Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Morning Cup of Coffee #413

gouache paint on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

202102006

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235718621/morning-cup-of-coffee-413-artist-trading

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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

Great Fish of the Northern Deep

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Great Fish of the Northern Deep

acrylic paint of canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202102005

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/593530320

In the Northern Deep there is a great fish, thousands of miles long. It turns into a giant bird whose back is thousands of miles in size. When it gets enlivened and takes flight, its wings are like clouds covering the sky...

- Chuang-tzu - Chuang Chou - Chapter 1 [Freedom]

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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

The Maple Tree

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Maple Tree

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/201258056/the-maple-tree-original-acrylic-painting

The warm sun is setting on another steamy summer day.  Waves of heat rise from the fields.  The color of the sky changes every second.  The shade of the Maple tree dissipates as it is no longer needed protection from the sun.  It has other ways to be a refuge at night

This painting would great in a space that is deep red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, light purple, black, white, beige, or wood.

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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

Will You Be My Valentine?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Will You Be My Valentine?: Having Fun During COVID-19

Valentine's Day is about love and gratitude for everyone; not just romantic couples.  During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's good to remind ourselves that we're still connected to a lot of wonderful people.  Tell them.  

1) You Made A Difference  - What are some important, pivotal moments in your life?  Did a teacher encourage you to try something new in school?  Was it a friend helping you with a project in college.  Maybe a relative that gave you a little extra support when you needed it most.  Who helped you become the person you are today?

2) Dear ______, - To those important people in your life, write them a letter.  Address them directly and honestly.

3) Because of You - In your letter, state the specific actions they took that you appreciated.  Why it means so much to you.  And the impact that it has had on your life.

4) Update - Let them know what you're doing now, especially if you haven't seen them in a very long time.  Maybe how their kindness made a part of your life possible.  Or how frequently you recall their support. 

5) Short and Sweet - Try to keep it to one page.  Handwritten is more personal.  And easier to remember and have as a keepsake.

6) Public Display of Affection - For very private, personal, and/or sentimental messages, it's probably best to send by mail.  But, I also encourage public messages on social media.  It's okay to let the world know that someone is awesome.   

7) If You Break This Chain... - Encourage spreading the kindness. End with saying "I hope this inspires you to send a gratitude letter to someone else you're better for knowing."

8) Why Am I Doing This? - I admit, when this was introduced to me I thought it was cheesy and just another unnecessary chore.  But, I witnessed a moment when negative words and actions caused a loved one pain at a time that should have been very joyful.  So, I decided to take it seriously and find ways for it to be personally meaningful.  

Oddly enough, there was a science experiment about it.  When soccer/football players were positively told to kick a ball to the top left corner of the goal, they were far more accurate because that's what they focused on.  But, when soccer/football players were negatively told to avoid kicking the ball to the bottom right of the goal, the ball ended up their the majority of the time because that's what they focused on.  (If you know of this study, please let me know so I can cite it).  The lesson: If you focus on happiness you're far more likely to be happy.

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

More Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

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

Love Is In the Air

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Celebrate Love!

Valentine's Day is all about love, which is a perfect moment for me to let you know how much I appreciate your support.  And to wish you and your loved ones a safe, entertaining, creative, and healthy Valentine's Day!

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

New Valentine's Day Traditions:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-valentines-day-traditions-having.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

Winter Glow

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Winter Glow

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 

202101004

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244764630/winter-glow-original-acrylc-painting-8-x

Winter isn't always gloomy.  The grey clouds do break in the morning sun.  The crisp air snaps in the warmth of the sunlight.  The snow and ice on branches sparkle.  You find what you look for.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood 

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Cayuga Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Cayuga Lake

Acrylic paint on canvas

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/185976649/cayuga-lake-original-acrylic-painting-16

A lazy day along Cayuga Lake hiking between Seneca Falls and Ithaca.  Well worn paths through gorges and woods that open up to vineyards.  A tractor path leads us down to the calm lake where we take a snack break.  With places like this, social distancing is easy.

This piece would work best in a space that is light red, orange, yellow, dark green, navy blue, purple, white, black, beige, or wood

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus