The Opposite of Beauty

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Opposite of Beauty

To know beauty, we must understand the misery of ugliness.  What is the cost of boring suburbs, ugly strip malls, and a hideous highway?  Science tells us the price of unpleasantness. A dull office environment leads to absenteeism and higher turnover.  Traffic noise raises blood pressure and heartbeats; impacting related diseases. A lack of access to nature decreases a person’s attention span and an increase in local crime.  A school curriculum lacking arts decreases grades in all subjects along with a higher dropout rate.  Unattractive surroundings have a direct correlation to depression, obesity, depersonalization, alienation, detached feelings, sexual abuse, drug use, violence, and hate.  This is the opposite of beauty.

We are overstimulated by smartphones, excessive work hours, social media, and the inability to disconnect.  And having too much has made everything meaningless. We are “too busy” for beauty because we have prioritized “efficiency,” “profit,” and other lesser values.  While the internet is good for research and distribution, it can also make us shallow human beings. There is no search for difficult answers. No in-depth conversations.  It’s all about the results of instant gratification. And all answers are not equal. We need to remove extravagance, convenience, and speed so that we don’t view beauty as a frivolous subject.  Just another elitist hobby only understood by those with fancy educations. That we’re not entitled to beauty. That beauty somehow makes us ineffectual. These are lies.

What do you find unpleasant? What are a few things your life would be better without? Is it a hideous room, the revolting smell of a dumpster, or the constant noise of the neighbor's lawn equipment? What are some ways we can make our lives more appealing?

We've been on manicured sidewalks connecting elegant buildings and charming parks. And almost anything can be made more appealing. It can be as simple as picking up litter or a fresh coat of paint. What is something we can change to bring us more joy?

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 thousands 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

What Is Beauty and Where Does It Come From?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

What Is Beauty and Where Does It Come From?

By definition, beauty is “the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit.” For me, this answer only raises more questions. What are those qualities and can they be quantified? Why is it pleasurable? What are those impacts on the logical mind and/or the emotional spirit? Is it a part of nature or a human invention? Understanding beauty seems to require a knowledge or a specific set of skills. These skills have been called inspiration, imagination, and creativity.

How do you experience beauty?  What are some of the things that you enjoy?   Is it a cozy living room, a sleek automobile, or the quiet of nature?  How are some ways we can make our lives more appealing?

We've experienced a dismal highway lined with abandoned factories surrounded by cheap plastic junk.  But, I've learned to see the possibility of even the most horrible objects.  And the act of transforming the hideous into the delightful.  Now we can explore that together.

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 thousands 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 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2021 was a year of kindness and support from friends like you.  A time of reflection to search for understanding, honesty, and gratitude.  And to have the courage to take care of ourselves and our community.

I'm glad to have you in my life.  We have a lot to look forward to in 2022.  

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com

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 thousands 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
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Why Invest In Original Artwork

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

 

Why Invest In Original Artwork

A great way to add your personality to a room is by decorating the walls with artwork.  Big box stores offer a lot of cheap options with prints, posters, and other mass produced options.  But, they lose their value immediately and rarely earn more than a few bucks years later in a garage sale.  So, if you're trying to freshen up a tired space, redecorating, or a new home-owner, you may want to consider investing in original artwork.

There's a lot of uncertainty in the world.  And you want to invest your hard earned money somewhere that's safe and has a good return.  According to Bloomberg, sales of post war and contemporary artwork have exploded from $260 million in 1995 to $7.8 billion in 2016.  And the value of art isn't as prone to erratic and irrational fluctuations as the stock and bond markets.  Even more impressive, your investment can add beauty and colors to your walls.  So, what are some things to consider when investing in artwork?

Can you tell me what "original art" is?  "Original art" is an unique one of a kind piece, like Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night painting hanging in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.  A "reproduction" is a photographic copy of the painting that has it's image placed on posters, mouse pads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and anything else you can imagine.  Somewhere between the two are "limited edition" prints made by photographers, screen printers, etchers, and other graphic artists that promise to limit the quantity of their copies usually to less than 200 replications.

Isn't original art expensive?  It can be.  The Scream by Edvard Munch did sell for $120 million in 2012.  But, there are more affordable options from artists that are established, mid-career, or just emerging.  But, let's review the three reasons original art is more expensive than reproductions: 1) Quality, 2) Scarcity, and 3) Production.

Quality - A painter will take a canvas, paint it with primer, and then design a subject using various colors, materials, and imagination.  Usually, this creates a texture and a vividness.  It is hand crafted by the artist.  A reproduction is a photographic copy that has difficulty capturing and holding that quality depending on the resolution, printing, and quality of paper.  Anyone using a copy machine knows the quality of the image declines the further away from the original the print comes from.  

Scarcity - There's only one original.  And the more well-known and talented the artist is, the most valuable the piece will become.  This severely limited supply of one compared to the potentially unlimited demand of art consumers can increase prices very rapidly.  Mass produced posters remain cheap because if they sellout, they can always just print more.

Production - To create a piece, an artist may spend anywhere between a few minutes to several years.  It can vary depending on size, subject, materials, complexity, etc.  Genius and inspiration are impossible to schedule and mass produce.  All of these factors come together to determine the artist earnings for a piece.  With reproductions, all the creative process costs are eliminated.  A machine can mindlessly make copy after copy without end.

What are the benefits of buying original art?  There are countless benefits to owning original artwork.  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

Style - What kind of person are you?  Do you follow trends or do you take your own path?  If you're trendy, then it's a matter of trying to stay ahead of the curve.  Look for pieces that have the colors and subjects that are popular.  Let's say purple bears are becoming hot.  You can purchase and commission a few pieces with purple bears.  You could build a collection (2+ pieces), which can boost the value of the pieces as collectors may want everything you've curated.  Once you've sold your pieces at the peak of their popularity, you can move on to building a collection of unicorn paintings or whatever else you think will be the next big thing.

But, if you're a value investor, you could make a good investment by purchasing art that isn't in style.  Just like fashion, an artists popularity will rise and fall cyclically.  All artists works come off the wall and are put into closets.  And those pieces hidden in closets are what you want to collect.  Why?  At some point, those pieces will come back into vogue.  And when they do, you can resell the pieces for a considerable markup.

Originality -  How many times have you walked up to a car in the grocery lot parking lot only to discover that someone else has the same exact car as you?  Do you remember a time visiting a friend's house and seeing the same big box store artwork and furniture that you have in your home?  A one-of-a-kind artwork will make your space uniquely you.  Even better, commission an artist to make a piece specifically for you that will compliment your decor.  An original piece of art greatly increases the status and charm of a living space.

Texture/Depth - Artwork are physical objects that fill space.  A sculpture has volume on a table.  A painting on a canvas and framed extends from the wall.  Even the paint has thickness depending on the use of impasto.  A poster is only as thick as the piece of paper it's printed on.

History - What is the provenience or the history of the piece?  Was it hanging in a mansion of a prominent family for the last hundred years?  Was it a gift to the artist's spouse before they passed away?  These can add to the value of the piece.  But, what about making your own history?  You don't have to go to a major auction house to build a collection.  Emerging artists can be a very affordable option that can have unlimited growth potential?  To do this, look for artist who is creating artwork as their profession, not as a hobby.  The reason is you want someone who is building a portfolio of work and a market for their pieces.  As the artist career advances from Etsy, to cafe shows, small gallery exhibit, high-end galleries, and museum, the value of your pieces advance too.  If you're fascinated by venture capitalist, this may be for you.  While many of the artists may fail to be recognized, finding that one piece or artist could be life changing. 

Emotional - What does the piece remind you of?  Did you meet the artist and connect when you heard the story behind the piece?  Perhaps you were on vacation with your family and saw a painting of your favorite spot?  Maybe your parents had a piece on their walls that always reminded you of home?  Your artwork should be made up of only the best pieces that attract and connect to you.

Investment - Original artwork can appreciate in value.  As I mentioned before, an artist's popularity rises and falls cyclically.  If this is important to you, take that risk into consideration.  What kind of risks should you consider?  Pablo Picasso isn't alive and making any new paintings.  His work is very popular and expensive.  Will that scarcity cause his pieces to continue to rise in value or has it peaked?  

An established artist has some very reasonable prices on her work.  Her career has been praised and well documented along with rumors of a major retrospective show.  Perhaps now is the time to buy?  

A mid-career artist came onto the scene like a rock star many years ago and continues to make work even though his fame has waned lately.  The work is still incredible and he continues to have gallery shows.  His "stock price" may be low right now, but a "comeback" seems inevitable.  

What about the biggest risk/reward scenario in the art world, the emerging artist?  You didn't know of them a few weeks ago, but now you see their work everywhere.  Where will their career lead?  Who knows?  But, getting on the ground floor early in an artist's career could be like winning the lottery.  And, isn't an investment in your favorite piece of art way more interesting to look at than your 401(k) statement?

Fun - The most important thing about investing in art is that it's "fun."  If you enjoy visiting museums, art galleries, studios, garage sales, art fairs, thrift stores, and making your own pieces, then this may be a great option for you.  Know who you are and what you like.  Chances are there are lots of other people who love the same things you do and will want the same things you want.  

Are there any reasons to buy reproductions?  Of course!  For example, when I moved out of my small apartment into my first house there were so many empty walls.  And I'm an artist.  I hung some of my work and filled in the rest of the void with reproductions because I was on a budget.  But, over time, I've collected and made new pieces to replace tattered posters.

Let's say you love a piece and there's no way you can afford it.  The Sistine Chapel inspires you, the Pope refuses to sell it to you, and Michelangelo is permanently retired from making art.  A reproduction is your best option.

Temporary spaces demand temporary art.  You know you won't be living in a college dorm next year.  You're planning on looking for a new job and a cubicle isn't a safe place for valuables.  Maybe you're just staging a house to sell.  Whatever the reason, you're not going to be there long.

Valuables shouldn't be here.  A factory floor with forklifts and other heavy equipment might not be the safest place for your investment.  Maybe you plan on using the space as a kid's playroom full of markers, crayons, and toys that could be thrown at delicate objects?  It could be that you smoke, the air is dirty, or constant high humidity in your basement. There's nothing wrong with posters in these situations.

Where Can I Buy Original Art?  It's available all around you.  It's not just sold in fancy galleries in Paris or New York City.  Many towns, large and small, have their own galleries with a range of local to international artists.  Art festivals and craft fairs are popular annual events that sometimes travel around the country.  Many artists have studios that are open to the public.  Shows, events, and studios are great places to visit when you're on vacation too.  Original artwork is even available online at places like Etsy.com, SaatchiArt.com, Sothebys.com, and even Craigslist.com.  Online is a great place to browse to see what you like before you purchase.

Research: Who is selling you the painting?  Are you buying it online, from someone you know, a random person on Craigslist, a local gallery, or a world-renown auction house?  What is their reputation?  Just like buying a car, a house, or choosing a bank, you want to make sure you can have trust in your dealer.  

What about the piece you'd like to purchase?  Is it really authentic?  If the artist is alive, that can usually be solved by a phone call or email.  But, if the artist is deceased, a third party expert should be used to get a certificate of authenticity.  And look for damage and/or restoration as this can greatly impact the value of a piece

Who is the artist?  Are they alive?  If so, what age are they?  What awards have they won?  Did they attend an art school?  Have their works been exhibited?  

THANKS AGAIN and please let me know if you have any other questions you'd like for me to answer.  Contact me at: MikeKKraus@gmail.com

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 thousands 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 

How To Use Original Artwork In Your Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

How To Use Original Artwork In Your Home

Your home is an extension of your personality.  And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality.  With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces.  In this article are some tips to consider when choosing artwork.

Trust your gut.  Buy what you love.  There's always room on your walls for something you love.  You are the one that will have to look at it every day.  The pieces you choose add life and dimension to your home.  They tell your friends, family, and guests who you are.  The artwork in your home should feel special to you.  If it doesn't, it's better to have an empty void until you find something that makes your heart burst.

What do you love?  Is there someone special in your life?  What do you do in your spare time?  When have you been the happiest?  What location is the most special spot in the world to you?  All things you should consider before making a purchase.   

What about size?  Look at the space you wish to hang a piece of original art.  Is it large or small?  What's around it; lamps, doors, windows, or other pieces on the wall?  Will it be the focus of the room or something to fill a small void?  Will anything obstruct its view?  The scale of the piece is important.  Too big and it can be oppressive in absorbing all the visual space.  Too small and it can get lost among the furniture and other decor.  Generally, most residential spaces can accommodate pieces in a range of 12 inches (30 centimeters) to 4 feet (122 centimeters)

What color piece should I choose?  The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish.  Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?"  Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel?  To my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look.  I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette.  And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for.  Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition.

What about my style?  Do you like clean lines and a modern look?  Something messy, abstracted, and bold might add interest into your home.  Are you more traditional and love Victorian design?  Perhaps a gallery wall of paintings with unique frames would look great.  If you choose a bright, bold piece, other items in the space should be minimal.  If your space is already very busy, a simple piece may make the best statement.  And feel free to mix family heirlooms with contemporary pieces.  Maybe put a thrift store painting in a modern frame.  Use depth, texture, trends, traditions, complimentary, and contrasting items to create visual interest.

Where Can I Find Art?  A good place to start is online.  Especially if you're not sure what you're looking for.  Randomly visit pages on Etsy.com, SaatchiArt.com, Sothebys.com, and even Craigslist.com to see what artists are making.  You may not find what you are looking for, but you may discover the styles and subjects you want.  And that's a great step forward.

Social media can be a wonderful tool for finding and purchasing artwork too.  If you find an artist you like, you should follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or any other places you have in common.  Many artists will share their latest pieces, upcoming shows, or give insights into their work.

While New York City, Paris, and London are famous for their galleries, many towns have galleries of their own with a range of local and international artists.  Art festivals and craft fairs are popular annual events that can sometimes travel around the country.  Many artists have studios that are open to the public.  Shows, events, and studios are great places to visit when you're on vacation too. 

It's also important just to keep your eyes open when going around town.  Does the cafe where you get your coffee in the morning have pieces for sale on the walls?  What are those paintings in the garage sale or thrift store?  Does the pieces in your favorite restaurant have price tags on them?  Interesting artwork can show up in unique places.  And the more unique, the better the story usually is.

What if I don't know anything about art?  I can help you?  An interior design professional can guide you.  And, with the internet, books, and magazines, you can help yourself.  Art is all about training your eye how to see.  Lots of people look at things, but many can't "see" them.  What is the difference in style, texture, colors?  Is this piece original or a reproduction?  Feel free to ask questions if there's something you don't know or understand.  I've had questions about an artist's piece and have been given amazing demonstrations about their technique.

How do I start a collection?  Every collection started with one piece of art that someone loved.  The most important thing about collecting art is that you are having fun.  Some people save their money for one special large piece.  Others have collected countless, affordable small pieces.  And most people are somewhere in between.  Over time, you'll figure out what is best for you and that is what will make your home wonderful.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  MikeKKraus@gmail.com

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 thousands 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 

Season's Greetings!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Peace on Earth.  Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with love and happiness.

Your friend, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Thank you for adding more beauty to the world.  People like us know that it's more than just putting color on a wall.  It's about embracing the joy in our lives.  And I'm grateful that we're on this journey together. 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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 thousands 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 

INSTANT GIFTS!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Instant Art To Download!

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?search_query=download

OOPS!!!  While wrapping gifts you realized you forgot someone.  Or their gift was lost or never arrived by delivery.  No problem.  Download one of 200+ options of artwork and print it for an extra frame around your home.  Or make unique gift tags.  Use them as a virtual background for your online holiday party.  Or use for a thoughtful card to say "Happy Holidays!"  It's an instant gift.  And something to let your loves ones know how much you care.  To view options, please visit: 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?search_query=download

Having Fun During Coronavirus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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 thousands 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