Monday, April 6, 2020

Better Together

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The world seems to have changed overnight.  You know these are challenging times because we are all isolated in our homes.  We share the same concerns about the health of our loved ones, the stability of our jobs, and other uncertainty.

We will be stronger because of this confrontation.  The grapes that struggle the most will produce the best wine.  We will face the Coronavirus with truth, fairness, kindness and put our words into action.  Know the facts: CDC Coronavirus.  Donate to medical efforts, your local food bank, or other areas impacted by the pandemic.  Seek ways, big and small, to bring joy to your neighbors.  We will get through this better together. 

Stay Home and Wash Your Hands,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com



This Is How We Roll #352


Sneeze Dab #353

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, April 3, 2020

Stay Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Stay Home #357
pen, ink, graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202004017
© copyright Mike Kraus

Stay home, save lives.  It's really that simple.  Finally getting to play video games without interruption.  I'm binge watching all sorts of shows and movies.  Laying in my hammock reading books that have been collecting on my shelves.  And evenings playing board games with a few glasses of wine.  Our pup, Scout, loves all the attention and walks she's been getting.  Saving lives has never been so easy.

See how staying home prevents thousands of people from getting the Coronavirus:
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/3/26/21193851/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-home-social-distancing

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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Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #355

Keep Your Distance #356

Social Distancing doesn't mean we can't have fun.  Grab your hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wine and join your friends for a Netflix watch party (https://www.netflixparty.com/).  You're saving lives by cancelling events you didn't want to attend anyway.  Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet (2 meters) away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.

Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:
1) Working from home instead of at the office
2) Closing schools or switching to online classes
3) Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
4) Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings
(from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-and-self-quarantine)




Keep Your Distance #355
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202003015
© copyright Mike Kraus



Keep Your Distance #356
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202003016
© copyright Mike Kraus

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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Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Staging Your Virtual Office




Staging Your Virtual Office



The Coronavirus has forced many of us to work from home.  And this poses some serious issues when it comes to appearing professional to your clients and boss.  Especially when you're using Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video calling system.  Here are some suggestions I have from helping set up my wife's temporary work space.



1) The background should not be distracting.  Preferably a flat wall with minimal decor.  All clutter should be removed.  Or use Zoom Virtual/Microsoft virtual backgrounds (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/04/virtual-backgrounds-for-zoom-and.html  


2) Have camera parallel to wall and avoid corners, which makes space look small and strange.

3) Don't have camera facing high traffic areas of the home like a hallway, doors, playroom, etc.  Make sure you are able to separate from pets, children, and other interference.


4) Have a light source (window, lamp, etc) in front of you to remove shadows from your face.

5) Set camera at eye level.  You don't want to literally be "looked down on" and you don't want people looking up your nose the entire meeting.  Stack books or a cardboard box under computer if necessary.  This applies if you use a smartphone too.  Don't wander around your house making breakfast or doing chores.  The movement can be nauseating.  You don't want people to avoid contacting you because it looks like you're on a roller coaster every time you talk.  

6) Wear solid color shirts instead of patterns, which cause agitation and camera distortions.

7) Be aware of your facial expressions.  Do you turn up your nose when you hear something you don't like?  Are your eyes starting to glaze over from boredom?  Take notes or have a drink to break monotony. 

8) Prepare and practice.  If you are sharing materials, look at them ahead of time and make sure they look good.  Don't feel comfortable with the technology, practice with a co-worker, friend, or spouse.

9) Hide your video display.  It diverts your attention.  Now, you look great, so have confidence.


Obviously, we need to be flexible.  There are going to be limitations and exceptions.  You may not have extra space in an apartment.  There might not be a plug on a wall with good lighting.  The goal is to minimize any problems and amplify the successes.



Hope this helps. And, if you have any questions, please let me know. We're all in this together. 
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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, March 30, 2020

Don't Touch Your Face!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Don't Touch Your Face! #354
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202003014
© 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) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Never touch your face with dirty hands.
2) 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).
3) Get a flu shot every year. Encourage your family and friends to get a flu shot too!
4) Ask your healthcare provider if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
5) Avoid being close to people who are coughing and sneezing.

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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Friday, March 27, 2020

Sneeze Dab

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sneeze Dab #353
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202003013
© copyright Mike Kraus

Dab when you sneeze. Bend your arm, and make sure you sneeze into, not over, your elbow. Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html). One final practice that helps prevent the spread of respiratory disease is avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/17/817251610/its-time-to-get-serious-about-social-distancing-here-s-how). (From CDC.gov)

Tips For Working At Home

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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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

This Is How We Roll

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


This Is How We Roll #352
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202003012
© copyright Mike Kraus

Don't worry about toilet paper.  There's almost too much being mass-produced.  Almost 150 companies make countless millions of rolls per year.  Also, the Coronavirus is a respiratory disease; not gastrointestinal.  Obviously, we're emotional beings who feel like we need "to do something" in times of uncertainty.  The best thing you could do would be to learn to wash your hands: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Tips For Working At Home

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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