Friday, November 30, 2018

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #316
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201811130
© copyright Mike Kraus
This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

More About Mike Kraus Art

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.

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #315
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201811129
© copyright Mike Kraus
This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

More About Mike Kraus Art

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, November 28, 2018

Vision Quest XLII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLII
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
201811128
© copyright Mike Kraus

Twilight along the shores of the Great Lake.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

This piece would work in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art


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.



Monday, November 26, 2018

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201811127
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/231864117/twilight-woods-original-acrylic-painting


I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real. 

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

More About Mike Kraus Art

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:

Friday, November 23, 2018

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 board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811126
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/516194540/a-view-of-the-blue-mountains-of-the


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 piece would look best in a medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, grey, or wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art


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.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Chicago Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811125
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243101275/chicago-alley-original-acrylic-painting


After a long day of work in the Loop, I take the "L" train home.  It's so much better reading a book on public transit than fighting road rage in a traffic jam.  And today I'm just watching all the buildings pass by.  The brown line runs at street level in the alleys after the Western stop.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian. 

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

More About Mike Kraus Art


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:

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  
I hope you're looking forward to seeing your friends and family over some turkey as much as I am.  And I'm grateful for all the support you've given me.  You have made it possible for me to live my dream as a professional artist.


THANK YOU and have a wonderful holiday season!

Your friend,
Michael Kraus

See my work at the:Books Etc. Art Show with Larry DeKock and Larry Wood:

Listen to my Graphic Ear interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Whitman Works Company​




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:

Monday, November 19, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201810124
© copyright Mike Kraus
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." - Lao Tzu

More About Mike Kraus Art
Works by Larry Wood​, Larry DeKock​ and I at the Books, ETC. ​ art show
https://www.facebook.com/events/500270760452282/

Whitman Works Company​


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:

Friday, November 16, 2018

Isla Bartolomé Galapogos

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Isla Bartolomé Galapogos 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
201810122
© copyright Mike Kraus
Our boat arrives at a pile of lava just off Sullivan Bay on Isla Santiago.  A primordial wind-swept landscape dotted with sunbathing turtles and playful penguins.  Our ascent up the wooden steps toward the summit is slow as iguanas, eagles, and other wildlife interrupt.  Creatures weaving in and out of every lava formation and jagged cliff.  And when we arrive at the summit, we must contemplate the magic of the Earth.

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:

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Kicker Rock (León Dormido) Galapagos

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kicker Rock (León Dormido) Galapagos 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
201810121
© copyright Mike Kraus
Our boat left promptly at 8 am from the dock.  The light spray of the warm waters keep us deceptively unaware of the sun's heat.  The helmsman loudly proclaims "there's Kicker Rock" and points as soon as it comes within view.  The anticipation grows as we get closer and prepare our snorkeling equipment.  We've seen so many incredible animals on the islands already; what's could be under the water?

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:

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201810123
© copyright Mike Kraus
She sits very quiet and still.  The silence is soothing and only interrupted by a gentle breeze.  But, she's having difficulty keeping focus on her meditation this morning.  Her eyes open and are drawn to the painting of Lake Michigan.  The calm waters are how she wants her mind to be.  After some contemplation, she is able to achieve mindfulness once again. 

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:

Friday, November 9, 2018

The Coffee Art Project at the Los Angeles Coffee Festival

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee
 acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) in a frame
201809112
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/650358441/morning-cup-of-coffee-original-digital

The Los Angeles Coffee Festival (https://www.la-coffeefestival.com/) is LA’s flagship coffee event, celebrating the burgeoning specialty coffee scene in this great city. With exceptional coffee, as well as food, cocktails, live music and art on offer, it’s an unmissable event for coffee lovers of all levels.


The Los Angeles Coffee Festival is a celebration of community and culture, located at the Magic Box @ The Reef (1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90007) (http://www.the-reef.com/magic-box/) from November 9 - 11. Whether you're a beginner, coffee aficionado, self-confessed coffee geek, or key industry stakeholder, we're curating an immersive program just for you.

Taste your way through the vibrant Los Angeles coffee scene with hundreds of exciting coffees to sample. Boost your coffee knowledge in workshops, be a part of interactive demos and meet the top US artisans and baristas one-to-one.  To top it all off, enjoy delicious street food, coffee cocktails, live music and coffee-inspired art.

With 100% of our profits being donated to Project Waterfall (http://www.projectwaterfall.org/) to deliver life-changing water projects in coffee-growing regions. Since 2011, Project Waterfall has raised over $1.4 million, bringing clean water to more than 25,000 people across seven countries. 





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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