Friday, November 6, 2020

Toronto Alley

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Toronto Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202011103
© 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

Toronto, meaning "plenty" to the Huron and "place where trees stand in water" to the Iroquois, is a beacon to the world.  It called to French fur traders, British colonists, refugees of the American revolution, fleeing US slaves, Irish, Germans, French, Italians, Jews, and over 200 other distinct ethnic groups that speak 160 languages.  This multiculturalism made Toronto the fourth largest city in North America and a major center of business, arts, and finance.  The locals are famously friendly and that joy can be found on the streets.

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
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Heirloom Tomato

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Heirloom Tomato
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202010099
© copyright Mike Kraus

I want the taste of heirloom tomatoes in everything.  They're sweeter and just make meals more delicious.  At the end of summer, there's an Amish farmer that has a stall at the end of the farmer's market.  He doesn't sell much, but I purchase all that he has each week.  Some I use on meals right away.  The rest of the bushel I can and preserve in mason jars for the winter.  And there's gallons of salsa waiting for me in my basement pantry.

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
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!: Having Fun During COVID-19

 

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!: Having Fun During COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't take away your right, privilege, and duty to vote.  You have a voice.  And you should be heard when it comes to the health, safety, and the well-being of our community.

1) GO VOTE! - Find your polling center at: Vote.org (https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/)

2) I VOTED! - Congratulations for using your civil right and duty.  Isn't early voting and voting by mail amazing!  Wear your "I voted" sticker with pride and remind others to vote by social media.  

3) Listen To Me - Your power is your vote.  Elections are about decisions.  If you don't vote, you allow others to decide for you.


4) Elections Have Consequences - Are you happy about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been handled?  How is your work life these days?  Do you feel your child is in a safe learning environment?  Who do you want to represent you?

5) Paying the Bills - You're paying for this.  This is your chance to hire the right person for the job.  Who will improve your healthcare, fix the roads, educate your child?  It's your money.

6) Friends, Family, Neighbors, Kids, and Community - They are all counting on you.  Too many people are denied the right to vote and countless people through the centuries fought and died for this sacred civic duty.  By voting, you're honoring the ideal of freedom and democracy.   


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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Monday, November 2, 2020

Getting Cozy This Autumn

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On sunny fall days, there's an explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges on hikes through your favorite parks.  Squirrels scurry through the leaves and deer sleep in the open enjoying the last days of a warm sun.  We embrace autumn as the sun rises a little lower in the sky each day.   Lazily binge watch movies on the couch under cozy blankets.  Our favorite oversized sweatshirts return from their long hiatus in the closet.  Home is your comfortable nest and it should reflect you and your loved ones.  A place to create memories around the dinner table and laughter playing games.  And a home where you can tuck your feet under a furry family member to keep them warm while relaxing.


Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


Having Fun During Coronavirus

Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:


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, October 30, 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)
202010101
© 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
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Pink Elephant

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Pink Elephant #399
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202010098
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html
Building a Fire Pit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html
Share Heart of Hope:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html
Hiking:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html
Celebrating Women:
 https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html
Have A Picnic:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html
Have Some Theme Spirit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html
Working For the Weekend:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html
Honor and Remembrance:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:

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, October 27, 2020

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Spook Your Friends and Neighbors: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) didn't cancel Halloween.  It may be different.  But we are in this together and can still have fun. 

1) Decorate Your House - What could entertain your neighbors? Turn your yard into a haunted maze. Or the lawn is now a graveyard. Make a scary backdrop for kids to do a photoshoot.

2) Decorate A Neighbor's House - Surprise someone by making signs, filling their yard with witches and skeletons. Decorate pumpkins and leave them on their stoop.

3) You've Been Boo'ed - It's like a Halloween Secret Santa.  Make two signs or decorations, two gift packs, and secretly deliver the goodies to your neighbors.  Display sign/decoration somewhere prominently and leave instructions to do the same for two more neighbors.  Watch the fun spread through the neighborhood  


4) Hands-Free Bag-O-Candy - Grocery stores have bags and bags of candy. Some are all the same. Others are a mix of your favorites. The virus only lasts about 3 hours on paper and non-solid wrappers (at last update)

5) Neighborhood Costume Parade - Set a time for families to have a social distance parade down the street. If you have a neighborhood Facebook Group or other social media, share photos and give online awards for costumes like: scariest, funniest, most original, cutest, etc.

6) Zoom Costume Party -
Send out invites, wear costumes, have a matching virtual background, make something together (spooky food, carve pumpkins, scary science experiment), play games (20 questions, truth or dare, would you rather). And don't forget the food and drinks.


7) Netflix Party (Scary Movies) - Watch a scary movie at home and invite your friends with Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/). Or share with the neighbors by projecting on your garage or bedsheet. Projectors are as cheap as $55 USD (https://www.lifewire.com/best-cheap-projectors-to-buy-4062263).

Need movie suggestions? Here's the Top 100 Horror Movies according to Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_horror_movies/

8) Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt - Invite your neighbors to participate in a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Have every participating neighbor provide item hidden in their yard for your list. This list can be shared to participants by email, Facebook Groups, or other way you communicate with neighbors. Consider using a hashtag and having participants share their finds on social media.

*Consider clues and prizes for all younger kids.

9) Haunted Drive-Thru - Coordinate with your neighbors to make your street haunted. Have a friendly competition with inflatable displays, choreography/actors, and outrageous designs for car viewing.

Too ambitious? Maybe partner with a few neighbors and friends to combine decorations. If someone has a good sized plot of land or a circular driveway, that's fun too.

10) Adults Too! - Halloween isn't just for kids. Grown-ups need fun too. Holidays are about bonding and shared experience. So find ways that everyone can participate in the fun.


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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

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