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:
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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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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Hiking: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Hiking: Having Fun During Coronavirus

 We all need a break from Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Some time away from the TV, turn off all the electronic devices, and relax in nature.  

Relaxation IS necessary for staying healthy.  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, and boosting confidence to handle problems (Mayo Clinic Stress Management). 


Hiking Tips:
1) Choose the right trail for you - Look for trails near your home as long distance travel may contribute to the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19.  Are the trails wide enough to stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart?  If not, are the trails "one-way" only and where does it start and finish?  What amenities will be open and/or available: bathrooms (and cleaned after use), concession stands, etc.?  

 If you don't hike regularly, find a trail that's shorter than what you'd walk on a paved path.  A good place to look is: https://www.alltrails.com/.  Don't forget to check for elevation changes.  An elevation increase of 1,000 feet (305 meters) can add an extra hour.

2) Look at the map - How will you get back to your car?  Is there an area to rest for a picnic?  Is it a loop or a backtrack?  Are there restrooms and are they open?  Are there destinations to see and obstacles/crowds to avoid?

 3) When to go - Hiking is very popular.  Especially during the pandemic.  Think about going during off-hours.  On weekends, try visiting earlier or later than usual.  Maybe have dinner and a walk on weekdays.  Be flexible.

 4) Will it rain? - Check the weather for the location you'll be hiking.  It's an easy mistake.  It's beautiful at your home when you leave.  But, it's rainy just a few miles away in a higher elevation.
5) Uh oh...  - Reception is bad and phone batteries die quickly.  So, make sure someone knows you're out having fun.  It's can be a simple text message before you leave.  And let them know you'll text them when you're done.

6) Pack appropriately - Are you in a remote area or an urban park near services?  Some things to consider bringing: food, water, sunscreen, map, extra clothing, waterproof matches, flashlight, first aid, emergency shelter.  Look for any safety notices about gear and animals.

 There are also extra supplies these days to include: masks, hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol, un-shared eating utensils, and cleaning products.

 7) Shoes - Wear good shoes and synthetic/wool socks.  Have bandages for blisters in your first aid kit.  You don't want sore feet on a hike

8)  Nature fashion - Wear layers of synthetic clothing for comfort.  Too hot?  Take off a layer.  Too cold?  Add a layer.  Did it rain or get too wet crossing a stream?  Synthetics dry pretty quickly.

 9) Too much stuff - There's a lot of stuff listed above.  Bulk items may be cheaper at the big-box stores.  But, you'll want to splurge on travel sized everything.

 10) Take it easy - You're hiking to enjoy yourself, your family, and nature.  Take a pace you and other members can maintain for the entire duration of the trail.
       

11) Keep nature beautiful - Let's maintain the trails, keep the water clean, protect wildlife, prevent fires, connect children to nature, and minimize human impact.  Follow the rules of the park and learn more at: https://lnt.org/

Hiking with Kids
1) Have fun - You want happy memories outdoors with the ones you love.  And that may require some extra patience and flexibility with the plans.  Make it interesting and exciting.  Teach them how to use a compass, sing a song about the birds, tell them an interesting fact about a plant, explain hiking etiquette, play a scavenger hunt game or other activity.  

 2) Take it easier - Find trails as close to home as possible.  More time spent in a car increases chances of restlessness and irritability.  Allow plenty of time, a short hike, and interesting things to look at.  And let them explore whatever they find on the way.  If there's a bug or a stick that caught their attention, indulge in it with them even if it's mundane.

3) Kid's Choice - Allow the kid's to be part of the planning and decision making.  Which trails should we take?  Should we picnic here or there?  What should animals or landmark should we look for on the hike?  Here's a map; guide us to the end.

 4) Hungry? - Make frequent breaks for water and high energy snacks.  If excited, they may not notice their thirst and/or hunger until there's a meltdown.  

 5) Kid's clothes - Layer them just like you.  But, pay attention to their body temperature.  You may be overheating carrying them up a hill, but they are cold from inactivity on your back.  If you have multiple kids or runners, put them in bright shirts so they can be spotted easily.

6) Safety - Put a whistle on their zipper.  Before every hike, ask them "How do you find mom and dad?" and train them to respond with "blow the whistle 3 times."  "Finding mom and dad" is better than saying "when you're lost" because it's not always obvious to children that they are lost.  But, they do understand not seeing you.  If they are old enough to carry their own backpack, have them carry their own food, water, and jackets.  It's lighter on your back and gives them supplies if there's an unfortunate situation.     

 Review with the kids any hazards they may encounter.  How they are expected to behave if they encounter warning signs, stinging bugs, cliffs and safety barriers, water safety, animal encounters, and harmful plants.  Don't forget Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautions like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet (2 meters away) from others, avoid petting dogs, etc.

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.

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Monday, August 10, 2020

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202008064
© copyright Mike Kraus

We made a late-night social distancing adventure away from the city's light pollution.  NEOWISE was visiting our sky for the first time in 6,766 years.  On its last stopover to Earth, humans were just figuring out how to domestic pigs.  How far we've come.  The stars shoot and silence is intoxicating.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.

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

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Hiking: Having Fun During Coronavirus:


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:

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:
at No comments:

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.

at No comments:

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:
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