Yellow Birch Tree

Yellow Birch Tree, 2014

Acrylic on canvas board

7" x 9"

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189140163/yellow-birch-tree-original-7-x-9-by-mike

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

This painting would look best somewhere that needs a splash of color like a beige or light pastel foyer or small wall space.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

River Street In Manistee, Michigan

River Street In Manistee Michigan, 2014

pen and ink on paper

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

© copyright Mike Kraus

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

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

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Commuter Lifestyle

Here's an art installation at Village Gate during First Friday.  Unfortunately, it appears we just missed some great presentation.

I wish I knew the story about this outhouse (aka the rockin' crapper).  If you know, please feel free to share.  I'm very curious...

Instead of driving through traffic jams through ugly suburbs, this is my commute right now.  "Always look at the bright side of life" (in the key of Monty Python).

FINALLY SOME BUDS ON THE TREES!

A good place to relax.

$1 Easter candy at Big Lots.  I don't think so.  25 cents = Happy Mike

Please check out my art at:

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

Don't see anything you'd like, let me know and I could create something special for you!

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/ 

Lavender In Provence

Lavender In Provence, 2014

oil pastel on paper

10" x 8" 

Collection of Laura Holmes

© copyright Mike Kraus

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

Please visit I've Gotta Pack at http://contentqueens.net/1103/1424 or https://www.facebook.com/GottaPack to read true tales that will get YOU planning a trip!

It Almost Kinda Feels Like It Might Be Spring

Anyone in the market for a good Elvis lamp?  There was a good one at the public market garage sale this past weekend...

Some good stuff, but didn't really find anything we wanted.  Maybe next time...

 Megan and I went to go support a friend participating in the Flower City Challenge Half-Marathon. (http://www.flowercitychallenge.com/)

Here's a kid giving fives to runners as they enter the gates to Mt. Hope Cemetery.

RUN!

"Ugh, I wouldn't wanna run up that."

The gazebo and gatehouse for the cemetery

A cobblestone hill doesn't seem like the ideal road to run a marathon on.  We were very close to seeing dozens of broken ankles.

Drums and bagpipes are an interesting way to pump up runners.  I liked it though.

Scout really likes the runners and was disappointed we didn't let her race.

Had some work to do at the Abbott's in Bushnell's Basin.  Megan liked it because it was a good excuse for ice cream.

Please check out my art at:

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

Don't see anything you'd like, let me know and I could create something special for you!

Hemlock Lake

Hemlock Lake, 2014

acrylic paint on canvas board

7" x 9" 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/187678009/hemlock-lake-7-x-9-by-mike-kraus

A day trip to the Finger Lakes.  Well-tended wineries and old rustic farms nestle the rolling hills carved by the pure glacier water.  Wild Cardinal Flowers border the fertile soil of this famous agricultural region.  The sky is a perfect shade of blue and the air smells so fresh.  It can feel like an earthly paradise.

This piece would work best in a space that is jade green, red, or bright yellow.