812511661).  Check out our sexy selection of statement-making masks, all at an affordable price at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks)  
Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be You!: 

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:

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Be You


Be You

Coronavirus (Covid-19) may have changed many things, but it hasn't changed who we are as individuals.  If you can figure out who you are and how to be yourself, you'll be so much happier.  All of us have unique eccentricities and different challenges.  Here are some ideas about how to embrace ourselves during uncertain times.


1) Who Am I and Who Do I Want To Be? - We all get lost.  Beliefs collide with experiences to make us hypocrites.  So, we have to be patient, flexible, and understanding to others and ourselves.

 Personally, I was having lots of troubles a few years ago.  Upon reflection, I realized I needed to work at being a better person.  But, what did that mean to me?  My answer was to put truth, fairness, and kindness into action.  Sometimes there are grey areas, I forget and fail, or I stubbornly cling to wishful thinking.  Yet, it always comes back and I will myself to do the right thing. 

2) Who Cares What They Think? - If you don't choose for yourself; someone else will choose for you.  You'll lose your personal identity, lessen your self-esteem, waste time and energy on other people's pet projects, and have unfulfilling relationships.  That doesn't mean you're selfishly not taking other's into consideration.  It just means you're taking yourself into consideration as well.  And that's healthy.  

3) Being Alone - Use this isolation to discover who you really are.  What are your thoughts, interests, feelings, dreams, and ideas?  Turn off the smartphone and TV to listen to yourself.  

4) You're Weird - Good!  Weird is interesting.  Weird is fun.  Love it because it means you're probably doing something right.  It's a compliment; not an insult.


5) Build Confidence - Imagine who you want to be.  Ignore self-doubt.  Set some achievable goals.  Share goals with a supportive friend.  Help the supportive friend with their goals.  

6) "Pobody's Nerfect" - Most likely, it's your first time going through life.  You'll accidentally insult your boss, regret some decisions, and forget someone's birthday.  Admit the error, apologize, make a kind gesture, and move on.  

7) Get a Hobby - Find something you love to do. It can be painting, sculpture, sewing, writing, photography, printing, volunteering for a cause, fitness, biking, hiking, woodworking, learn a new language, making models, magic, juggling, fishing, running, dancing, swimming, geo-caching, surfing, astronomy, model rockets, bird watching, researching ancestry, history of a specific event, card games, pool, darts, home brewing, wine tasting, music, collecting and so, so very much more. 

8) Hooray For Mistakes! - Mistakes are great as long as you learn from them.  It means you're still experimenting and trying new things.  Just remember to admit your errors, ask yourself honest questions about your decisions, find effective way to prevent future problems, and move on.

Or it could be a new discovery.  A few "mistakes" lead to the creation of the plastic, Post-It Notes, the Slinky, Penicillin, corn flakes, the Pacemaker, and so much more.  As Bob Ross says, "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents. 

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!!!

Have any questions? Please feel free to contact me.  
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, June 15, 2020

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202006044
© copyright Mike Kraus

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, orange, green, dark navy 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:
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