Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Essential Heroes #392
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009087
© 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

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

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:

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 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Honor and Remembrance: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Honor and Remembrance: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted all of us.  So many of us are/know frontline and essential workers, lost their job, family that's been infected, co-workers who've been hospitalized, and friend that passed away.  While health and travel restriction prevent us in joining the National COVID-19 Remembrance on October 4th in Washington, D.C., there are other ways we can honor and celebrate.  Here are some ideas.

1) Share Something of Sentimental Value - My grandpa use to snail mail me short letters.  Usually, just asking how I'm doing, a description of the weather, and maybe information about family or an upcoming holiday.  I accidentally saved most of them by using them as bookmarks or leaving them in a drawer.  After he passed away I found all my replies in his dresser.  Now when I miss him, all I have to do is read his letters.  But, you can share anything and use the hashtag: #NationalCovidRemembrance  

2) Support Their Cause - Is a friend or family member a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare worker in need of PPE?  Maybe the person you'd like to honor had a charity that was close to their heart.  You could donate to that cause.  Better yet, have an online fundraiser.  With Facebook, it's never been easier: Facebook Fundraising Creator - https://www.facebook.com/fundraiser/with_presence/create_dialog/?source=blue_bar_create_menu


3) Plant A Living Memorial - Plant a tree, a few flowers, or whole garden for someone.  You could order a custom sign from Etsy or make your own.  Here's a great website for autumn plantings: Garden Design - https://www.gardendesign.com/autumn/planting.html#:~:text=Fast%2Dgrowing%20root%20veggies%20such,see%20No%2DFail%20Fall%20Crops.  

4) Host a Zoom/Facetime/Hangout Event - The people we love also had many other people that loved them too.  So, invite them to get together and remember the good times.  Invite participation by asking for stories, photos, favorite songs, and cheers them over their favorite food and drinks.  


5) Make Public Art - Make signs thanking essential/frontline workers, cover your driveway in chalk blue hearts, create drawings for the windows of your home.   

6) Tradition - Rituals and traditions are a way to strengthen the bonds of friends and family.  What new tradition could you celebrate in their honor?  Is their an important date for them, like a birthday?  What locations were special to them?  Allow for flexibility and encourage fun ideas.


7) Join the National COVID-19 Remembrance - Add your loved one to the memorial tribute at: https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/actions/wall-of-remembrance/

Find way to help your friends, family, and nation at: https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/actions/email-signup/

and visit:
https://nationalcovidremembrance.org/
October 4, 2020, Noon - 1:00 EDT
The Ellipse, Washington, D.C.

The livestream event will feature a National Moment of Silence on October 4th at Noon EST, live and recorded performances, a virtual tribute wall, a remembrance of victims and family of COVID-19, and more.

We will get through this stronger together.



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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 3 comments:

Monday, September 28, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #391
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009086
© 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

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:

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 1 comment:

Friday, September 25, 2020

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009085
© 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 isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 1 comment:

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Don't Touch Your Face!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Don't Touch Your Face! #390
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009084
© 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

It is estimated that people touch their faces about 23 times per hour! Respiratory infections can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing germs. When you touch your face with dirty, unwashed hands, germs can take up residence in your mucous membranes which can lead to an infection and zits.

There are several ways that you can protect yourself from getting a respiratory infection:
1) Wear a mask and cover your nose and mouth.
2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Never touch your face with dirty hands.
3) Wash your hands frequently. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations (Use an 60-95% alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands if soap and water are not available).
4) Get a flu shot every year. Encourage your family and friends to get a flu shot too!
5) Ask your healthcare provider if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
6) Avoid being close to people who are coughing and sneezing.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:

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 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Working For the Weekend: Having Fun During Coronavirus

While job hunting isn't "fun," work pays for all the entertainment. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the hiring process. So let's work together to find you a great new job.

1) Where To Look - Make sure your friends, family, former co-workers and neighbors know you're looking for work.  On average, you probably know about 600 people.  Those 600 people know about 600 other people and so on.  Use that network to your advantage.  There are also job boards.  If you apply for a job, look on social media to see if anyone you or a friend knows someone at that business.

GENERAL
1) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-whos-hiring-right-now-andrew-seaman/
2) Indeed.com
3) Monster.com
4) CareerBuilder.com
5) Ziprecruiter.com
6) GlassDoor.com
7) better.job
8) jobs.birddoghr.com
9) careerjet.com
10) jobisjob.com
11) jobrapido.com

SPECIALIZED
Health
1) MedicalWorkers.com
2) HealthECareers.com
Student/Graduate
1) CareerOneStop.com
2) AfterCollege.com
3) CareerRookie
4) DiversityJobs
Construction
1) mepjobs.birddoghr.com
2) procoreconstructionjobboard.birddoghr.com/
Nonprofits
1) Idealist.org
2) jobs.philanthropy.com
3) PhilanthropyJournal.org
Disabilities
1) abilityJOBS.com
Advertising/Marketing
1) Adzuna.com
Entertainment
1) EntertainmentCareers.net
2) jobs.variety.com
Finance
1) CareerBank.com
2) eFinancialCareers.com
Military
1) https://usmilitarypipeline.com
Law
1) LawJobs.com

2) Beat the Bots - Human Resources will receive thousands of resumes because of online job boards. AI-powered platforms will scan your resume to determine if you will get through the initial screening. To do this, use the same descriptive words from the job description in your resume. The main focus should be the last ten years of work experience. And don't include pictures.

3) Ignore Job Titles (mostly) - Titles have largely become meaningless. What is a "Talent Delivery Specialist?" It may be the person who gives you your next job... What you need to do is talk to a human being. To do this, showcase your skills. You don't need 100% of the skills on the job description. Just enough to talk to someone about what the position is truly like and show your willingness to learn.


4) LinkedIn - I could give you a thousand reasons why LinkedIn is annoying, cumbersome, and counter-intuitive. But, one reason you should use it: recruiters and human resource departments use it A LOT. So, start or update your profile right now. Tell us what makes you unique and your achievements in the "about" section. For "experience," list all titles from organizations if you've received a promotion. Give a short summary of responsibilities and focus your project successes. In "skills and endorsements," add anything and everything you think is relevant to your career. This will help recruiters find you instead of you having to find them. If your project or program is featured online, include links. Have you ever been quoted in an article, spoke at a conference, or talked publicly: add it to your profile. And don't be shy about asking for recommendations from people you know from very different parts of your life.

5) Other Social Media - What will your future boss think about your posts? Use your empathy and/or ask someone you trust professionally to review your pages. Do you have posts about personal/relationship problems, complaints about boss/work, use violent/vulgar language, party/alcohol/drug photos, and religious/political rants? Be honest with yourself. It may determine if you'll get a job.


6) A Remote Interview? - This is how interviews are now conducted. This means you need to do more than wear your most professional outfit (Don't be casual just because you're at home). You need to "stage" your video call. This includes background selection, camera placement, lighting, and outfit choice. For more details, visit: Tips For Working At Home: Staging Your Virtual Office - https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/03/tips-for-working-at-home-staging-your.html

Make sure the space you interview in is quiet and private.  No distractions from kids, pets, or anything else.  And have a backup plan just in case your internet, video, or microphone fails.  

7) Character Over Skills - Have you ever been hired because they "liked you" or were friends with someone who already worked there? Everyone knows or can be trained to use MS Word, but a bad personality can be difficult to change. So, don't be afraid to showcase your kindness, communication, adaptability, empathy, and problem solving talents. During a remote work pandemic, these skills have a much higher value.

8) Gaps In Your Resume - In 2020 and beyond, almost everyone's resume will have lapses. But, you can be proactive in standing out as a candidate by filling in those spaces by volunteering, publishing articles, passion project, and online classes. Also, the people you meet may lead you to your next opportunity.

9) Thank You! - Before Coronavirus/COVID-19/politics, I would have suggested mailing a thank you note because they are more memorable (https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/save-post-office.html). But, with HR staff at home and severe post office delays, decision makers may not see your letter until after they've hired someone else.

Instead, send individualized emails to everyone you've talked with at the organization. People are visual, so try to include a relevant photo in the email. If it's something of personal interest, even better (ie - if you talked about flowers in your gardens, send a photo of your landscaping). Anything that can make you positively stand out from the crowd.


AND 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).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.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.
at 3 comments:

Monday, September 21, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Essential Heroes #389
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009083
© 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

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

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.

Please contact your local officials and tell them how much you rely on the USPS at: https://usmailnotforsale.org/

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:

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 2 comments:

Friday, September 18, 2020

Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009082
© copyright Mike Kraus


Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, dark orange, yellow, green, blue, dark purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:

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 1 comment:
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