Monday, December 30, 2019

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201912116
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/twilight-woods-by-mike-kraus-blue-purple-trees-forest-woods-nature-gifts-christmas-hanukkah-eid_print?sku=s6-11937360p4a1v45

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 look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, light purple, black, white, grey, or wood.


More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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, December 27, 2019

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome #347
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201912119
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/625605604/taco-bout-awesome-347-artist-trading

Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years .  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called the "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United States and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.

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.

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, December 23, 2019

On a Chicago Street Corner

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a Chicago Street Corner
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201912123
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/555220975/on-a-chicago-street-corner-original

In the ROCHESTER, NEW YORK area and still looking for last minute gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa?  Contact me and we'll find a way to give art to your loved ones.

Pierre left his family's struggling farm to find work in nearby St Romuald, Quebec as a carpenter's apprentice.  There were many nights his young wife and seven children went to bed hungry.  And when Pierre's wife and son died in 1882, it was too much for him to endure.  He quickly sold off his meager possessions, remarried, and boarded various trains until he reached Muskegon, Michigan to work in a myriad of factories.  After several years and eight more children, he had an opportunity to work as a carpenter constructing the interiors of trains.  For the next 17 years, that's what he did in Jacksonville, Illinois.  His expertise made him highly desirable to the Pullman Railcar Company in Chicago.  When Pierre and his wife Melvina moved into their humble apartment, it was the first time they've had an empty nest in their 32 years of marriage.  These were some of their happiest years.  Melvina enjoyed her new friends and all the amenities South Chicago had to offer.  Pierre had success as a crew boss at an iconic American business.  My great-great grandparents didn't know what to expect when they emigrated to the United States.  But they were grateful for the opportunity it provided them and their children.  And they worked hard every day to show it.    


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, December 20, 2019

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201912122
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/224142863/twilight-woods-original-acrylic-painting

The last day to ship before Christmas is TODAY December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

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.



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:

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Thousand Island Sunset

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Thousand Island Sunset
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708082
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/689058278/thousand-island-sunset-original-acrylic

The last day to ship before Christmas is December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st

HAPPY HANUKKAH!


The campfire crackles as it cooks our dinner for the evening.  The scent of our food and burning wood fills the air.  The gentle lapping of the St. Lawrence River fills the silence between our conversation.  We watch the sun make its slow decent toward the horizon.  The sky lights up as we prepare our s'mores.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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, December 16, 2019

Season's Greetings

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Peace on Earth. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a new year filled with peace and happiness

Your friend, 
Michael Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS-
 The last day to ship before Hanukkah is December 17th
The last day to ship before Christmas is December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st


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.


Friday, December 13, 2019

Hello Panda Bear

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Hello Panda Bear #346
Ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201912118
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184982750/hello-panda-bear-346-artist-trading

 The last day to ship before Hanukkah is December 17th
The last day to ship before Christmas is December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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:

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Winter Wood

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Winter Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201912115
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/207839524/winter-woods-original-acrylic-painting-8

It's a chilly late afternoon in the forest.  The snow glows on the creaking branches of the trees.  All I hear is the crunching of my boots down the icy path.  This is the season of hibernation.  A time of reflection and calm.

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

PS-

 The last day to ship before Hanukkah is December 17th
The last day to ship before Christmas is December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st



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, December 9, 2019

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


During the holiday season, more than ever, my thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made my dream of becoming a professional artist come true.  It's in this spirit that I say, simply and sincerely,

Thank you and best wishes for the holidays and a happy New Year!

Your friend, 
Michael Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS-

 The last day to ship before Hanukkah is December 17th
The last day to ship before Christmas is December 20th
The last day to ship before Kwanzaa is December 21st



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, December 6, 2019

Great-Grandfather's Church

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Great-Grandfather's Church #344
gouache paint and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201912112
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=1

IT'S CYBER WEEK!  Get up to 40% OFF now!

He was a toddler when he arrived in America as refugee of the Irish Potato Famine.  Centuries of oppression left his family uneducated, poor, and starving in their own country.  Growing up in the tenements and prejudice of New York City left him wanting more as a young man.  And when he saw a flyer offering him work in Nebraska on the Transcontinental Railroad he took his opportunity.  After several years of living in tents and backbreaking work, he ended up in a southern Omaha tenement built on an "uninviting floodplain."  He still wanted more.  With hard work and shrewd dealing, he was able to obtain a farm.  Soon after, he was married and had several children that added to the success of that farm.  Looking back on his life, he saw himself as being fortunate to escape the peasant life of the privileged monarchy, the toil of being an immigrant, and to raise a family on his own land.  To show his gratitude, he joined with other nearby farmers in 1883 to construct this humble church.  Sacred ground to the American experience and a reminder of who we are as a nation.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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:

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Dad's House

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Dad's House #345
gouache paint and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201912113
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=15998928

IT'S CYBER WEEK!  Get up to 40% OFF now!

This time of year always brings a bit of nostalgia.  Visiting dad on the holidays.  My brother tinkering with the neglected grill when my sister rolled up on her bike; smirking.  That house is special to our family.  Special because of the people that are in it.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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:

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