Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts

Monday, May 23, 2022

The Daily Grind

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
 

The Daily Grind #204
Gouache and Ink on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & 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 thousands 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:

Friday, May 6, 2022

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas 
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202205015
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

It's a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk winter air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, light blue, beige, grey, 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 thousands 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:

Friday, October 29, 2021

Pixley Falls

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Pixley Falls
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110092
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our pup pulls her leash on another day of hiking in and around the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a river valley full of brisk autumn air.  There's a roar of water crashing.  Wandering through the forests, you never know what you'll find in the six million+ acres of these parks.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, light yellow, green, blue. purple, black, white, 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 thousands 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.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Sunrise Over Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunrise Over Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland #424
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202104028

Darkness suddenly erupts into a fiery sky.  The vast and barren landscape illuminated as the sun begins to rise.  Red pierces the black and overwhelms the moon and stars.  The yellow sun burns through and quickly reveals the daytime sky.  There's a reason Iceland is enshrined in folklore and myth.
  

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.

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.





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.




Friday, March 5, 2021

Chicago Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Street
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202103015
© copyright Mike Kraus
It's so cold outside that the door handle has frost on the inside of the apartment.  I eat my toast as I put on my layers of clothing: thick socks, long johns, undershirt, and ski goggles so my eyes don't freeze waiting for the train.  I top off my thermos of coffee and grab a few office papers.  I prepare myself for the wind chill as I put on my hat coat and boots.  As, I open the door, I know it's going to be a great day as the landlord already cleared the sidewalk. 


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:

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas 
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, 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.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (cm x cm) 
202004023
© copyright Mike Kraus
or merchandise at

I only fed him one time.  Now, I can't get rid of him.  He hangs on my screen door begging me for more peanut butter.  I'm no longer able to go in the backyard.  Yet, I find the whole thing entertaining.


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:

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710111
© copyright Michael Kraus


Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

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

Want to see my Brightscapes in person?  Then please visit these upcoming events:
Brightscapes Art Opening at Mendon 64 Tuesday September 3rd.  More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/682874978802604/

KettleFest 2019 at Kettle Ridge Farm on Saturday September 14th!  More info soon!

Haunted Hungerford at Cat Clay on Friday, October 3rd.  More info soon!

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, August 9, 2019

Autumn In the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Autumn In the Adirondacks
Acrylic paint on canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, beige, or wood.

Michael 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:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus


Jakelin was a 7-year-old fleeing gang infested Guatemala.  
Felipe Gómez Alonzo died of an infection and the flu at 8-years-old
Juan de León Gutiérrez was 16-years-old when he died from an infection.
A 2-year-old died of pneumonia.

These are just a few of the 15,000 children imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other United States Government Agencies and their for-profit contractors.  They are being kept in concrete cells, deprived of basic necessities, and starving from hunger.  The filth they are forced to live in has led to flu, lice, and respiratory outbreaks, that are purposefully being neglected.  And guards punish these children for minor offences by taking away their blankets, mats, and forcing them to sleep directly on the concrete floor (Southern Poverty Law Center)

I am extremely disturbed that a country that has shown me and my family such kindness is so cruel to others. This is not about politics. This is about justice, kindness, and truth. These children and parents are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala because government-supported gangs are violently attacking them (United Nations). After a dangerous journey, we deny them their rights to asylum (Amnesty International), we kidnap and lose their children (American Civil Liberties Union), cage and sexually assault kids (New York Times), and deny them due process and indefinite imprisonment at detention/internment/concentration camps (Los Angeles Times).  We're allowing them to die in these terrible conditions (NBC News).  And we arrest and try to imprison good, Christians who provide food and water to those in need (The Guardian).

I don't care about politics and find involvement in them to be humiliating.  I do care about honesty, fairness, and respect.  I ask that you remember your family roots, that you search your heart, and confront cruelty in all its forms.

For ways to help, please visit:




Thursday, April 18, 2019

Spanish Expedition - Barcelona, Spain - Part IV

WELCOME TO
BARCELONA, SPAIN!

This is our "Gaudi Day" excursion.  Everywhere has their "weird artists."  It's incredible to me that Barcelona not only accepted their weird artists, but have supported and encouraged them in ways I've never imagined.  Barcelona took these crazy, wild ideas from their creative people for some very large and expensive projects.  Taking that risk is what makes Barcelona the world-class city it is today.

The "Block of Discord (Illa de la Discòrdia)."  A name given to the buildings because they all seem to compete for your attention.  All constructed by famous Moderista (Art Nouveau) architects.

Casa Amatller (https://amatller.org/entradas/) was created for the Amatller Family Chocolatiers by Josep Puig I Cadafalch.


Interior of Casa Amatller.  Keep walking and you'll find the Amatller cafe and chocolate shop.

Detail of Casa Amatller's Neo-Catalan Gothic facade.


Well, this is disappointing...  Casa Batlló (https://www.casabatllo.es/en/) having renovation work.

A model of Casa Batlló before and after Antoni Gaudi remodeled the structure.  So, you can kind of get a sense of the building.  But, I suggest looking up photos online.  It's worth it if you're not familiar with the house.

Casa Lleó Morera (http://www.casalleomorera.com/en/) was completed in 1906 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner





Fundació Antoni Tàpies (https://fundaciotapies.org/en/) is a contemporary art museum mostly dedicated to Antoni Tàpies' work.

Taking a bit of a break in the Jardí del Palau Robert

Hotel Casa Fuster (https://www.lhw.com/hotel/Hotel-Casa-Fuster-Barcelona-Spain?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sCQ5r_Q4QIVg2SGCh00DQ6VEAAYASAAEgJm_vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) was designed by Lluís Domènch i Montaner in 1907.  Mariano Fuster hired him to build the most expensive house in the city as a gift to his wife.

Casa de les Punxes (https://casadelespunxes.com/en/) by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Bartomeu Terradas Brutau had the house built for his three sisters.

Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece Sagrada Familia (https://sagradafamilia.org/en/home).  

From 1883 until Antoni Gaudi was killed by a streetcar in 1926, he worked on the construction of this church.  Work continues today and they are optimistic that it will be completed by 2026 for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

The Passion Facade realized by Josep Maria Subirachs in 2005.

The exterior of the building is designed to tell the story of Jesus Christ.  This side of the building is recounting the torture and execution of Jesus.


Just look at the expression of agony in that face.

The unfinished Glory Facade will tell the story of dying, the Last Judgement, hell, and finding heaven through God.  This may take a while to complete though.  In the 1950s, the Mayor of Barcelona sold the land across the street to developers of some very ugly apartments.  Obviously, he didn't think the church would ever be completed.  Now, Barcelona is trying to buy the land back to tear the buildings down so they can complete the project as planned.

The central spire is under construction and planned to stant 560 feet high.  So, about twice as high as the towers you see already completed


The Nativity Facade, which was the only part of the church completed during Gaudi's life.

Every inch and detail of the church has a meaning.  The Nativity Facade tells the story of the birth of Christ and the Holy Family (the Sagrada Familia), whom the church is honoring. 

Jesus lovingly looked over by Joseph, Mary and a countless number of angels, animals, flora, and other beings.

Probably one of the most emotional and horrific statues I've ever seen.  Herod the Great hears about Jesus' birth and orders all children under the age of 2 to be killed believing the "King of the Jews" would take his crown.  This is a mother pleading and failing with a Roman soldier not to kill her infant.



It's an incredible feat to conduct this much construction with the over 3,000,000 visitors per year.  That's over 8,200 per day if there were open 365 days per year.


The interior is no less impressive.  The mathematics and engineering involved to keep this building from collapsing must be very intense. 

Just a few of the 56 column ranging from 36-to-72 feet tall resembling a forest of trees. 


The colored stained glass splashes light throughout the light colored interior.

The church is about 48,000 square feet and can accommodate around 8,000 people.  Not sure if that includes the 1,000 members that can fit into the choir.

The Spanish sun blasting through the stained glass.


A view into a very traditional crypt where Gaudi is buried.  The church's original architect was Francisco de Paula del Villar.  And his design was still massive, but much more conservative.  After a dispute, he resigned and Gaudi asked for the job and advocated for the structure we are seeing rise today.

Megan on Avinguda de Gaudí.


Looking the other way on Avinguda de Gaudí

Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul - (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) (https://www.santpaubarcelona.org/en/visits-sant-pau-art-nouveau-site) is the main building of the 26 building complex built between 1901 to 1930.

A new Hospital of the Holy Cross and Saint Paul - (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau) building has been constructed on the back of the site.  While this has not been an operating medical center since 2009, it is still in use.  Currently, it's a museum and cultural center and recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Park Güell (https://parkguell.barcelona/en/home-en). And the only proof of bad weather we've seen in the Iberian Peninsula.

Casa Martí Trias i Domènech.  Park Güell was originally envisioned as an upscale housing development.  A neighborhood of high-quality homes, new technology, accessible amenities, with an artistic flair.  Unfortunately, for Eusebi Güell, it was a rocky hill far outside of Barcelona with terrible access to roads.  So, only two homes were ever built.  Güell 's heirs sold the property to Barcelona in 1918 for use as a flower nursery, school, and public park.

Colonnaded pathway


Looking toward Barcelona

View of Barcelona Harbor from top of Park Güell

View of Sagrada Familia fromPark Güell

Park Güell is a small public park that attracts tourists from around the world.  Unfortunately, that can cause a lot of problems with overcrowding, structural damage, and other related issues.  To protect this historic and cultural asset, the "Monumental Zone" with all the main structures requires a fee to enter and is limited to 800 people at a time.

Wandered around the area waiting for our timed entrance into the park.  While just outside the park, this was a tower of what appears to be the world's fanciest shed.

With a full day of walking, we thought it'd be a good idea to take a few minutes to relax at Bar Piranya (https://barpiranya.wixsite.com/piranya) before heading into the Monumental Zone.  Didn't realize that their large Moritz beer (https://www.wegow.com/conciertos/concierto-de-mourn-en-barcelona-ciclo-backstage/) was "Bavarian-sized."

Entrance of the Monumental Zone of Park Güell

Guard House (Casa del Guarda)




El Drac (The Dragon) is a crowd pleasing mosaic sculpture on the main stairway.  It's also a reason why this park now has strict restrictions.  It was vandalized in 2007 and had to be restored.

Sala Hipòstila (pillared hall) was intended to be a market to serve the 60 houses of the development.  But, it was never completed.  These 86 columns support a public square.  

One of several mosaic medallions in Sala Hipòstila

Deep inside Sala Hipòstila looking back toward the city.


Close up of the broken glass and tile Gaudí used to create the park

The public square above the Sala Hipòstila having some minor maintenance done.  The ground is usually unpaved dirt though.  This is so when it rains (like it will be soon) the water can be collected and distributed to plants throughout the park.  And where I'm standing was the planned location for the "Greek Theatre" to entertain the residents of the failed housing community.





Form and function.  This pathway not only looks interesting.  But on the right side it acts as a retaining wall.  And the columns and part above are holding up a road.

The Portico of the Washerwoman is curious.  Like Sagrada Familia, every square inch of the park is packed with symbolism and meaning.  It would take a lifetime to find and decode every detail.

Tree on top of the terraced wall.



Casa Milà, nicknamed La Pedrera (The Stone Quarry) (http://www.lapedrera.com/en) is another Antoni Gaudí creation commissioned by Pere Milà i Camps.  Construction took place from 1906 to 1912.


Detail of  Casa Milà-La Pedrera's balcony railing

Interior courtyard of Casa Milà-La Pedrera.  These areas help the apartments stay cool in the summer.  And provide light to the interior.

This is the landlord's stairwell.  This gave him a private entrance to avoid the tenants.  But, I assume they could always see him coming home...

Attic of Casa Milà-La Pedrera.  These odd shaped arches did many things.  1) It gave the building its unique shape, 2) provided ventilation to keep building cool in summer and warm in the winter, 3) space for tenants to store items and perform other tasks.

An apartment of a middle-class tenant

Megan checking out this very well organized children's room


Gaudi's vision of nature playing out on his Modernista (Art Nouveau) ceiling


The roof of Casa Milà-La Pedrera where 30 chimneys guide you for a view of the sky and the surrounding city of Barcelona.


Megan overlooking the atrium courtyard.

The private space behind the homes of the Eixample.


View of the Passeig de Gràcia



Megan looking down the Passeig de Gràcia


Overlooking the Carrer de Provença


Arch purposefully framing Gaudi's other masterpiece, Sagrada Familia


And, with that, we spent our last bit of time celebrating Barcelona with Antoni Gaudi.

Barcelona - El Prat Airport (https://www.barcelona-airport.com/).  It amazes me how Europe has been preparing their infrastructure for the 21st century.  I've been fortunate to visit Portugal, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany in recent years and it seems like they are embracing (with a few grumbles) the future.



Goodbye Barcelona!  

It was an incredible experience.  I've been to very few places that are this exciting.  There's activity everywhere at all times.  Sights to see around every block.  It's sophisticated enough to be special, but casual enough to be fun.  Barcelona takes pride in where they live and it shows by how they reach for the future while respecting their history.

See more of our vacation at:



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