Friday, April 2, 2021

Blue Dream Flower

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Dream Flower
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104007
© copyright Mike Kraus

The flowers are in full bloom under the sultry heat of the sun.  Electric colors gain intensity under the afternoon light.  There's a slightly sweet fragrance of summertime berries that attract the bees and hummingbirds.  The garden is a place to learn about patience, persistence, and harmony.  There are two sides to nature and we need to embrace both to acquire the whole.  

This painting would look best in a space that is orange, yellow, dark green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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:
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Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Supply Run

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Supply Run
pen, ink, and graphite on bristol paper
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A weekend to myself.  Better get everything I need to survive.  A few meals, junk food for snacks, something for dessert, and something to drink to make me feel good.  Aisles and aisles of brightly colored sugary treats.  All waiting for me to let myself go.

This drawing would look best in a colorful space that is bright red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, neutral, 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.





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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19


New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

For Christians, Easter is about losing Jesus to death and a new beginning in the afterlife.  During the difficulties of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate now. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others.

1) Candy - Get lots of candy.  Too much candy.  Little eggs and hallow bunnies.  Peeps and jelly beans.  Easter baskets for every member of your household.  Make some to leave on the doorsteps of friends, family, and neighbors.  There's never too much candy.

2) Virtual Easter Run - A good way to build up an appetite for a lot of ham is a virtual race/walk.  Even better if it's for charity!  Here's an example: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/AnywhereUSA/EasterRunVirtual2021

3) Watch the Catholic Vatican's Mass With the Pope - It's quite a spectacle (https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html).  And there's plenty of other denominations, churches, and others to choose from as well.  

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPop, Heads Up Houseparty, Ticket To Ride, Animal Crossing, Mario Kart Tour, Coin Master, Harry Potter: Hogwarts mystery, Exploding Kittens, Words With Friends, Werewolf, Jackbox, Scrabble, Clue, Marvel Strike Force, Fortnite, Golf Battle, Quiz Up, Scattergories, Fishdom, and so many more!!!

Add caption

5) Gather Around the 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 - For many people, Easter is only about eating ham, deviled eggs, and chocolates. And that's great! But some people would rather eat something else. DO IT! Make something new or get take out: Chinese, pizza, whatever! A culinary adventure can lead to great memories.

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're grateful for them. And why you're grateful for them.

10) Gratitude Chain Letter - Write a letter to someone you're grateful for and tell them why. And end with saying "send a gratitude letter to 5 people you're better for knowing." It can be a personal letter through the mail that can be saved as a keepsake. Or a public message on social media that can be shared with friends and family. The choice is yours.

11) Springtime Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Create something the honor who or what you're grateful for.

12) Home Decorating - Fill your home and yard with bunnies. But we can do more! Do you appreciate your good health; thank healthcare workers. Honor veterans for their service. Show and tell your neighbors they are amazing. Make a public gratitude board.

13) Gratitude Challenge - There's a lot of wonderful things in our lives. Let's find ways to recognize it.
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep are two easy-to-remember moments. And it can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your partner, family, or others; make a gratitude board.
c) Find something you find beautiful and focus on it.
d) Think of a time someone was kind to you and reflect on the experience
e) Ask three other people what they are grateful for.
f) Think of a difficult time in your life and it's positive outcomes.
g) Keep a journal of positive actions in your day.


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!

UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
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 No comments:

Monday, March 29, 2021

Blue Elephant

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Elephant #421
ink, pen, and marker on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103022
© 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.


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:

Friday, March 26, 2021

The Patterned Meerkat

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Patterned Meerkat
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202103020
© copyright Mike Kraus

Today, in the Kalahari Desert, he is a sentry while the others in his clan forage and play.  If there is danger, he will bark to tell the others to hide.  But, there is no danger today.  Yet, he will remain on duty while the others race and wrestle in the sun.

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

at No comments:

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Sentry

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Sentry
pen, ink, and graphite on bristol paper
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

The streets can be a dangerous place.  Strange noises coming from the alleys.  Suspicious people on the street corner.  Cars slowing down as they pass you from behind walking on the sidewalk.  That is why there is: The Sentry.

This drawing would look best in a colorful space that is bright red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, neutral, 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.




at No comments:

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19


Draw Your Household: Having Fun During COVID-19

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is an opportunity to learn a new skill.  So, let's try portrait drawing.

1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those outside your home?  Invite people to participate on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 


2) What You Need: Pen and paper is the easiest.  But, we can expand to crayons, markers, color pencils, and paint.  Or bring it outside and use chalk on the driveway.  Whatever makes a mark.


3) Who's Next?: Pair up into groups of two (2) or (3) people.  Draw them as they are drawing you.  And try not to draw the same person twice.  If necessary, only draw twice when everyone else has been drawn.


4) Set Aside Some Time: How much time will depend on how many people participate and how "finished" you want the pieces to be.  If there's five (5) people that just want some entertainment; set a timer for 10 minutes to draw each person.

If there's only two (2) or three (3) of you and you want to develop your life drawing skills; set a timer for one (1) to four (4) hours.  


5) Share It With Each Other: Look at each other's work.  And remember this is suppose to be fun.  So, don't be critical unless if someone asks for advice on improvement.  

If the group does want to improve through critique, remember to listen, have a conversation, be direct, specific, focus on the piece instead of the person, make suggestions, and compliment something about the piece. 


6) Share It More Publicly: This could be on a refrigerator or an empty wall.  On a driveway or on social media.  It could be just a select few best pieces from an evening.  Or all the pieces created during the pandemic.  


UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) 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 to a few people. 
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 No comments:
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