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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Sunflowers In Provence, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers In Provence, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202008068
© copyright Mike Kraus

It was a late start from Avignon as we lingered at a cafe savoring our coffee and croissants.  A warm breeze with a sweet scent was blowing as we hiked our way toward Carpentras.  My backpack filled with necessities like snacks, water, and wine.  It will come in handy when we find a beautiful place to rest our worn feet.  Perhaps overlooking the rolling hills of sunflowers.


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:

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

I'm Not Touching You

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I'm Not Touching You #379
pen and ink on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202008067
© copyright Mike Kraus

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask 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 mask.
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 mask. Masks 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.
(More information at: The Centers for Disease Control-CDC)


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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