Monday, September 7, 2020

School At Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



School At Home #385
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009077
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) shut down your office and your kid's school along with everything else. It's been chaos with 50 states having 50 different policies. And over 13,000 school districts seemingly having 13,000+ different ideas for how to continue your child's education. As if you weren't concerned about the stability of your job and the stress of working at your dining room table; you're being told to teach your kids at the same time.

Let's acknowledge a few things first. Everyone's situation is different solutions will require infinite patience and incredible flexibility. That our haphazard, uncoordinated patchwork of school districts have various plans with a wide range of success and failure. Finally, that this is causing anxiety for everyone involved. So, let's try to find some solutions.

 1) Sync Your Schedules - Homeschooling one-on-one tends to be quicker than classroom learning. What takes 6 hours at school can only take 2-4 hours at home. Review the requirements for your kid/kids learning. Now, compare your mandatory tasks for working from home.

 2) HELP PLEASE! - Divide the subjects and kids between you and your partner. Ask for help from friends, family, and other parents. Does your school district provide any tools? Look for online resources. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it.

 3) Schedule and Routine - Find a schedule that works for you and your child. Be flexible and patient your kids and yourself. Is it possible to do some work a little earlier in the morning while your kids are asleep? Math and science can be taught anytime after 3pm until bedtime as well. Weekends can also be opportunities for learning. This may be necessary for using limited resources like computers.

 Make a schedule, write it down, and display it someone prominently. This will help provide work time for your and your child. Here's an example:

Family Schedule
7am – 10am
Adult 1: Work
Adult 2: Watch children
Kid 1: Breakfast and school work
Kid 2: Breakfast and school work

10am – 11am
Adult 1: Watch children
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: Online class
Kid 2: Zoom with friends

11am – Noon
Adult 1: Check work messages
Adult 2: Help children with homework
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

Noon – 1pm
Lunch for everyone. Extra time to play outside or walk around neighborhood

1pm – 1:30pm
Adult 1: Help children with homework
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

1:30pm – 4pm
Adult 1 and 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Free time

4pm – 5pm
Adult 1: Chores and errands
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Chores

5pm – 7pm
Dinner. Extra time for own activities.

7pm – 10pm
Adult 1: Spend time with kids
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Theme night activities (Movie Night, Game Night, etc). Free time. Bed.

4) Use Everything - Allow open access to every board game, book, art supply, toy, or whatever for your children. Allow them independence so you can work. Be honest with your children about your job. When you are working, you're not to be interrupted unless it's "burning or bleeding." Also, there are millions of educational videos available for on streaming services. Is your kid freaking out and you need to be in a Zoom meeting? Let them watch Cartoon Network if it keeps them quiet. We're in a State of Emergency. No one will judge you for doing what you need to for survival.

5) Improv - With many school districts providing little to no guidance, it's good to employ the tactics of shortform improv theater. The "structure" is education and it is driven by audience/student. If your kid is really into roller coasters, make that a full day project. Have them spend a couple hours researching the 10 best roller coasters in the world. Write a report on why those are the best roller coasters. What is the science and math behind roller coasters? What is their history? Create a design and build a model of your own roller coaster. Use the techniques of Montessori education. Let your student own their education by having fun.

My grandpa was a master at this. He'd teach me through every day experience. It'd always start with, "Hey Mike, would you like to learn how to..." and end with me doing chores. This is how I learned how to change light fixtures, write checks, read schematics, fix a leaky toilet, change the oil, cook a meal and so much more. By college, I was completely independent and able to run my own household.

6) Communicating With Others - It's good for your child to talk with their friends and play online games. So, let them do it. In fact, encourage them to use Zoom with their grandparents, mail a letter to a cousin, leave a note to a neighbor in need, or host an online party.

7) Be Patient, Flexible, and Relax - This has been a big change for you, your kids, your boss, and everyone else. Sometimes, the homework isn't going to be finished. It's not going to prevent your kid from going to college. It's okay and shouldn't interrupt your work.

There are nearly 50 million families in America experiencing the same problems you are right now. So call, text, email, Zoom, group chat at least one of them. Share your successes. Laugh at your failures. And remember to take care of yourself. Everything is going to be fine.

---

"Their plan is to reopen after disinfecting the school, though it is not clear how much of a difference that will make... and a single sneeze or cough could once again contaminate a classroom." - Dr. Sanjay Gupta (more at: Why I am not sending my kids back to school)

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:
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Friday, September 4, 2020

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009076
© copyright Mike Kraus
We made a late-night social distancing adventure away from the city's light pollution.  NEOWISE was visiting our sky for the first time in 6,766 years.  On its last stopover to Earth, humans were just figuring out how to domestic pigs.  How far we've come.  The stars shoot and silence is intoxicating.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.

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

Having Fun During Coronavirus

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 1 comment:

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

You Need These 2020 Fall Fashion Trends!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer is still hot, but autumn will be here before you know it.  When that time comes, we'll need a pop of color to compliment the neutral tones of our pants and sweaters.  And a new mask is ultra fun, so you'll def have something to show off.

Visit: https://society6.com/mikekraus/masks for a few examples of what all the cool kids will be wearing as the air begins to chill. And you'll be protecting your loved ones with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, and 50+ year old parents/grandparents.

Get in on the action too.  Have a mask already?  Share on social media using #MikeKrausArt


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 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Have A Picnic: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Have A Picnic: Having Fun During Coronavirus

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) safe practices can feel isolating and lonely.  But, there are still many ways to stay healthy, active, and keep our mental health (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/04/tips-for-working-at-home-mental-health.html).  One way to have fun is to have a picnic.  Here are some tips.

 1) The Perfect Location - Are you looking for a romantic spot or a place to bring the kids?  Will it be crowded?  Are there amenities and will they be open?  What is the weather prediction?  Some things to consider before packing up the car.

 2) Other People Invited? - Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, utensils and no sharing.  Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.  Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).  Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html).  Limit attendance and check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.  Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations. 

3) Kids - Make them feel included.  Provide options and let them choose what they want to eat, where they'd like to go, and what activities they want to participate in.  Engage them in preparing the meal and other events.  It's a lot more fun if they have ownership in it's creation.

 4) What To Pack - How will you get to the spot; near car or hiking?  How difficult will it be to bring a cooler?  Plan accordingly.  And don't forget your large blanket, plates, cups, utensils, ice, corkscrew/bottle opener, serving spoon/knife, napkins, paper towels, garbage bags, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen if needed.  

5) Food - It can be as simple or as complicated as you like.  You can hike deep in the forest and have pre-made sandwiches.  Or bring a grill and spend all day smoking meat to perfection.  There are websites dedicated to every picnic recipe possibility.  Personally, I like all the courses: drinks and appetizers, main course with sides, dessert, more drinks, and snacks for other activities.

 6) DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! - Choose a theme.  Hike through nature.  Bring some games with prizes.  

 This is all about breaking routine.  To feel good by ditching monotony.  To engage with those we love and find new inspiration.  Leave the boredom of electronic device at home and discover something exciting by exploring something new.

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).
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.

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Monday, August 31, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Essential Heroes #384
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008075
© copyright Mike Kraus

To all our essential heroes, living and deceased, thank you for your dedication and sacrifices so that we can live.  We are profoundly grateful for and respectful of all you have done for us.  Thank you for your great personal courage that enable to be safe, healthy, and free.

 #WearAMask In honor of our heroes

Celebrating Women:

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 1 comment:

Friday, August 28, 2020

Returning to Civilization

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Returning to Civilization
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202008074
© copyright Mike Kraus

After a couple of weeks in the forest, it's time to return to the daily grind.  We've packed our tent and equipment into our small car.  The last of the food has been cooked and the leftovers will be snacks on the long trek home.  A pot of coffee ready to perk us up for our early departure.  We drive at a leisurely pace as the deer and other creatures are actively beginning their day as well.  The birds playing in the wind that makes the trees dance.  And over one final hill, the road leads us out of the wilderness and back into civilization.
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 1 comment:

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #383
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008073
© copyright Mike Kraus

Social Distancing doesn't mean we can't have fun.  Grab your hand sanitizer, masks, 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. 

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consider the following tips for practicing social distancing when you decide to go out.

1) Know Before You Go: Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live.
2) Prepare for Transportation: Consider social distancing options to travel safely when running errands or commuting to and from work, whether walking, bicycling, wheelchair rolling, or using public transit, rideshares, or taxis. When using public transit, try to keep at least 6 feet from other passengers or transit operators – for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a bus or train. When using rideshares or taxis, avoid pooled rides where multiple passengers are picked up, and sit in the back seat in larger vehicles so you can remain at least 6 feet away from the driver. Follow these additional tips to protect yourself while using transportation.
3) Limit Contact When Running Errands: Only visit stores selling household essentials in person when you absolutely need to, and stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household while shopping and in lines. If possible, use drive-thru, curbside pick-up, or delivery services to limit face-to-face contact with others. Maintain physical distance between yourself and delivery service providers during exchanges and wear a cloth face covering.
4) Choose Safe Social Activities: It is possible to stay socially connected with friends and family who don’t live in your home by calling, using video chat, or staying connected through social media. If meeting others in person (e.g., at small outdoor gatherings, yard or driveway gathering with a small group of friends or family members), stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household. Follow these steps to stay safe if you will be participating in personal and social activities outside of your home.
5) Keep Distance at Events and Gatherings: It is safest to avoid crowded places and gatherings where it may be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household. If you are in a crowded space, try to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are especially important in times when physical distancing is difficult. Pay attention to any physical guides, such as tape markings on floors or signs on walls, directing attendees to remain at least 6 feet apart from each other in lines or at other times. Allow other people 6 feet of space when you pass by them in both indoor and outdoor settings.
6 ) Stay Distanced While Being Active: Consider going for a walk, bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists. If you decide to visit a nearby park, trail, or recreational facility, first check for closures or restrictions. If open, consider how many other people might be there and choose a location where it will be possible to keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

Celebrating Women:

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 1 comment:
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