Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Holiday Lights Drive-Thru: Having Fun During COVID-19


Holiday Lights Drive-Thru: Having Fun During COVID-19

There's fun and safe ways to celebrate the holidays during Coronavirus/COVID-19.   And this is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit!

1) Getting Together - Make some holiday snacks and hot cocoa and gather your household in the car.  Think of it as a local road trip.

2) Finding Decorated Houses - Don't know what neighborhoods have lots of lights and other displays?  Start with Christmas Light Finder: https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/.  Or look up websites for your area as neighborhoods and homes have their own specific sites too.


3) Music - Some neighbors broadcast music on the radio that's choreographed with their decorations.  If that's not available, create your own playlist and listen to it on your adventure.

4) Fun With Kids - Make it into a game.  Have them count how many Santa Claus' they see.  Make some simple cards for Bingo for finding elves, snowmen, and other decor.  Ask them to make up a story about the displays.

5) Share- Let your friends and family know about the fun by posting photos on social media.  Use the tag #ChristmasLights, #AfterHanukkah, #HappyKwanzaa, etc.  Even better, make one for your family like #(familyname)LightNight


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.

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Monday, December 21, 2020

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202012121
© copyright Mike Kraus
Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years.  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United State and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.


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, December 18, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Essential Heroes #408
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202012119
© 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


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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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Season's Greetings

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Season’s Greetings!
Wishing you and your loved ones enjoyment, creativity, and good health this holiday.

Stay Safe, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS-
HAPPY HANUKKAH!
The last day to ship before Christmas and Kwanzaa is December 19th


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, December 15, 2020

Mumbo Jumbo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19


Mumbo Jumbo Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 has left many of us speechless.  So, let's have fun and make a game out of it!

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people in your home or live alone?  Invite people to play on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) That's What That Is - Grab your dictionary.  Don't have one, use dictionary.com.  If you want to make this even more difficult, fun, "adult," use the Urban Dictionary.

Game Rules:
3) The Definition Is... - Choose a player who'll start the game.  That player will select an obscure word from the dictionary, but will not reveal the definition.


4) It's All Made Up - One the obscure word is given, all the other players will write down a made up or guessed definition.  When finished, they'll give it to the player who chose the obscure word.   

5) Does That Sound Right? - Make sure all definitions are written discreetly by using the same paper.  If that's not available, have a cardboard screen or other means to block the view.  

The player who chose the obscure word will shuffle the real and made up definitions before reading them out loud.  Feel free to use voices and act it out.  Ham it up.

6) This Is a Democracy - Players will vote for the correct definition of the obscure word.  
a) 1 point for every vote a fake submission receives.
b) 2 points to every player who guesses the correct definition
c) 3 points to the obscure word selector if no one votes for their word
d) 4 points to a player who provides the correct definition to the obscure word.
First player to 20 points wins.  Or you could say whoever has the most points after reading two or three times from the dictionary.  


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.

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Monday, December 14, 2020

I'm Not Touching You

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I'm Not Touching You #407
pen and ink on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202012117
© copyright Mike Kraus

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask 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 mask.
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 mask. Masks 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.
(More information at: The Centers for Disease Control-CDC)


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, December 11, 2020

Among the Mountains

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Among the Mountains
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202012115
© 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

The journey echoes through the mountains.  They let us know our place in the universe.  A retreat from civilization all too consumed with fickle affairs and transitory turmoil.  It's immense vastness is a tiny speck of known existence.  Among the mountains reminds me.

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


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 No comments:
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