Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19


Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has meant spending a lot of time with your family, roommate, and other members of your household. And that should be "quality time."  Parlor games are a great way to interact with each other.

Gather the Household: Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some Sherlock Holmes inspired drinks: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sherlock-holmes-cocktails-2009

Number of Players: entire household
Objective: To remain in the game as long as possible.  Have fun watching the humorous spectacle.  

Game Rules:
1) Set Up- In an open space, select and blindfold the first two players.  Each player is given a rolled-up newspaper as a "sword."  Both players will lie on the ground head-to-head about 3 feet apart.  

Variation A: Instead of a newspaper sword, replace with a pool noodle, bananas, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.  Anything soft, safe and funny.
Variation B: Add distance to increase difficulty and humorous situations.  

2) To Start Game - The first player ready will say, "Are you there, Moriarty?"  When ready, the second player will reply, "The Great Game!"


3) Sword Fight! - Using the rolled-up newspapers, each player will attempt to hit the other player.  The first player is eliminated and another member of the household replaces them.

Variation A: To prolong the game, make it a best-of-five game.  After each hit, household members on the sideline will place and spin players to restart match.  

4) Scoring - Tally wins on paper.  Or a chalkboard if you have it.  The Grand Champion will have the most tallies.  Consider a prize to the winner.  It can be something small, like a candy bar.  Or something more high stakes, like loser has to do the winners chores the next day.

Variation A: Add categories like: longest winning streak, funniest win and/or loss, most swings, etc.  And prizes for everyone! 

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, April 12, 2021

Don't Touch Your Face!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Don't Touch Your Face! #423
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202104025
© 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, April 9, 2021

Honeycrisp Apple

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeycrisp Apple
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104024
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-original-acrylic

The weekend before my birthday, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York.  Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos.  Others are simply apple farms that just grow apples.  We'll roam the grounds selecting a variety to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats.  And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away...

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, 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:

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Home Is More Important Than Ever

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Our home should be a safe, entertaining, creative, and safe place for us and our loved ones.  And spring is the perfect time to start making our house our favorite place to be.  Here are some ideas: 

1) Make a design journal or Pinterest board - Save photos of rooms you admire.  And take notes about the things you like about a space.
2) Make a priority list - Does that broken chair need to be replaced now?  Did the spare bedroom turn into a work-from-home office without a desk?
3) Make a budget - Avoid stress by knowing what you can afford.  This can also be useful for determining your true priorities.
4) Designing - Take your ideas from your design journal or Pinterest and put your best ideas together. (ie - The wall color from one, furniture from another, and your heirloom painting frames).
5) Make a  Decision - Use painter's tape to see your space.  Outline where you'd put the furniture, shelves, and artwork.  Adjust what doesn't work and build around what you think is great.
6) Implement your plan - Go ahead and buy the paint, order the furniture, and commission the artist.  Put it all together.   


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, April 6, 2021

Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19


Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19

For many of us, our commute has been greatly shortened into a trip from our bedroom to our makeshift office.  While that's a wonderful perk of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it does present us with a few problems.  We aren't properly prepared for work.  We're still not awake.  We're not in the right mindset.  And then we're not productive during the day and burned out by the evening.  One solution is a work from home commute routine.

1) Drive - I do not miss driving at all.  Not the traffic jams.  Not the angry aggressive road rage.  Or the parking fees, maintenance, construction, accidents or any of the million other issues. 

What I do miss is the music.  It's the only CD player I have and when I'd listen to my old albums entirely without interruption.  Now, I've uploaded my CDs and listen to an album as I eat breakfast and brush my teeth.  

2) Walk/Run - The best commute I ever had was a 20-minute walk from my home to work.  It'd wake me up, allow me to think and plan for the day, and to relax my mind as well.  And for the return trip home it's calm me down from the stress and prepare me for the evening with loved ones.  So, I plan to walk once a day.

3) Bike - What is said about walk/run is true about biking as well.  Starting and ending your day with a 30-minute bike ride around the neighborhood is great.  You can see what's going on quickly.  But, you can also slow down and stop to appreciate something that's interesting.  


4) Carpool - We used to carpool to jobsites.  And it's created some great friendships.  Especially on long distances when we'd get breakfast on the way.  With Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and other platforms, we are still able to do this with co-workers, clients, friends, and family.  The more informal; the better.  Just a 5-10 minute conversation while you're making and eating Pop-Tarts.  

5) Train/Bus - I was fortunate enough to take the "L" to work when I lived in Chicago.  As we flew past the traffic gridlock below, I'd read, listen to music, a podcast, audio book, work on a crossword puzzle, play video games, and call friends and family.  It's like having a chauffer without the snobbery.  I can still enjoy that every day.  Just a few minutes before and after work.

6) Coffee- This is a special ritual for many people.  And I suggest spoiling yourself and indulging in it.  Most of us have a standard drip coffee maker.  But go ahead and get a single-serve, pour over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew, espresso, stovetop, grind and brew, turkish, steeped, Vietnamese, siphon, percolator, or whatever else you like.  Become your own barista and learn a useful skill for something you use every day.  

7) After Work Commute - As a bachelor, I had a pretty great routine after work.  I'd get a couple drinks with friends and colleagues, pick up dinner at the store, and play video games while I cooked and ate.  And that still happens, just a bit differently.  We'll informally use Zoom after work while having cocktails and playing online games.  And continue through making dinner or waiting for delivery.  

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, April 5, 2021

On Guard

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


On Guard #422
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202104023
© copyright Mike Kraus

He knows what it means to save a life.  That patriotism is keeping each other safe. "To love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22:38) means to "Let each of us look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4). How many of our loved ones have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents that need our protection? It can be fun and rugged too.

Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that fit your unique personality and won't break the bank. This includes durable masks with original Mike Kraus Art: https://society6.com/mikekraus/masks. With over 200 designs, there's a fun and creative piece just for 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, April 2, 2021

Blue Dream Flower

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Dream Flower
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104007
© copyright Mike Kraus

The flowers are in full bloom under the sultry heat of the sun.  Electric colors gain intensity under the afternoon light.  There's a slightly sweet fragrance of summertime berries that attract the bees and hummingbirds.  The garden is a place to learn about patience, persistence, and harmony.  There are two sides to nature and we need to embrace both to acquire the whole.  

This painting would look best in a space that is orange, yellow, dark green, 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:

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Supply Run

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Supply Run
pen, ink, and graphite on bristol paper
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A weekend to myself.  Better get everything I need to survive.  A few meals, junk food for snacks, something for dessert, and something to drink to make me feel good.  Aisles and aisles of brightly colored sugary treats.  All waiting for me to let myself go.

This drawing would look best in a colorful space that is bright red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, neutral, 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 30, 2021

New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19


New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

For Christians, Easter is about losing Jesus to death and a new beginning in the afterlife.  During the difficulties of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate now. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others.

1) Candy - Get lots of candy.  Too much candy.  Little eggs and hallow bunnies.  Peeps and jelly beans.  Easter baskets for every member of your household.  Make some to leave on the doorsteps of friends, family, and neighbors.  There's never too much candy.

2) Virtual Easter Run - A good way to build up an appetite for a lot of ham is a virtual race/walk.  Even better if it's for charity!  Here's an example: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/AnywhereUSA/EasterRunVirtual2021

3) Watch the Catholic Vatican's Mass With the Pope - It's quite a spectacle (https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html).  And there's plenty of other denominations, churches, and others to choose from as well.  

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

Add caption

5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Have your favorite foods - For many people, Easter is only about eating ham, deviled eggs, and chocolates. And that's great! But some people would rather eat something else. DO IT! Make something new or get take out: Chinese, pizza, whatever! A culinary adventure can lead to great memories.

7) Random Act of Kindness - We all know someone experiencing some form of difficulty in their life. The illness/death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Do something nice for them.

8) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.


9) Gratitude Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you're grateful for them. And why you're grateful for them.

10) Gratitude Chain Letter - Write a letter to someone you're grateful for and tell them why. And end with saying "send a gratitude letter to 5 people you're better for knowing." It can be a personal letter through the mail that can be saved as a keepsake. Or a public message on social media that can be shared with friends and family. The choice is yours.

11) Springtime Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Create something the honor who or what you're grateful for.

12) Home Decorating - Fill your home and yard with bunnies. But we can do more! Do you appreciate your good health; thank healthcare workers. Honor veterans for their service. Show and tell your neighbors they are amazing. Make a public gratitude board.

13) Gratitude Challenge - There's a lot of wonderful things in our lives. Let's find ways to recognize it.
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep are two easy-to-remember moments. And it can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your partner, family, or others; make a gratitude board.
c) Find something you find beautiful and focus on it.
d) Think of a time someone was kind to you and reflect on the experience
e) Ask three other people what they are grateful for.
f) Think of a difficult time in your life and it's positive outcomes.
g) Keep a journal of positive actions in your day.


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 29, 2021

Blue Elephant

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Elephant #421
ink, pen, and marker on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103022
© 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.

at No comments:

Friday, March 26, 2021

The Patterned Meerkat

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Patterned Meerkat
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202103020
© copyright Mike Kraus

Today, in the Kalahari Desert, he is a sentry while the others in his clan forage and play.  If there is danger, he will bark to tell the others to hide.  But, there is no danger today.  Yet, he will remain on duty while the others race and wrestle in the sun.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, beige grey, 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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Sentry

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Sentry
pen, ink, and graphite on bristol paper
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

The streets can be a dangerous place.  Strange noises coming from the alleys.  Suspicious people on the street corner.  Cars slowing down as they pass you from behind walking on the sidewalk.  That is why there is: The Sentry.

This drawing would look best in a colorful space that is bright red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, neutral, 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.




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