Thursday, May 14, 2020

Brian's Spring Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Brian's Spring Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202002008
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/brians-spring-twilight-woods-by-mike-kraus-trees-forests-woods-nature-brown-green-pink-flower-art_print?sku=s6-13920871p4a1v45
The birds are singing in the warm spring sun and fluttering on the gently breeze.  There air is fragrant from the blossoms bursting from the flora.  Brian pauses on the trail, grateful for the agreeable weather after a harsh winter.  As a cartographer, he knows a special location when he sees it.  And understand that maps can be a memory of our time.

Tips For Working At Home


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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Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Perks Of Being At Home



Perks Of Being At Home

We all know the stress of working from home.  Especially during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  But, we have to admit there are some benefits of working from home, right?  So, with all the anxiety surrounding us, let's take a moment to see what we can be grateful for.

1) No Traffic: Life without road rage is wonderful.  When I started working from home 6+ years ago, losing the 1 1/2 hours per day of the rush hour commute improved my life beyond anything I could have imagined.  It's like adding 15.5 days to your life each year.

2) Sweatpants: While I do encourage you to change out of your pajamas for work, I'm all for being comfortable.  I love wearing my shorts and hoodie on the job.  I'm perfectly happy letting those stiff collared shirts, strangling neckties, and uncomfortable shoes collect dust in my closet.


3) My Own Space: Unfortunately, too many people lack space for a personal office and are crammed into their dining room or other public space with their partner, roommates, kids and/or pets.  But, I'm lucky enough to have my own studio.  It's set up for me; by me.  I can shut the door to keep the rest of the world out.  And turn up my music as loud as I want (and use your own toilet).

4) My Time: While I try to keep a routine, it's great that working from home allows me flexibility.  I don't have to beg and negotiate for every break or lose my lunch for any appointment, emergency, or other interruption.  I can have weird times if I want to.

5) $: No gas for the car.  No fare for the bus/train.  No overpriced meals for lunch.  No need for fancy clothes.  In fact, many of my at-home activities are now tax-deductible.  

6) Avoiding Office Politics: While they still exist, it's much easier to escape.  While the butt kissers and back stabbers are out there plotting, I'm getting work done.  And there's no long-running drama about the thermostat being set at 90 in the winter and 30 in the summer...


7) That Dumb Chore: I can mow my lawn at 10am on a weekday.  I pick up groceries when it's not busy.  I can talk on the phone while doing laundry.  

8) Loved Ones: I eat lunch with my wife every day since the Coronavirus lockdown.  I'm more social than ever!  I can play with my dog on breaks.  And that pup has interrupted all of my wife's meetings.  

Are you having difficulty working from home?  Don't hesitate to ask questions.




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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Monday, May 11, 2020

Vision Quest XLIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLIII
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202005032
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/227527508/vision-quest-xliii-original-acrylic

Twilight along the shore of the Lake Michigan.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige. or wood

Tips For Working At Home

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, May 8, 2020

Los Angeles Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Los Angeles Alley
acrylic on canvas
18" x 24" (45.7 cm x 60.9 cm)
202005031
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/203969625/los-angeles-alley-original-acrylic

Los Angeles is an attractive beacon of optimism.  What started as a Spanish colony of 11 people has exploded into a population of 18.7 million people.  The Chinese came to build the railroads, African Americans seeking better opportunities after World War II, Koreans to be entrepreneurial shopkeepers, Latinos who founded and built the city, along with countless other people from around the globe.  Los Angeles' diversity and openness to the world has made it the 3rd largest metropolitan economy.  Behind the thin veneer of glamour is the hard work of millions of good people.

This painting would look best in a medium-to-large space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige. or wood

Tips For Working At Home

Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #366
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202005030
© copyright Mike Kraus

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

Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:
1) Working from home instead of at the office
2) Closing schools or switching to online classes
3) Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
4) Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Tips For Working At Home: Teaching Your Kids While You Work



Teaching Your Kids While You Work

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 (including complete closure) 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.  



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, May 4, 2020

Having a Fun Mother's Day

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


It's a good feeling to know that love connects a mother and child no matter how great the distance.  While we won't get to celebrate Mother's Day together, our temporary physical separation will overwhelm our timeless affection for each other.  This will be the start of new traditions: watching movies together (Netflix Party), decorate mom's front door/yard, or magical travel using Zoom virtual backgrounds.  Be creative!  Have a great Mother’s Day. AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!

Stay Safe and Wash Your Hands,
Mike Kraus


PS - Tips For Working At Home


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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