Friday, August 7, 2020

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Heart of Hope

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Heart of Hope


PLEASE SHARE if you or a loved one has been infected, hospitalized, on a ventilator, or passed away from Coronavirus/COVID-19.  Show your love and support by drawing a blue heart on your driveway, decorating your window, and on social media.  Practice social distancing and wear a mask for those of us with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer.  And for our 50+ year old parents and grandparents who we love so much.  

We will get through this stronger together.




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 5, 2020

Latest Summer Fashions 2020

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Latest 2020 Summer Fashions #378
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202007063
© 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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Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Building A Fire Pit: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Building A Fire Pit: Having Fun During Coronavirus
With all the concerns and anxiety about Coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to find ways to slow down, relax, and enjoy the time we have to ourselves.  To stay safe if we have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.  Take a break from the numbers about infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.  

Staying healthy also means time for relaxation.  The benefits of unwinding are: slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, slowing your breathing rate, improving digestion, maintaining normal blood sugar levels, reducing activity of stress hormones, increasing blood flow to major muscles, reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, improving concentration and mood, improving sleep quality, lowering fatigue, reducing anger and frustration, boosting confidence to handle problems (Mayo Clinic Stress Management).  And what can be more relaxing than a night talking by the fire?


 1) Dig a hole the size you'd like for a fire pit.  This is about 40 inches x 40 inches with a depth of about 9 inches.  (Call 811 or your local utility provider before digging)


 2) Once dug out, tamp or pack the soil tight and level (Not really seen in this photo).


 3) Lay out the cinder blocks in a level square.  Fill in with some of the soil that you've dug out.


 4) Next, lay some decorative bricks on top.  Once in place, dump soil or sand on top of the bricks and try to rub it into the seams.


 

Remember to follow local and state guidelines before burning.  And just so we don't add unnecessary stress, here's a link for building a fire: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Fire.  Once completed, you'll have a simple, cheap fire pit that is easy to maintain, quick to fix, and simple to remove.  

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.

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

Monday, August 3, 2020

End Summer With a New Look!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Patriotism is keeping our fellow citizens safe. "To love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22:38) means to "Let each of us look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4). How many of our loved ones have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents that need our protection? It can be fun and stylish too.

Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that fit your unique personality and 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. 

Stay Safe,
Mike Kraus

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project:


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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Friday, July 31, 2020

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202007062
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/559489537

I count my breaths as I enter the woods.  It calms my thoughts and helps me to relax.  The chaos and cravings of the world evaporate with every step.  If you're fortunate enough to find the mysterious pass, then you enter into paradise.  This is the magic of the forest.

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Don't Touch Your Face!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Don't Touch Your Face! #377
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202007061
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.
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, July 28, 2020

Art Project: Having Fun During Coronavirus



Art Project: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Let's admit that we have lots of concerns and anxiety today.  As counts of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths from Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise unabated; it's scary.  Especially if you're one of the countless people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.

Staying healthy also means keeping your mind active, creative, and entertained.  

1) Choose An Idea - What would you like to create?  It could be an online art show (http://www.artvirus.org/), a (maga)zine (https://thecreativeindependent.com/guides/how-to-make-a-zine/), public art in your yard or neighborhood, a mural, chalk drawings, hang paintings and/or quilts in your windows, rock painting, or countless other projects.

2) Invite Friends - Typically, 3-9 people are ideal for projects and within safety limits of local and state Coronavirus protections.  Wear a mask, stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart, bring your own snacks/drinks and meet at a park, driveway, or yard.  If unable or uncomfortable with in-person gathering, meet over Zoom, Facetime, or other platform.  

 3) Themes - Choose a broad idea that can be interpreted many ways.  It's can just be something as simple as "summer" or "relaxing thoughts.  Try to find a concept that all the participants have in common.

 4) Community - Who will see your creations?  Will it be your immediate neighbors, kids, nursing home patients?  Thing about your audience and how your project will be perceived.

Consider fundraising for a local organization in need like PPE for hospital, the Red Cross, local food pantry, and so many more


5) Assignments - Everyone has a creative skill.  Show it off.  Determine how the finished project will look.  List all tasks needed for completion.  Set due dates, but try to be flexible.  Everyone's life is crazy right now.  

 6) Friendly Critique - Almost nothing ever comes out as planned.  Especially with groups.  Look at the creations, make adjustments, and allow people to make insightful suggestions for improvement.

7) CELEBRATE! - Having fun is important.  While we may mourn that things have changed temporarily, we need to create new and safe traditions.  This can be in the form of a parade, online parties, and many other forms.    




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.


Please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

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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