Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tree in Albufeira Portugal, Mixed Critter, and Seaside Swirl.

Tree In Albufeira, Portugal, 2014
oil pastel on paper
8" x 10" in a 9" x 11" frame
© copyright Mike Kraus

Hiking along the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal.  The only shade from the intense sun is a tree.  Every so often, there's a cool breeze from the water to provide some relief.  It's a great place to drink vinho verde.  To plan our life together on the other side of the world. 

This drawing would great in almost space that is red, pink, violet, yellow, or blue.

For more information or custom order, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt 





 Mixed Critter, 2014
crayon on paper
© copyright Rachel Bell

What lurks in the Amazon rain forest?  Even scientists aren't completely sure.  There are many regions where humans have yet to visit.  There have been rumors of a Mixed Critter. A beast that only wants to snuggle.

seaside swirl, 2014
glazed play-doh
© copyright Rachel Bell
Collection of Megan Bell and Mike Kraus

She dreams of the ocean.  Lying on the beach in the warm sun.  Not having to worry about the controversies at her job.  The tropical waters are every shade of blue.  Flamingos glide through the clear skies

Monday, May 19, 2014

Megan's Happy Birthday!

Started off Megan's birthday with drinks at Hogan's Hideaway (http://www.hoganshideaway.com/).  You can tell she's excited about her French Martini.

Sitting outside on Megan's bday?  Weird.  Usually there's some kind of awful weather that ruins everything.

 Checking out the new sculpture park at the Memorial Art Gallery.

Us: "Weird little Lego-ish guy, why are you so sad?
Lego-ish Guy: "'Cause I saw the weather report..."

Mmmm...  Poutine.  Really, really great poutine at Lento (http://www.lentorestaurant.com/).  Another reason we need to go to Montréal sometime in the near future. 

Pasta and burgers all locally sourced and delicious!  I highly suggest Lento at Village Gate

Megan enjoying her new gliding love seat for the patio.

ACTION SHOT!  Scout received a new pair of lips in the mail!  THANKS AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE!

 And, she's down for the count...

 First fire of the season.  Not so much for fun, but to clean up some of the mess in the yard...

Night rabbit curious about Scout

 Looks like we're going to get some fawn soon.

The deer are not scared of us...

Perhaps because they are possessed by the devil...

 "Instead of watching the movie, do you think you guys could just go to bed instead?

 Scout loves cleaning up the yard.  Specifically helping pick up the sticks and gnawing them to hell.

 Look what I found in the garden!

Lots of rain came down right after we finished Megan's b-day dinner.  Lots of flash floods all over the place.  Sounds like it took out Penn Yan, NY.  This is the Irondequoit Creek by our place, which flooded much of Panorama Plaza

Where the Sideway Ends.  Ummm...

Heading home and checking out the flooding.  This is the trail I usually take home.

Saw a few Blue Heron hunting along the creek

At the top-center is usually an island with a bench.  No more island and I doubt there's a bench anymore...

Another new river created in the flood by the "Hillbilly Hot Tub."


No, graves didn't float down the river.  This is the "Loop Trail" sign that was uprooted from about 1/2 mile upstream.

 Ranging waters at the bridge

Panorama of the river at the parking lot of Linear (Channing H. Philbrick) Park.  Usually, the river is half as wide.  


 Old mill foundation under water



Something's odd about this myrtle...

Scout's first time on the hammock.  Not so sure about it yet and doesn't have her sea legs yet.

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Saturday, May 17, 2014

Vinyl Collector

Vinyl Collector, 2014
pen and ink on paper
4" x 6" in a 8 1/4" x 10 1/4"
© copyright Mike Kraus

It's a cool, cloudy day at the southside flea market.  Vendors shout about the virtues of their cheap and/or stolen goods from their stands.  The free-est of free markets.  But, on this early spring morning he is here to find old records in good condition.  Music only sounds right when there's the hiss of the turntable.

This drawing would great in almost any space with its neutral frame, but would accent light green, deep blue, light yellow, or beige spaces very well.

For more information or custom order, please visit:




Thursday, May 15, 2014

Canandaigua Lake

Canandaigua Lake, 2014
Acrylic Paint on Wood 
24" x 11 1/2"
© copyright Mike Kraus

Nestled between hills covered with traditional wineries and family-run B and Bs is Canandaigua Lake.  After a morning in the warm waters, we peruse the village shops on Main Street.  We ended up at the restaurant at the marina watching the courteous boat traffic.  Our lazy journey to Naples seems almost heavenly as we pass roadside fruit stands overlooking the lake.  A great place for a summer day.    

This painting would look best in a space that is navy blue, burgundy red, evergreen, or cadmium yellow 

For more information or custom order, please visit:



Monday, May 12, 2014

Bushnell's Basin Along the Erie Canal

Bushnell's Basin Along the Erie Canal, 2014
Acrylic on canvas board
7" x 9"
Collection of Seth and Michelle Klein
© copyright Mike Kraus
Bushnell's Basin Along the Erie Canal was commissioned to honor a special event and given on Mother's Day.  For more information or custom order, please visit:

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Yellow Birch Tree

Yellow Birch Tree, 2014
Acrylic on canvas board
7" x 9"
© copyright Mike Kraus

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 



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