Monday, August 31, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Essential Heroes #384
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008075
© 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

Celebrating Women:

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 1 comment:

Friday, August 28, 2020

Returning to Civilization

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Returning to Civilization
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202008074
© copyright Mike Kraus

After a couple of weeks in the forest, it's time to return to the daily grind.  We've packed our tent and equipment into our small car.  The last of the food has been cooked and the leftovers will be snacks on the long trek home.  A pot of coffee ready to perk us up for our early departure.  We drive at a leisurely pace as the deer and other creatures are actively beginning their day as well.  The birds playing in the wind that makes the trees dance.  And over one final hill, the road leads us out of the wilderness and back into civilization.
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, August 26, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #383
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008073
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.

Celebrating Women:

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 1 comment:

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Celebrating Women: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Celebrating Women's Suffrage: Having Fun During Coronavirus

YAY!  Women fought for and won the right to vote in the United States 100 years ago.  While that battle was victorious, their fight continues because of wage inequality, violence against women, healthcare access and quality, political/corporate representation, and many other issues.  

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) doesn't mean these issues have been forgotten.  In fact, they are more necessary as we need to improve safety for essential workers, ability to work from home, child care solutions, etc.  Here are some safe and healthy ways we can advocate for women.

 1) Learn the History - There's WAY too much information to share on a humble blog post.  But, some good places to learn are: Women's Vote Centennial, Susan B Anthony Museum and House, and the National Women's History Museum. 

 2) Understand Your Rights - to a proper education, equal pay, to own property and so much more at: Women's Rights

3) Speak Up - Your experience, thoughts, feelings, and opinion are important.  So, don't be silent during meetings, conversations, and on social media.  Expose the injustices in your life so they can be corrected.

 4) Encouragement - Just listen, acknowledge, praise, help, introduce, and celebrate dreams, goals, and accomplishments.  And take responsibility for making it a safe environment for free expression.

5) Online Volunteering- Here are some safe and healthy virtual volunteering opportunities:
-National Organization of Women (NOW)
-League of Women Voters
-Emily's List
-Live Your Dream
-Dreamscape Foundation
and more at: Volunteer Match

 6) Online Fundraiser - Choose a cause or organization, set a goal, define your audience, pick a theme, have a system to collect donations, then promote and share. 

 7) Give - It is crucial that funds are provided for gender equality.  And there are so many wonderful organizations internationally, nationally, statewide, and locally.  Find a cause that is important to you and give.  

8) Support Women Owned Businesses - Shop at women owned businesses.  Invest in new, existing, or established businesses.  Start your own business: Women-owned businesses resources.  If you're a successful female business owner, support other women's businesses and organizations.  

 9) VOTE! - And if you're not registered to vote, please visit: US Vote Foundation

For Male Allies:
1) Shut Up and Listen - And after understanding their experiences and gaining their trust, ask "how can I help?"  Take the situation seriously, provide time and space, and be visible.  

 2) Safe At Home Chores - I'll admit this is my greatest weakness.  I was bad at chores living alone.  I was bad at chores pre-Coronavirus.  And I'm not the best at home during a pandemic.  Now that our homes are also our offices and school, we need to improve our game.  Let's clean the dishes, help the kids with virtual school, make meals, and tidy up the constant clutter from all the chaos.  A little effort really makes a big improvement.

 3) Mentor - Men tend to advance as a protégé.  They are guided into prominence by other men of prominence.  Open doors for women by skill training, team involvement, important assignments, and promotions.  Introduce her to influential people that could boost her career.  

 4) Am I Being Fair?- Studies have shown that when men and women reach the same accomplishments, the men receive much higher praise and recognition.  Be aware and open about gender bias.  Establish clear and measurable goals.  And use the outcomes to explain your decisions.

5) Allow Participation - Allow time and space for women in meetings.  Ask for their involvement, their suggestions, and acknowledge their ownership of proposals.  When interrupted, halt the intrusion to allow them to complete their statement.

 6) Office Chores - What chores around your office need to be done, but aren't a part of anyone's core responsibilities?  Tasks like organizing events, meeting notes, training new staff, cleaning, meeting set-up, and other non-promotable activities.  Consider rotating these needs or other equitable system to allow full participation in all work activities.  

 7) Honor Your Family - Studies show men are severely punished for taking time off from work to take care of their family.  But, it is expected for women.  Yet, the act of becoming engaged or married stalls or completely stops the progression of a woman's career path.  Allow and encourage mother's to take on special projects and promotions.  Advocate for equal maternal and paternal benefits and use for all staff.
8) The Spotlight - An ally should not be publicly celebrated for doing what is right.  We don't experience these issues on a constant basis.  If praised, be humble and turn the spotlight on the heroes that are on the frontline of the cause.

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, August 24, 2020

Seneca Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Seneca Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202008071
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/696666366/seneca-lake-original-acrylic-painting-16

The cool breeze off Seneca Lake feels refreshing as we return with empty backpacks and worn feet.  A staycation adventure of hiking, wine, picnics, and swimming in the hot sun.  The lapping of water on the shoreline as we enjoy an aperitif.  The sun begins to fade and there's a sweet scent radiating from the vineyards as we saunter aimlessly.  We're fortunate that social distancing can be so beautiful.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, dark 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.

at No comments:

Friday, August 21, 2020

Save the Post Office

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Save the Post Office #382
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008072
© copyright Mike Kraus

Do you live in a rural community or a distant suburb? Are you on Social Security? Do you receive bills in the mail and can't afford late fees? Are you a veteran or senior citizen that receives prescription drugs by mail? Maybe you're a small business owner following safe and healthy practices? Do you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old that has difficulty leaving home because of health concerns during a pandemic?  Then the United States Postal Service is important to you.

On Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. (local time), we will show up at local post offices across the country to save the post office and declare that Postmaster General Louis DeJoy must resign.
https://www.savethepostoffice.net/event/save-the-post-office/search/?

Unable or uncomfortable with public gatherings?  Please contact your local officials and tell them how much you rely on the USPS at: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials  


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 No comments:

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Learn Science; Don't Be the Science

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Learn Science; Don't Be the Science #381
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008070
© copyright Mike Kraus

"Their plan is to reopen after disinfecting the school, though it is not clear how much of a difference that will make... and a single sneeze or cough could once again contaminate a classroom." - Dr. Sanjay Gupta (more at: Why I am not sending my kids back to school)


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 No comments:

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Having fun in isolation can be a great source of inspiration.  For example, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley (the first science fiction novel) was created because she was bored during long duration of stormy weather in an isolated home (Dr. John Polidori, Percy Shelley, George Gordon "Lord" Byron were staying at the house and played as well).  Sound familiar?  

 Let Mary Shelley inspire us during our Coronavirus/COVID-19 quarantine.  We'll use her example.  Maybe in 200 years, something you created during this time will be considered "a classic?"

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

 2) Time Together - This can be done in one night.  It can be done over several weeks.  If you want to allow more participation, one part per week.  

 3) Choose A Theme - These can include: love, death, good vs. evil, coming of age, power/corruption, new/future technology, survival, courage/heroism, prejudice, individual vs. society, war and so many more.  Feel free to make something up personal to the group, like a specific location or event.

4) Write A Story - Take 30 minutes to write a quick story.  Make up a character and plot from your experience.  Think of a specific location (real or made up) to put them in.  What is the incident?  How did that incident impact the character?  What does that incident lead to?  How does the character change?  How is the story resolved?  It doesn't have to be perfect.  In fact, it's better if it's not.

5) Read the Stories - Everyone takes a turn and reads their stories and/or outlines.  Use voices and act out scenes.  Find props or a costume if available.  When everyone is done, vote for who wrote the best story/outline.    

 6) We're Not Done - Take the best story and make it yours.  Spend another 30 minutes using the best story/outline to make a new story.  How?  If it's about love, tell it from the perspective of a jealous lover.  A story about hero from a villains view.  Write the opposite of the story.  Or add you opinions and experiences.  


7) Read the Stories, Again... - Repeat step 3 and pay attention to the differences.  That's it! 

 8) Is That Really It? - It doesn't have to be.  You can take your story and work on it on your own time.  Think of your inspiration.  Of everyone else's point-of-view.  Different opinions and experiences to the same story.  Use it.  Expand on it.  Develop and refine it.   You may surprise yourself (and others) with your (possibly monstrous) creation!


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, August 17, 2020

Latest 2020 Summer Fashions

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Latest 2020 Summer Fashions #380
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202008069
© copyright Mike Kraus
The thing about other people is when they breathe, cough, and talk their infected droplets get into your mouth, nose, and eyes. Eventually those droplets get into your lungs. That can happen from 6 feet away. Ew! We can create a style with a higher standard - i.e., a pop of color or a pattern. By covering your nose and mouth, you are telling the world you have loved ones with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents. You are saying "I love my family and friends and I don't want them to die alone on a ventilator drowning in their own lungs.

With only one mask, you need to take every opportunity to make it count. What's the best way to do this? Well, find a mask that fits your personality at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks).  Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that won't break the bank. This includes beautiful masks with original Mike Kraus Art (https://society6.com/mikekraus/masks). With over 200 designs, there's a fun and creative piece just for you. Check out our sexy selection of statement-making masks, all at an affordable price at: Etsy Masks (https://www.etsy.com/market/masks)  

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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