Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19


Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is an opportunity to learn a new skill.  So, let's try portrait drawing.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those outside your home?  Invite people to participate on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 


2) What You Need: Pen and paper is the easiest.  But, we can expand to crayons, markers, color pencils, and paint.  Or bring it outside and use chalk on the driveway.  Whatever makes a mark.


3) Who's Next?: Pair up into groups of two (2) or (3) people.  Draw them as they are drawing you.  And try not to draw the same person twice.  If necessary, only draw twice when everyone else has been drawn.


4) Set Aside Some Time: How much time will depend on how many people participate and how "finished" you want the pieces to be.  If there's five (5) people that just want some entertainment; set a timer for 10 minutes to draw each person.

If there's only two (2) or three (3) of you and you want to develop your life drawing skills; set a timer for one (1) to four (4) hours.  


5) Share It With Each Other: Look at each other's work.  And remember this is suppose to be fun.  So, don't be critical unless if someone asks for advice on improvement.  

If the group does want to improve through critique, remember to listen, have a conversation, be direct, specific, focus on the piece instead of the person, make suggestions, and compliment something about the piece. 


6) Share It More Publicly: This could be on a refrigerator or an empty wall.  On a driveway or on social media.  It could be just a select few best pieces from an evening.  Or all the pieces created during the pandemic.  


UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Monday, March 22, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #416
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103012
© copyright Mike Kraus

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.


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.

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Friday, March 19, 2021

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202103019
© copyright Mike Kraus

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© 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 painting would look best in a space that is light red, dark yellow, green, blue purple, 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.


at No comments:

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Cast Movies and TV shows... With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19


Cast Movies and TV shows...  With Friends: Having Fun During COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has given us an unpleasant reality.  Fortunately, movies are a great source for escapism.  A necessary distraction into the world of imagination and fantasy.  Let's put our tendency to be couch potatoes to good use by making it a game.  

Games improve our outlook on life.  It activates neurons in our brain, which prevents diseases like dementia.  Having fun is medicine to fight anxiety and depression (https://anzmh.asn.au/mental-health/the-psychological-benefits-of-playing-cards/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20reconnecting%20with%20the,loss%20associated%20with%20older%20age.)  

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those outside your home?  Invite people to play on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) Select a Movie Everyone Has Seen: This is not an exhaustive list.  There are countless other movies, foreign films, and other features people know and love.

2010+: Star Wars (sequel trilogy and spinoffs), Avengers (multiple), Black Panther, Jurassic World (multiple), Incredibles 2, The Lion King (Live Action), Finding Dory, Frozen (multiple), Batman: Dark Knight Rises, Toy Story (multiple), Beauty and the Beast (Live action), Captain Marvel, Hunger Games (multiple), Wonder Woman, Iron Man (multiple), Captain America, Harry Potter (multiple), American Sniper, Boyhood, Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave, Selma, Things To Come, Coco, John Wick (multiple), Train To Busan, Ladybird, Margaret, Toni Erdmann, Get Out, Carol, No, The Tree of Life, 


2000-2009: Avatar, Batman: The Dark Knight, Shrek (multiple), Pirates of the Caribbean (multiple), Spiderman (multiple), Transformers (multiple), Star Wars (prequel trilogy), Lord of the Rings (multiple), The Passion of the Christ, Finding Nemo, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Mulholland Drive, Gladiator, Children of Men, Lost In Translation, Sweet Home Alabama, 13 Going On 30, I Am Sam, Catch Me If You Can, The Notebook, American Psycho, Punch-Drunk Love, Grizzly Man, 

1990s: Titanic, Jurassic Park (multiple), The Lion King (animated), Forest Gump, Independence Day, The Sixth Sense, Home Alone (multiple), Men In Black (multiple), Toy Story (multiple), Twister, Mrs. Doubtfire, Beauty and the Beast (animated), Ghost, Aladdin, Saving Private Ryan, Austin Powers (multiple), Terminator 2, Armageddon, Dances With Wolves, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer), The Fugitive, Liar Liar, Before Sunrise, Groundhog Day, Goodfellas, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Piano, Close-Up, Schindler's List, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Selena, The Matrix (multiple), My Girl, Roger and Me, The Silence of the Lambs, Clueless, 

1980s: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Batman (Michael Keaton), Indiana Jones (multiple), Ghostbusters (multiple), Beverly Hills Cop (multiple), Back To the Future (multiple), Top Gun, Tootsie, Crocodile Dundee, Rain Man, Three Men and a Baby, Fatal Attraction, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gremlins (multiple), Rambo (multiple), Do the Right Thing, The Shining, Die Hard (multiple), The Terminator, Dead Poets Society, Heathers, The Verdict, Blow Out, 


1970s: Star Wars (original trilogy), Jaws (multiple), Grease (multiple), The Sting, Superman (multiple), The Godfather (multiple), The Exorcist, Smokey and the Bandit, Animal House, Blazing Saddles, Rocky (multiple), Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Towering Inferno, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Love Story, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Airport, American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, The Poseidon Adventure, The Trial of Billy Jack, The Amityville Horror, Young Frankenstein, Every Which Way But Loose, Apocalypse Now, Star Trek (multiple), The Goodbye Girl, Heaven Can Wait, Alien (multiple), Hooper, Fiddler On the Roof, The Muppet Movie (multiple), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Suspiria,  

1960s: The Sound of Music, The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Jungle Book (animated), My Fair Lady, Thunderball, Cleopatra, 2001: A Space Odyssey (multiple), Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, How the West Was Won, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Funny Girl, Herbie: The Love Bug (multiple), James Bond (multiple), Bonnie and Clyde, The Dirty Dozen, Lawrence of Arabia, Midnight Cowboy, The Odd Couple, Valley of the Dolls, West Side Story, Doctor Zhivago, Bullitt, Easy Rider, The Longest Day, Romeo and Juliet, Tom Jones, Oliver!, The Bible: In the Beginning, Hawaii, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Hello Dolly!, Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice, Paint Your Wagon, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Mary Poppins, The Sand Pebbles, The Guns of Navarone, The Carpetbaggers, Spartacus, 8 1/2, Psycho, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Parent Trap, To Kill a Mockingbird, Z, 

1950s: The Ten Commandments, Lady and the Tramp (animated), Peter Pan (animated), Cinderella (animated), Ben-Hur, Sleeping Beauty (animated), The Bridge On the River Kwai, Around the World In 80 Days, This Is Cinerama, The Greatest Show On Earth, Rear Window, South Pacific, The Robe, Giant, Seven Wonders of the World, From Here To Eternity, White Christmas, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Sayonara, Cinerama Holiday, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Peyton Place, Some Like It Hot, Quo Vadis, Auntie Mame, Seven Samurai, Singin' In the Rain, Tokyo Story, The Seventh Seal, The Night of the Hunter, A Face In the Crowd, Rebel Without a Cause,  

Not satisfied with this list?  The American Film Institute has a bazillion more options at: https://www.afi.com/afi-lists/

3) The Audition - Once a movie or TV show is selected, who are the characters?  Think of the hero, the lancer, the ogre, the smarty-pants, the old timer, the rookie, the philosopher, and the comic relief.  

Which friend or family member would fit that role?  Who has the physicality, emotions, motivations, and intentions for the part?  Or for a twist, who'd be the most awkward loved one for the production? 

4) Defend Yourself From the Critic - To me, this is the most fun part as every is encouraged to submit their nomination and decide as a group.  State your case, have constructive feedback, and remember to laugh.  Describe specific scenes with your loved ones cast.  What would change and what is true to life?  


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!


UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Monday, March 15, 2021

Don't Touch Your Face!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Don't Touch Your Face! #419
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103018
© 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 and zits.

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.


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, March 12, 2021

Café Bliss

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Café Bliss
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) in a frame
202103017
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/211104389

Beauty is a way of life. As others are distracted by their smartphones, tedious jobs, and wasteful chores, I relax and contemplate my gratitude in the warm sunlight.... I'm thankful for this moment, which is aided by slowly sipping my morning coffee.

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


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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Morning Apparition On a Summer Daze

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Apparition On a Summer Daze
acrylic on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Steam races off my coffee in the cool morning air.  My feet wet from the dew balanced on the blades of grass.  The sun slowly climbs the horizon of the lake.  Still and silent enough to allow most of us to sleep.  Bright and intense to allow the animals to start their day's work.

This piece would look best in a space that is bright red, light orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark purple, 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.




at No comments:

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19


Leprechaun On a Shelf?: Having Fun During COVID-19

I'm sure you know Elf On a Shelf, but doesn't a Leprechaun make more sense?  They're always getting into mischief.  And during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, we could all use a little luck of the Irish.  So, here are some things you can expect if you have a Leprechaun in your home.  Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig dhuit!

1) Set a Leprechaun Trap - You need to catch a Leprechaun to start.  Here's a place for some suggestions: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/leprechaun-traps/ 

2) What Does Your Leprechaun Look Like? - You may find one online.  Maybe you have one already.  Or, take a cue from Flat Stanley and create your own Leprechaun: https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/make-it-a-flat-stanley-summer/

3) Quarantine - Put the Leprechaun in a bubble before he joins your bubble.  It could be a 2-liter, food canister, or any other clear container.  And make sure he wears a mask and washes his hands.


4) Have Your Favorite Irish Foods - It doesn't get more Irish than corned beef and cabbage: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/.  But, there's more than just that.  Try making soda bread, oysters, Irish stew, colcannon and champ, boxty, smoked salmon, black and white pudding, coddle, and/or barmbrack.  

5) Hide and Seek - Where is the Leprechaun this morning?  Sleeping in a sock drawer?  Eating your cereal?  Whoever finds the Leprechaun should get a small prize, like small candy.

6) Playing a Board Game - After a long day of cobbling shoes, even Leprechauns need a break.  See what game he selects for this week's game night.  Some suggestions at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/02/board-game-night-having-fun-during.html

7) Exercising - If your Leprechaun is like mine, he has a bit of a gut on him.  Too much good food and drink at home, I guess.  So, let him announce to the family what today's household exercise will be.  Here are some ideas: https://morningchores.com/fun-family-exercises/.  Also, I will be building a ninja course in my backyard now...


8) Drive-In - Set up your tablet, projector, phone, or TV somewhere different like the patio or garage.  Lay out a blanket with snacks.  And watch an Irish movie like: My Left Foot, The Young Offenders, Cardboard Gangsters, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, The Irish Pub, The Crying Game, The Snapper, Once, Brooklyn, In the Name of the Father, The Guard, Sing Street, Bloody Sunday, Frank, The Quiet Man, The Commitments, The Secret of Kells, Philomena, The Magdalene Sisters, In America, and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Be cautious if your Leprechaun chooses something from the Leprechaun film series...: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun_(film_series)

9) Practical Jokes - Leprechaun's love a good prank.  So, here's some ideas of what you can expect: https://mashable.com/article/easy-pranks/

10) Pot O' Candy - You've been tolerant and patient with the Leprechaun.  For that kindness, Leprechauns are known to leave treats behind.  Something he probably learned from the Easter Bunny.



AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

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.

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

at No comments:

Monday, March 8, 2021

Turn It Off

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Turn It Off #418
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103016

Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories (including social media posts).  Limit news to 15-minutes per day to stay informed; not overwhelmed.  It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.  Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible.

Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.


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.

at No comments:
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