Mike Kraus

Friday, October 16, 2020

Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Hemlock Lake

acrylic paint on canvas board

202010093

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

To purchase, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/708800293

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

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels used to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships.  The pollution began to poison the waters.  In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak.  Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity.  Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html
Building a Fire Pit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html
Share Heart of Hope:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html
Hiking:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html
Celebrating Women:
 https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html
Have A Picnic:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html
Have Some Theme Spirit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html
Working For the Weekend:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html
Honor and Remembrance:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.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
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Choose Your Own Title: "This Is 40" or "COVID-40"

BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT!

Can you believe of the dozen of photos this is the best bubble Megan made?

Megan took the day off of work and we celebrated all around the Finger Lakes. We started off the day having a picnic breakfast at Bare Hill Unique Area (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/37438.html) overlooking Canandaigual Lake and Bristol.

Onward and upward! Visited Conklin's Gully at the High Tor Wildlife Management Area (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24439.html). The vertical climb at the start did burn off the apple cake breakfast. And, it is a pretty amazing very from the edge of the cliff.

Megan preparing lunch at Keuka Lake State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/parks/keukalake/maps.aspx)

It's like living in a brochure for visiting upstate New York.

Bench looking toward Branchport

Megan put all my favorite meats into one sandwich. It was delicious and drove our pup Scout insane.

When magic is delivered to your mailbox

Spiderman says #WearAMask

Seneca Mills Falls on the Keuka Outlet Trail (https://www.keukaoutlettrail.org/) between Penn Yan and Dresden.

If you're going to have ruins, they might as well be beautiful

Megan's Totally Tubular 80's Quiz: Mike Edition. Thanks for everyone who participated. I don't know what's worse: how much I forgot or how much my wife learned...

To go with the 1980s theme, Megan and I split a bag of Big League Chew (https://www.bigleaguechew.com/). It's exactly how I remember it. And I was instantly transported to being an 8 year old playing pee-wee baseball and having the whole bench being yelled at by the coach because we're blowing bubbles instead of paying attention to our game.

Downtown Penn Yan at the end of the trail. It reminded me of the old paths connecting towns and villages in Europe. A perfect setting for Robin Hood and other medieval characters.

If you're going to make pancakes anyway, just use a 28-foot griddle and set a world record.

For all you singles out there, find a partner that will make you sloppy joes and tater tots on your birthday and never let them go..

If you didn't know, Megan is a trained cake decorator. Really? That's amazing! Her creations are scattered throughout my blog over the years. You can tell because she was smart enough to avoid using 40 individual candles. A stylistic choice my asthma appreciates.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TEXTS, POSTS, CALLS, MAIL, AND BIRHTDAY GREETINGS IN OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION!!! I really appreciate it. I love and miss you all. In a year full of difficulty and grief, I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family to celebrate with. When life happens, I'm glad we're all in it together!

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Keep Your Distance #395

pen and ink on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202010092

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/236320912/keep-your-distance-395-artist-trading

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

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.

Apple Picking and Other Farms:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

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:

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

Monday, October 12, 2020

Hello Panda Bear

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Hello Panda Bear #394

pen and ink on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202010091

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184982750/hello-panda-bear-394-artist-trading

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

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion. It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

Apple Picking and Other Farms:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

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

Friday, October 9, 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)

202010090

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/229453949/autumn-forest-original-acrylic-painting

*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:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html
Building a Fire Pit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html
Share Heart of Hope:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html
Hiking:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html

Celebrating Women:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html

Have A Picnic:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html

Have Some Theme Spirit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html

Working For the Weekend:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html

Honor and Remembrance:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html

Apple Picking and Other Farms:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

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

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Hello Autumn!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Embrace change and get ready with fall colors. Whether you're looking into new seasonal decor or have been eyeing the perfect piece, autumn is the best time to upgrade your artwork. Face masks, artist trading cards, and small paintings are popular this year. When you upgrade this autumn, you'll enjoy your walls for the entire winter.

Apple Picking and Other Farms:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

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

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Apple Picking and Other Farms: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't stop autumn. It's a great time of year to get outside and enjoy the weather. Let's embrace the change and find ways to be grateful together.

1) Where To Go? - What kind of experience are you looking for? Do you have kids? Then you'll probably want some place close that has more of a theme park feel. A farm with a petting zoo, hay rides, and many other activities. If you're a couple that wants something a little more romantic, look for a more remote farm with fewer amenities. Chefs may be interested in farms with a large variety of apples. And people looking for something more unique may search for farms with heirloom fruits and veggies.

So, do a little research before you visit. Especially if you are looking for some place special or want to bring a pet. (Also, have a couple backup orchards/farms just in case you encounter large gatherings or other unsafe situations)

2) When To Go? - To avoid crowds, it tends to be best to visit farms before noon.

September and October are great for apple picking. But, it can vary greatly depending on your specific location and climate. Also, there are lots of other foods available at pick-your-own (PYO) farms like fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, and products like homemade honey, syrup, and pies.

3) Is This a Good Apple? - Most orchards will tell you which foods are ready to pick. If you see a lot of apples dropped under a tree, it may be past ripe. The apples are probably still good, but may need to be eaten sooner.

Start by picking apples from the bottom of a tree and working your way up. A ripe apple is easily removed with a simple twist and pull. It's okay if an apple is a bit tart as they can be stored longer. And avoid bruised apples "as a few bad apples can spoil the bunch" is a true saying. Prevent bruises by gently placing apples in your bag.

4) Where To Put All These Apples? - Find a cool, dry spot in your home to keep fresh. If moist from rain or sprinklers, lightly dry off before storage. But don't rub off the white blush until you're ready to eat.

5) So Many Apples? - In your excitement, you brought home several bushels of apples. Fortunately, there's lots you can do with them like make vinegar, candles, jam, soaps, butter, lotions, decorations, and so much more.

Personally, baking apples are my favorite. It can be by themselves, as part of an entre, side dishes, or in pies. Lots of great recipes at: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g650/apple-recipes/

6) Enjoy the Experience - It's all about time with your friends and family. Of course, you could just go to a grocery store and be done with this in five minutes. But, it's about the people you're with. It's searching for the "perfect" orchard that has what you're looking for. It's finding the best apples. Taking photos as we awkwardly pretend like we know anything about farming and agriculture. Maybe getting fresh apple cider and adding something extra to it. Once home, sharing great treats and meals of food that you picked yourself.

AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!