Just Another Day At the Office

 Just another day at the office.  Scout and I made our commute from the bedroom to the living room.  Light traffic for a Monday.  I'm fortunate to have a window in my office.  It keeps the creative juices flowing.

Time to get to work.  Put on my reading glasses and work on the "to-do" list.  Lots of paper work.  Things to file.  Getting final approvals. 

 Senior Management Meeting.  Scout's the leader of the operation.  Beaker's the brains.  I'm tasked with "gettin' stuff done."

 Coffee Break.  This is where the real business gets done.  The place where the important meetings take place.  It's all about relationships.  And, knowing what you have to do to get rewards.

Five o'clock.  We've earned time to put on our slippers, sit back, and have a nice cold drink.  To enjoy the good life.  Work hard, play hard.    Most importantly, don't take stuff so seriously and remember to have fun.

Also, if you're on Etsy, please visit my new shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Oh the Humanity

Oh the Humanity, 2014

pen and ink on paper

6 1/2" x 4 1/2" in a 12 1/2" x 10 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$23 + shipping

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184982750/oh-the-humanity-6-12-x-4-12-in-a-12-12-x?ref=shop_home_active_1

With over seven billion people on earth, it's hard to imagine that each one is an unique individual.  No two people are genetically the same, not even "identical twins."  Our DNA is always changing and mutating.  People come in infinite shapes and sizes.  An immeasurable diversity that can be easy to forget.

This piece would work in almost any space with its use of black and white in a neutral frame

Puppy Torture [VIDEO]

Thanks to Katie and Vern, Scout now has a pair of socks to wear around the house.  I'm pretty sure she has a more extensive wardrobe than I do now.

Video of Megan and I making Scout run around the house in her socks.

At least you always know how she feels...

action shot 

All she's missing is an elf hat (Katie, don't buy her an elf hat...) 

Please stop. 

[Mike] How ya doin', Scout?
[Scout] If this is what it's gonna be like with you bein' home all da time, ya need ta get another job.
[Mike] Aren't ya havin' fun?

[Scout] Don't push it.  I know where ya sleep...

Added another eight inches of snow the other day.  Started off with a nice ice storm for a good base.  It ended up being the heaviest snow I've ever shoveled.

 Pine trees are pretty weighed down.

With the ice, the snow really grips all the trees and bushes.  Thankfully, it's been nice for the last few days and this has been melting pretty quickly.  We've had about 112 inches of snow this winter, which is only about 18 inches more than average.  Ready for spring...

 More canvases on the assembly line.  If you haven't noticed yet, I've started my own Etsy page.  If you are on Etsy, I'd appreciate if you "favorite" my shop and follow me.  I'll return the favor.  Any suggestions would be appreciated as well.  Please visit at:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

 My new boss reviewing my work.  "This is nice, but I'd prefer more treats."

Even the daffodils are a little too eager for spring.

That's about it for now.  Been pretty busy lately.  THANKS AGAIN and please let me know if you need anything!

Street in Heidelberg, Germany

Street in Heidelberg, Germany, 2014

Oil Pastel

5 1/2" x 3 1/2" in a 9" x 7" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$19 + shipping

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184514314/street-in-heidelberg-germany-5-12-x-3-12?ref=shop_home_active_1

Summer in Heidelberg, Germany. A lovely city sandwiched between the Odenwald mountains and the Neckar River. The old town is pedestrian friendly with farmer's markets and a castle to watch over the activity. Streets like these lead to the center of the community. It's places like this that make Europe special. 

This drawing would look best somewhere that needs a splash of color, like a beige foyer or an end table.

WELCOME TO MIKE KRAUS' ART SHOP!

WELCOME TO MIKE KRAUS' ART SHOP!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

I hope you find something you like. If you're unable to find something or saw an item on this blog you liked, please let me know and I may be able to create something special for you.  THANKS AGAIN!

Deep Red Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

8" x 6"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035672/deep-red-birch-forest-8-x-6-by-mike?ref=shop_home_active_3

White Birch, 2014

acrylic and ink on paper

6" x 6" in an 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$32 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184036840/white-birch-6-x-6-in-a-8-12-x-10-12?ref=shop_home_active_2

Dark Green Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

6" x 8"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184035042/dark-green-birch-forest-6-x-8-by-mike?ref=shop_home_active_4

Blue Birch, 2014

acrylic on canvas board

6" x 8"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184034274/blue-birch-tree-6-x-8-by-mike-kraus?ref=listing-shop-header-4

Night Birch, 2014

scratchboard

7" x 5" in an 11 1/2" x 9 1/2" frame

© copyright Mike Kraus

$32 + shipping 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184045579/night-birch-7-x-5-in-a-11-12-x-9-12?ref=listing-shop-header-0

White Birch Forest, 2014

acrylic and ink on canvas board

8" x 6"

© copyright Mike Kraus

$22 + shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184040365/white-birch-forest-8-x-6-by-mike-kraus?ref=related-4

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

If you need anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me:
MikeKKraus@gmail.com

Faces In the Crowd

Faces In the Crowd, 2003ish

pen and ink

© copyright Mike Kraus

I wonder how many people know that I've captured them in my sketchbook?  Here's a sampling from hanging out in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago.  Lots of characters makes for interesting people watching.  You can tell who is a tourist because they look up at all the skyscrapers.  I don't know about the people looking down or about the guy in the top hat.

Meerkat Assembly Plant

Meerkat Assembly Plant, 2014

pen and ink
Collection of Stefanie Gilmour

© copyright Mike Kraus
Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike?

Science and technology can improve the meerkat.  To challenge what it means to be a meerkat.  Why be only 10 inches tall when you could be six foot tall?  Demand for large meerkats is expected to high as insect and lizard populations are projected to explode due to global climate change.  Of course, this will help Mother Nature stay in balance.