Friday, April 30, 2021

French Press

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 French Press
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202104030
© copyright Mike Kraus

Weekends start off slow and early.  Linger in bed while the dog snores with intense delight.  Eventually, I shuffle to the kitchen to put some grounds and water into the French press.  The dog and I will go outside and watch the deer graze in the backyard as it brews.  Back inside, I'll fill a couple for travel mugs and we make our way to our hiking destination.  I wish every morning was like this.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, dark green, blue, purple, black, white, wood, or a neutral beige


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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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Children who love and take care of their mothers know they are lucky, because they honor the most important person in their lives.  Mother's Day is a day of celebration for the mom who is always there for you when you need them.  THANK YOU MOMS!  We really would have been nothing without you and we love you for that.

Stay Safe,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/04/new-mothers-day-traditions-having-fun.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.


at No comments:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

 

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

Mom deserves a lot of extra love during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, right?  The answer is: yes, absolutely.  So, here are some ideas for showing them how much we love and appreciate them.

1) Breakfast/Brunch - Gather the household to make mom her favorite breakfast.  Here are some quick, easy, and delicious ideas: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/5-ingredient-easy-breakfast-ideas/.  Even better, let mom sleep in and start the day with brunch.  Easy brunch recipes at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g4201/best-brunch-recipes/.  Keep the kids occupied letting them help cook, set the table (like a restaurant), make menus, dress up, and practice their serving skills.  

2) Picnic - If it's going to be a nice day, pack something good for lunch.  Enjoy the weather and a beautiful park.  Bring games, hike, and other activities.

3) Photo Session - This can be a great tradition, especially if you have young kids.  And it's simple.  Have mom take a photo with her kids.  If possible, take it in the same location and pose each year to capture the changes as the years go by.

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

Add caption

5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with mom and/or grandma. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Make Her Favorite Foods - Mom doesn't want to cook dinner on her special day.  So, make her favorite meal for her.  

7) Learn Together - Plan ahead and ask your mother to teach you something; her choice.  It can be knitting, family history, hang gliding, anything.  Or find something everyone can learn together.  It's a great way to bond.


8) Spa Day - Set aside time for mom to have the bathroom to herself.  Clean it and light a few candles.  Make sure you have all the soaps, shampoos, and skin care products she loves.  And move the speaker in there so she can drown out the noises coming from the living room.

9) Wine and Cocktails - Spoil her all day if you want.  Mimosas in the morning.  Rosé in the afternoon.  And something stronger at night.  

10) Hiking - Enjoy nature with mom.  There are trails for young, old, and all skill levels.  Find them at: https://www.alltrails.com

11) Quiet Time - Every minute of every day she thinks about you and your well-being.  Give her a break.  Let mom have the house while you bring the kids to the park to play, hike, picnic, etc.

12) Gratitude Challenge - Show mom your gratitude:
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude and tell her.  It can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your kids, make a gratitude board.
c) Think of a time she was kind to you and share its meaning with her.
d) Think of a difficult time and it's positive outcomes.


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

UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
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:
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Monday, April 26, 2021

Sunrise Over Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunrise Over Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland #424
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202104028

Darkness suddenly erupts into a fiery sky.  The vast and barren landscape illuminated as the sun begins to rise.  Red pierces the black and overwhelms the moon and stars.  The yellow sun burns through and quickly reveals the daytime sky.  There's a reason Iceland is enshrined in folklore and myth.
  

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, April 23, 2021

Night Watch

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Night Watch
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104027
© copyright Mike Kraus

An owl hoots in the dim moonlight of the forest.  A slight breeze carries the sweet scent of trees in full bloom through the darkness.  The nocturnal birch guards the woods while it slumbers.  Watching each leaf tumble and every mouse burrow.  It remains still in the face of danger and will always see what is happening.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas 
22" x 28" (55.9 cm x 71.1 cm) 
25" x 31" frame (63.5 cm x 78.7 cm frame

This painting was featured at:
BRIGHTSCAPES
Canandaigua National Bank and Trust
210 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY 14607

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.  

This painting would look best in a space that is deep red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, white, black, grey, 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:

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Finding New Music: Having Fun During COVID-19


Finding New Music: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is a great time to find new things to love; like music.   

1) The Lazy, Easy Way - Spotify, Pandora, Bandcamp have ways to "discover" new music based on music you already like.  And they'll largely play songs within the genre you already know and love.  I encourage you to start a new playlist with songs and bands you're unfamiliar with.  

SUGGESTIONS:

















17) There's So Much More - This is nowhere near an exhaustive list.  And each genre has multiple subgenres.  And each of those subgenres has their own "100 Greatest All-Time Best" lists.  Here's a guide: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_music_styles

18) Mix, Match, and Assemble - Try to be eclectic.  Select a few songs from each genre and then let the streaming service discover for you.  If you like one song, listen to the whole album.  If you like a new group, discover who influenced them and listen to them.  

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



UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
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 No comments:

Monday, April 19, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #420
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202104021

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.


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, April 16, 2021

Skaneateles Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skaneateles Lake
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104026
© copyright Mike Kraus

Pacing along Skaneateles Lake's shore, the water barely makes a noise in the crisp breeze.  We find a comfortable spot to relax, snack on trail mix, and enjoy a Riesling grown and bottled a few minutes away from this spot.  Our conversation drifts in and out of seriousness.  We scan the opposite shores, near and far, trying to absorb nature's relaxation.  The perfect place to social distance.  

This painting would look best in a medium-to-large space that is dark red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, dark purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm
acrylic paint on canvas 
36" x 48" (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm) 
© 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 look best in a space that is light red, yellow, orange, green, blue, deep purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19


Are You There, Moriarty Parlor Game: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has meant spending a lot of time with your family, roommate, and other members of your household. And that should be "quality time."  Parlor games are a great way to interact with each other.

Gather the Household: Make some snacks and beverages and gather your household family/roommates.  Maybe some Sherlock Holmes inspired drinks: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sherlock-holmes-cocktails-2009

Number of Players: entire household
Objective: To remain in the game as long as possible.  Have fun watching the humorous spectacle.  

Game Rules:
1) Set Up- In an open space, select and blindfold the first two players.  Each player is given a rolled-up newspaper as a "sword."  Both players will lie on the ground head-to-head about 3 feet apart.  

Variation A: Instead of a newspaper sword, replace with a pool noodle, bananas, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.  Anything soft, safe and funny.
Variation B: Add distance to increase difficulty and humorous situations.  

2) To Start Game - The first player ready will say, "Are you there, Moriarty?"  When ready, the second player will reply, "The Great Game!"


3) Sword Fight! - Using the rolled-up newspapers, each player will attempt to hit the other player.  The first player is eliminated and another member of the household replaces them.

Variation A: To prolong the game, make it a best-of-five game.  After each hit, household members on the sideline will place and spin players to restart match.  

4) Scoring - Tally wins on paper.  Or a chalkboard if you have it.  The Grand Champion will have the most tallies.  Consider a prize to the winner.  It can be something small, like a candy bar.  Or something more high stakes, like loser has to do the winners chores the next day.

Variation A: Add categories like: longest winning streak, funniest win and/or loss, most swings, etc.  And prizes for everyone! 

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



UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
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 No comments:
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