Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

A Dog Named Broccoli

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A Dog Named Broccoli #1
pen and ink on Bristol paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To commission your own piece, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER!  Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art.  Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique.  Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
🐴📦 Funny Little Box 📦🐴:


A Dog Named Broccoli #2
pen and ink on Bristol paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307037
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To commission your own piece, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

Monday, December 18, 2023

❄⛄❄ HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ❄⛄❄

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


With appreciation, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and prosperity.  Your collaboration and support is so cherished.  And I hope you have many happy days ahead.

Your friend, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

❄☃ WHO WANTS TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN?!?! ☃❄ 

You're invited to the LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL.  It's the place to find and buy amazing art from local artists. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

We're going to have a good time at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595


UPSTATE NEW YORKERS!  Did you forget someone and need a gift now?  See what local artisans have to offer at the Upstate New York (NY) Holiday Art Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/326606876456686


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

Monday, January 16, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #297
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201806088
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/610879524/twilight-woods-297-artist-trading-cards

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227567736514697&set=gm.542444317903542&idorvanity=305635098251133


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:

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #265
gouache paint on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201801011
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227517626061967&set=gm.537373391743968&idorvanity=305635098251133



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:


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

❄⛄❄ Season's Greetings! ❄⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


With appreciation, I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and prosperity.  Your collaboration and support is so cherished.  And I hope you have many happy days ahead.

Your friend, 
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

💻💾 Print your last minute gift of art now using instant digital downloads: 📀🖥
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=16654398


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:

Monday, December 5, 2022

❄⛄❄ HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ❄⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Are you really busy too?  Overwhelmed with how much there is to do and so little time to do anything?  It's okay (and necessary) to slow down and take care of yourself.  This time of year is for relaxing and enjoying all that you've accomplished in 2022. 

This season makes me think about you too.  How people like us are fortunate to have found each other.  To work together to find ways to replace ugliness with beauty.  To help each other during struggles.  And to celebrate each other's successes.    

THANK YOU and may you and your loved ones have a joyful holiday season.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL 
STARTS TODAY!!!
 
Get holiday deals on gifts for everyone on your list at:
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595

The last day to ship before: 
Hanukkah is December 10th

Christmas is December 17th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

*shipping delays may be experienced


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:

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

🍂🍁 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🍁🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

It's the little ordinary things where we find gratitude.  Did you receive a compliment, a fun item, or other kind gesture recently?  What have you offered someone to help them or cheer them up?  And what difficulties are you fortunate enough to have overcome?  A lot has changed since last Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for.  My loving and supportive wife remains on my side.  So many happy and healthy family and friends.  A silly mutt to keep me entertained.  And I'm grateful for you.  Your kindness has allowed my dreams to come true.  THANK YOU for being you and have a wonderful holiday season!

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL starts Monday!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  Join us at: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595


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:

Monday, October 24, 2022

🍂🍁 Come To the Fabulous Fall Art Festival! 🍁🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Let's embrace the season of change.  It gives us hope as we let go of unnecessary habits.  A time to relax at home taking slower and deeper breaths.  Standing around the grill roasting the recently gathered harvest and treats.  And valuing our time together even if it's just streaming a guilty pleasure.

We've let go of summer so we can experience the joys of autumn.  Think about something you appreciate right now.  It can be anything unique about this time of year, like a favorite sweatshirt or a seasonal brew.  Knowing these little encounters can make everything more fulfilling.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Join us at the Fabulous Fall Art Show 
starting TODAY Monday, October 24th at: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595/
Gifts will be in short supply again this year.  So make sure you have something for your loved ones!  And, most of all, 
HAVE FUN! 


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:

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

You're Invited To the Awesome Autumn Art Festival!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Every day, the sun sets a little earlier and the air gets a little bit cooler.  Autumn has arrived and the trees are about to explode into a fireworks of yellows, oranges, and reds.  Days outside enjoying the fresh harvest coming in.  Nights next to the fireplace under a cozy blanket.  The frantic pace of summer fades into memory and allows us to see how lucky we really are.  

Please join us at the Online Awesome Autumn Art Show starting TODAY Tuesday, September 6th at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion  Join your friends buying and selling various arts, crafts, furniture, fashions, jewelry, and so much more!  And, most of all, HAVE FUN! 

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Artist sign up for the Fabulous Fall Art Festival has begun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595/


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 27, 2022

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)
202205017
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, light 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 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, March 4, 2022

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished
acrylic paint on canvas board
7" x 9" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)
202203007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is dark red, dark orange, yellow, 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 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:

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

 

New Mother's Day Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

Mom deserves a lot of extra love during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, right?  The answer is: yes, absolutely.  So, here are some ideas for showing them how much we love and appreciate them.

1) Breakfast/Brunch - Gather the household to make mom her favorite breakfast.  Here are some quick, easy, and delicious ideas: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/5-ingredient-easy-breakfast-ideas/.  Even better, let mom sleep in and start the day with brunch.  Easy brunch recipes at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g4201/best-brunch-recipes/.  Keep the kids occupied letting them help cook, set the table (like a restaurant), make menus, dress up, and practice their serving skills.  

2) Picnic - If it's going to be a nice day, pack something good for lunch.  Enjoy the weather and a beautiful park.  Bring games, hike, and other activities.

3) Photo Session - This can be a great tradition, especially if you have young kids.  And it's simple.  Have mom take a photo with her kids.  If possible, take it in the same location and pose each year to capture the changes as the years go by.

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPopHeads Up HousepartyTicket To RideAnimal CrossingMario Kart TourCoin MasterHarry Potter: Hogwarts mysteryExploding KittensWords With FriendsWerewolfJackboxScrabbleClueMarvel Strike ForceFortniteGolf BattleQuiz UpScattergoriesFishdom, and so many more!!!

Add caption

5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with mom and/or grandma. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Make Her Favorite Foods - Mom doesn't want to cook dinner on her special day.  So, make her favorite meal for her.  

7) Learn Together - Plan ahead and ask your mother to teach you something; her choice.  It can be knitting, family history, hang gliding, anything.  Or find something everyone can learn together.  It's a great way to bond.


8) Spa Day - Set aside time for mom to have the bathroom to herself.  Clean it and light a few candles.  Make sure you have all the soaps, shampoos, and skin care products she loves.  And move the speaker in there so she can drown out the noises coming from the living room.

9) Wine and Cocktails - Spoil her all day if you want.  Mimosas in the morning.  Rosé in the afternoon.  And something stronger at night.  

10) Hiking - Enjoy nature with mom.  There are trails for young, old, and all skill levels.  Find them at: https://www.alltrails.com

11) Quiet Time - Every minute of every day she thinks about you and your well-being.  Give her a break.  Let mom have the house while you bring the kids to the park to play, hike, picnic, etc.

12) Gratitude Challenge - Show mom your gratitude:
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude and tell her.  I
t 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 kids, make a gratitude board.
c) Think of a time she was kind to you and share its meaning with her.
d) Think of a difficult time and it's positive outcomes.


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:

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19


Working From Home Commute: Having Fun During COVID-19

For many of us, our commute has been greatly shortened into a trip from our bedroom to our makeshift office.  While that's a wonderful perk of the 
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it does present us with a few problems.  We aren't properly prepared for work.  We're still not awake.  We're not in the right mindset.  And then we're not productive during the day and burned out by the evening.  One solution is a work from home commute routine.

1) Drive - I do not miss driving at all.  Not the traffic jams.  Not the angry aggressive road rage.  Or the parking fees, maintenance, construction, accidents or any of the million other issues. 

What I do miss is the music.  It's the only CD player I have and when I'd listen to my old albums entirely without interruption.  Now, I've uploaded my CDs and listen to an album as I eat breakfast and brush my teeth.  

2) Walk/Run - The best commute I ever had was a 20-minute walk from my home to work.  It'd wake me up, allow me to think and plan for the day, and to relax my mind as well.  And for the return trip home it's calm me down from the stress and prepare me for the evening with loved ones.  So, I plan to walk once a day.

3) Bike - What is said about walk/run is true about biking as well.  Starting and ending your day with a 30-minute bike ride around the neighborhood is great.  You can see what's going on quickly.  But, you can also slow down and stop to appreciate something that's interesting.  


4) Carpool - We used to carpool to jobsites.  And it's created some great friendships.  Especially on long distances when we'd get breakfast on the way.  With Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and other platforms, we are still able to do this with co-workers, clients, friends, and family.  The more informal; the better.  Just a 5-10 minute conversation while you're making and eating Pop-Tarts.  

5) Train/Bus - I was fortunate enough to take the "L" to work when I lived in Chicago.  As we flew past the traffic gridlock below, I'd read, listen to music, a podcast, audio book, work on a crossword puzzle, play video games, and call friends and family.  It's like having a chauffer without the snobbery.  I can still enjoy that every day.  Just a few minutes before and after work.

6) Coffee- This is a special ritual for many people.  And I suggest spoiling yourself and indulging in it.  Most of us have a standard drip coffee maker.  But go ahead and get a single-serve, pour over, French press, AeroPress, cold brew, espresso, stovetop, grind and brew, turkish, steeped, Vietnamese, siphon, percolator, or whatever else you like.  Become your own barista and learn a useful skill for something you use every day.  

7) After Work Commute - As a bachelor, I had a pretty great routine after work.  I'd get a couple drinks with friends and colleagues, pick up dinner at the store, and play video games while I cooked and ate.  And that still happens, just a bit differently.  We'll informally use Zoom after work while having cocktails and playing online games.  And continue through making dinner or waiting for delivery.  

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:

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