Tuesday, December 1, 2020

New Holiday Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New Holiday Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!  Time for cocoa, celebration, and getting away from work.  During the difficulties of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others. 

1) Home Decorating - Half the fun of the holidays is making your home festive.  Here's a few ideas:
-Make a paper countdown chain.  It's a fun way to get kids even more excited for the holiday.
-Find or make a new ornament.  A decoration that commemorates something special to you this year. 
-Prizes!  Hide a decoration and the person who finds it gets an extra gift.
-Cover the outside of your house with lights!
-If you have a large yard, turn it into a holiday maze or other experience for your neighbors.

2) Virtual Lighting Ceremony - Rockefeller Center will be broadcast on National TV (https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/) on December 2nd at 7pm.  But, there are countless cities and other organizations that will be hosting online events.


Virtual Kwanzaa Celebrations are also taking place (https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/8233)

3) Holiday Hike - My wife and I always look for an excuse to get into nature.  Find a festive hike.  It could be as simple as walking around your neighbor to look at decorations.  It could be finding some place with snow.  What location puts you in the holiday spirit?  



5) Unite Family and Friends With 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 - Be as traditional or unconventional as you like.  But think about the meals you'd like for the holiday.  Maybe cookies and snacks for the other days to make it feel festive.  Make warm beverages to share at night.  

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 appreciate for them. And why you care for them.

10) Even Santa Loves Zoom! - Santa Claus is taking COVID precautions.  And this is easier that going to the mall.  And you can record the conversation.  Call Santa at: https://www.santasinthehouse.com/

11) DIY Holiday Cards/Letter - Make your own cards to give to loved ones.  Or write a letter updating friends and family about your life.  Make something personal and tell individuals why you're grateful for them.  Create something public and share it on social media.


12) Thankful Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Make a gift for someone special

13) Support Local Businesses - Many local businesses offer curbside pick-up, delivery, and other COVID-19/Coronavirus safe options for their products.  Supporting small businesses struggling in your community will help your neighbors have a good holiday too.

14) Christmas Light Drive-Thru - Various farms, zoos, neighborhoods, individuals and others create amazing holidays displays.  And they want you to see them.  So pack your household in the car and look at the flashing lights, inflatables, music choreography, and so much more.  

15) Holiday Music - There's so much holiday music and so much you can do with it.  Listen to a radio stations, make your own playlist, make a mixtape for someone, write your own song, etc.!  Music is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

16) Share Memories - Ask questions like "what was your best gift?" "what is your earliest holiday memory?" and "what's the strangest thing you've experienced during the holidays."  Get things started and it can provide you fun entertainment.


17) Share Memories Online - Post a holiday photo and tell us a story about it.  Let us know who was there, what you're doing, when this happened, where it was, and why it was special.  Then invite your friends and family to do the same.

18) Holiday Movies - Make a list of all the holiday movies you'd like to watch.  Make it a full "movie night" with popcorn and hot cocoa.  Use Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/) and watch your favorites with friends and family.

19) Get Dressed Up - Want to make a moment feel special?  Wear something fancy.  We've all been home wearing pajamas and being lazy.  Do something fun, eat a nice meal, and take photos while looking stylish.

20) Treat Yo' Self - The holidays are stressful.  So, find something for yourself.  What will put you in the holiday mood?  Is there something that will help you relax?  It's okay to take care of yourself too.

21) Write Thank You Cards - It's easy to become jaded from the holidays.  Think of how much time, energy, and money someone spent on you.  Let them know how much you appreciate having them in your life.  Reflecting on that kindness will make you feel good too.


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! 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.
at 2 comments:

Monday, November 30, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Essential Heroes #404
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202011112
© 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

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

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.html
Holiday Gratitude Board:

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:

Friday, November 27, 2020

Autumn Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Autumn Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202011110
© 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

There's a crispness to the fall air walking through the forest.  The sunlight makes the yellows, oranges, and reds explode in vibrancy.  It's an easy hike to the small river.  That's where we'll see the salmon trying to make their run.  The perfect place to social distance.

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
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.html
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
I'm Thankful You're In My Life:
Holiday Gratitude Board:

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, November 25, 2020

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

This time of year is about relaxation, gratitude, and creating new traditions.  If you're like me you'll lazily start the day by watching the parade, Zoom with some family and friends, enjoy a couple online games, eat a little too much, a short hike to burn off the calories, and crash on the couch to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

Most of all, I'm grateful for you.  Your kindness and support is so appreciated.  And I hope you and your loved ones are all safe, entertained, creative, and healthy.  THANK YOU and have a wonderful holiday season!

We're All In This Together, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Having Fun During COVID-19
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/new-thanksgiving-traditions-having-fun.html


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 3 comments:

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Holiday Gratitude Board: Having Fun During COVID-19


Holiday Gratitude Board: Having Fun During COVID-19

Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays are a stressful time.  Especially during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  This time of year doesn't have to be exasperating and it shouldn't be either.  It should be about relaxation and showing appreciation for all we take for granted.  Let's remind ourselves how luck we are with a gratitude board.

1) What Is a Gratitude Board? - It's easy.  It's just a poster board, cardboard, side of fridge, large concrete retaining wall, or anything that you can write what you're grateful for.  It can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like.  It can be your wall with Post-It Notes.  Or it can be ornately designed to complement your interior decor.  It can be all photos!

2) What Am I Grateful For? - This is a moment to forget about the news media and nasty attitudes on social media.  It's a time to reflect on what really matters to you.

People: Think about your partner, kids, parents, grandparents and other loved ones.  Who are your friends and why?  A confidant at work.

Actions: Did someone do something nice for you today?  Help you in a moment of need.  Or just listened to you during a moment of difficulty?

Stuff: Do you appreciate the food, shelter, clothing, and your health?  Say it.

The Small Things: Gratitude doesn't have to be grand.  In fact, beauty comes in small doses.  It can be a sunny day.  Maybe a smile during an absurd meeting.  A funny moment while walking the dog.  

3) Who Should Participate? - This is a personal choice and should not be forced on anyone.  Your attitude is your decision.  This can be done individually as a form of self-care.  Or you can paint a piece of plywood and have the whole neighborhood take part in being happy.


4) When Should I Be Grateful? - Set aside a moment each day for a little reflection.  Have a reminder on your phone if that helps.  Some people find that it helps set the tone for the day if it's the first activity they do after waking up.  Others find it reassuring if it's the last thing they do before bed.  There's no correct answer.  Do what works best for you.

5) Where Should I Be Grateful? - It should be somewhere that will be viewed by all participants regularly.  If it's for you, it can be on your bedroom mirror or a daily used notebook.  For a family, a kitchen or living room might be more appropriate.  Create an online board with friends and others on social media.  All contributors should see it frequently and be able to access at all times. 

6) Why Am I Doing This? - I admit, when this was introduced to me I thought it was cheesy and just another unnecessary chore.  But, I witnessed a moment when negative words and actions caused a loved one pain at a time that should have been very joyful.  So, I decided to take it seriously and find ways for it to be personally meaningful.  

Oddly enough, there was a science experiment about it.  When soccer/football players were positively told to kick a ball to the top left corner of the goal, they were far more accurate because that's what they focused on.  But, when soccer/football players were negatively told to avoid kicking the ball to the bottom right of the goal, the ball ended up their the majority of the time because that's what they focused on.  (If you know of this study, please let me know so I can cite it).  The lesson: If you focus on happiness you're far more likely to be happy.


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! 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).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

at 1 comment:

Monday, November 23, 2020

Grandpa Jer's Rollin' Cinnamon Rolls

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Grandpa Jer's Rollin' Cinnamon Rolls
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202010100
© copyright Mike Kraus

Sunday mornings would include a drive through downtown, passing suburbs, to the woods where my grandparents had their log cabin.  The scent of cinnamon emanating through the brisk air as we trudge the path to the door.  Grandpa was an Army cook that raised six kids, so he only knew how to bake in large quantities.  Piles of cinnamon rolls would be in cake pans, plates, Bone China, platters, pie tins, mixing bowls, cutting boards, colanders, and whatever else was available.  By evening, the only things that remained were all the kitchen utensils needing to be washed in the sink.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.html

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:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog
at 1 comment:

Friday, November 20, 2020

Rows of Lavender In Provence

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Rows of Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202011109
© 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

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

This painting would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, blue, green, dark purple, black, white, beige or wood

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.html
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
I'm Thankful You're In My Life:

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:
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