Monday, December 7, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Keep Your Distance #406
pen, ink, and gouache on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202012114
© copyright Mike Kraus
PROTECT SANTA!  He's elderly (1,750 years old!), overweight, and goes into an 11 month diabetic coma after a night of bingeing on milk and cookies.  To keep jolly St. Nick out of the hospital ICU and in good spirits, consider a video call at: https://www.santasinthehouse.com/.  By keeping Santa, his elves, and their toy workshop COVID-19 free, you'll be saving Christmas.  Remember, we're all in this together!

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering 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 cloth face covering.
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 cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings 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.

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
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
New Holiday Traditions:

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, December 4, 2020

Seneca Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Seneca Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202011111
© 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 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 

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
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
I'm Thankful You're In My Life:
New Holiday Traditions:

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, December 2, 2020

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


More than ever, I'm grateful for my family, friends, career, health, and you!  This has been a year of reflection and appreciating what truly matters in life.  And your kindness and compassion has made me proud that we're in this together.  

Thank you and best wishes for the holidays and a happy New Year!

Your friend, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS-

The last day to ship before Hanukkah is December 5th
The last day to ship before Christmas is December 19th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 19th


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, December 1, 2020

New Holiday Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

New Holiday Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

IT'S THE HOLIDAYS!  Time for cocoa, celebration, and getting away from work.  During the difficulties of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others. 

1) Home Decorating - Half the fun of the holidays is making your home festive.  Here's a few ideas:
-Make a paper countdown chain.  It's a fun way to get kids even more excited for the holiday.
-Find or make a new ornament.  A decoration that commemorates something special to you this year. 
-Prizes!  Hide a decoration and the person who finds it gets an extra gift.
-Cover the outside of your house with lights!
-If you have a large yard, turn it into a holiday maze or other experience for your neighbors.

2) Virtual Lighting Ceremony - Rockefeller Center will be broadcast on National TV (https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/) on December 2nd at 7pm.  But, there are countless cities and other organizations that will be hosting online events.


Virtual Kwanzaa Celebrations are also taking place (https://www.visitannapolis.org/events/8233)

3) Holiday Hike - My wife and I always look for an excuse to get into nature.  Find a festive hike.  It could be as simple as walking around your neighbor to look at decorations.  It could be finding some place with snow.  What location puts you in the holiday spirit?  



5) Unite Family and Friends With Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please. 

6) Have Your Favorite Foods - Be as traditional or unconventional as you like.  But think about the meals you'd like for the holiday.  Maybe cookies and snacks for the other days to make it feel festive.  Make warm beverages to share at night.  

7) Random Act of Kindness - We all know someone experiencing some form of difficulty in their life. The illness/death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Do something nice for them.

8) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.

9) Gratitude Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you appreciate for them. And why you care for them.

10) Even Santa Loves Zoom! - Santa Claus is taking COVID precautions.  And this is easier that going to the mall.  And you can record the conversation.  Call Santa at: https://www.santasinthehouse.com/

11) DIY Holiday Cards/Letter - Make your own cards to give to loved ones.  Or write a letter updating friends and family about your life.  Make something personal and tell individuals why you're grateful for them.  Create something public and share it on social media.


12) Thankful Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Make a gift for someone special

13) Support Local Businesses - Many local businesses offer curbside pick-up, delivery, and other COVID-19/Coronavirus safe options for their products.  Supporting small businesses struggling in your community will help your neighbors have a good holiday too.

14) Christmas Light Drive-Thru - Various farms, zoos, neighborhoods, individuals and others create amazing holidays displays.  And they want you to see them.  So pack your household in the car and look at the flashing lights, inflatables, music choreography, and so much more.  

15) Holiday Music - There's so much holiday music and so much you can do with it.  Listen to a radio stations, make your own playlist, make a mixtape for someone, write your own song, etc.!  Music is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

16) Share Memories - Ask questions like "what was your best gift?" "what is your earliest holiday memory?" and "what's the strangest thing you've experienced during the holidays."  Get things started and it can provide you fun entertainment.


17) Share Memories Online - Post a holiday photo and tell us a story about it.  Let us know who was there, what you're doing, when this happened, where it was, and why it was special.  Then invite your friends and family to do the same.

18) Holiday Movies - Make a list of all the holiday movies you'd like to watch.  Make it a full "movie night" with popcorn and hot cocoa.  Use Netflix Party (https://www.netflixparty.com/) and watch your favorites with friends and family.

19) Get Dressed Up - Want to make a moment feel special?  Wear something fancy.  We've all been home wearing pajamas and being lazy.  Do something fun, eat a nice meal, and take photos while looking stylish.

20) Treat Yo' Self - The holidays are stressful.  So, find something for yourself.  What will put you in the holiday mood?  Is there something that will help you relax?  It's okay to take care of yourself too.

21) Write Thank You Cards - It's easy to become jaded from the holidays.  Think of how much time, energy, and money someone spent on you.  Let them know how much you appreciate having them in your life.  Reflecting on that kindness will make you feel good too.


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).
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.
at 2 comments:

Monday, November 30, 2020

Essential Heroes

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Essential Heroes #404
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202011112
© 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

To all our essential heroes, living and deceased, thank you for your dedication and sacrifices so that we can live.  We are profoundly grateful for and respectful of all you have done for us.  Thank you for your great personal courage that enable to be safe, healthy, and free.

#WearAMask In honor of our heroes

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
Holiday Gratitude Board:

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:

Friday, November 27, 2020

Autumn Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Autumn Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202011110
© 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

There's a crispness to the fall air walking through the forest.  The sunlight makes the yellows, oranges, and reds explode in vibrancy.  It's an easy hike to the small river.  That's where we'll see the salmon trying to make their run.  The perfect place to social distance.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, yellow, green, dark navy blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

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
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
I'm Thankful You're In My Life:
Holiday Gratitude Board:

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:

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  

This time of year is about relaxation, gratitude, and creating new traditions.  If you're like me you'll lazily start the day by watching the parade, Zoom with some family and friends, enjoy a couple online games, eat a little too much, a short hike to burn off the calories, and crash on the couch to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

Most of all, I'm grateful for you.  Your kindness and support is so appreciated.  And I hope you and your loved ones are all safe, entertained, creative, and healthy.  THANK YOU and have a wonderful holiday season!

We're All In This Together, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Having Fun During COVID-19
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/new-thanksgiving-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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 3 comments:
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