Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

18 Years Ago...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


It was 18 years ago that I went on my first date with Megan.  We met working at the Chicago Architecture Center (https://www.architecture.org/) where she planned events and I was in the tour department.  We had a love of weird bad movies from the start.  Blockbuster didn't have Robocop (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093870/), so we rented Innerspace (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093260/) instead.  And for dinner, we had takeout Chicken Katsu from Aloha Eats (https://www.alohaeats.com/).  Little did we know that it was a start of a wonderful adventure.  I'm very lucky.

And after 18 years with me, Megan has earned a homemade crab cake dinner...

Mike Kraus


🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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.

Friday, August 11, 2023

Brushstrokes & Transformation: An Interview With Mike Kraus


In this interview with Mike Kraus, we delve into the captivating journey of an artist whose work serves as both a canvas of color and a canvas of values — honesty, kindness, and fairness. From his formative years in Muskegon, Michigan, Mike’s artistic voyage has been a dynamic exploration of the intricate interplay between the external world and his inner creativity.  Continue Reading at: https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c


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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:

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Deep Dish Pizza Time!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Deep Dish Pizza Time! #525
pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202305012
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Is there a more perfect meal than pizza?  How many other foods are so versatile?  Something that you can have for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner.  And all the variety of toppings.  Even hot or cold.  Pizza is the perfect food.


LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?
Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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, March 20, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset on Lake Michigan
acrylic paint of canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201705050
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/253340151/sunset-on-lake-michigan-original-acrylic

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the shoreline.  A case of beer and a bundle of wood in each hand.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  The water splashing onto my feet as I let the day melt away.

Do we need more or is this enough?  Are there some things we can leave in the past?  Why bother with the future?  Right now is pretty good.

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

☀😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎☀
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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 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:

Friday, February 3, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset on Lake Michigan
acrylic paint of canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201705053
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/637376380/sunset-on-lake-michigan-original-acrylic

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the shoreline.  A case of beer and a bundle of wood in each hand.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  The water splashing onto my feet as I let the day melt away.

Do we need more or is this enough?  Are there some things we can leave in the past?  Why bother with the future?  Right now is pretty good.

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and 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:

Friday, January 20, 2023

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 Art Inc.

The "L" train rattles and squeals after a long day at work.  Chauffeured home while reading a book and looking at the road rage of traffic below.  The backs of building pass by with their tangle of power lines and wonky patios.  This city has two side: a facade to show the world and a place where the real work gets done.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

What do you notice about your neighborhood?  Is it full of natural beauty or manmade?  Are there trees or have they all been removed?  Can you get places by walking and/or biking or are you forced to drive everywhere?  Where we live is who we are.

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

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=10227568068843005&set=gm.542485097899464&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, March 23, 2022

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Alley #224
gouache paint and ink on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
2017034

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 artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is 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. and it is signed on the back.

This piece would look best in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, beige, black, white, 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:

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711120
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/626210526/aurora-borealis-over-lake-michigan

The lights of the city are far from the gently waves splashing on the fine sand beach.  That darkness allows me a brief glimpse of the magic of the skies our ancestors saw before industrialization.  All the greens, pinks, and blues swirling around as if propelled by the soft breeze.  My thoughts evaporate and my eyes absorb this obscured enchantment of the heavens.  Everything is right as my body sinks into the sand and takes in the celestial.

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

Monday, February 21, 2022

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting On Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire. A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm. The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky. The waves gently crashing on the shoreline of another perfect summer night.

We all have places that feel like home. Reminders of a carefree childhood. Experiences that made us who we are. We have a connection to them as they gave us our sense of the world. How different would our lives be without these spaces?

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, 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, November 5, 2021

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110091
© copyright Mike Kraus
We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, 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:

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Chicago Alley

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Chicago Alley #429
pen, ink, graphite, colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202105038
© copyright Mike Kraus

The facades are freshly painted with well-manicured lawns and power-washed sidewalks.  Chicago takes pride in their design and architecture.  It's also the city of broad shoulders that understands the backbreaking work of digging itself out of the mud and into a world-class city.  The alley is where all the toil occurs to make life here possible.  Like a grapevine that has to struggle to make the perfect wine, this hidden utilitarian passage is what makes Chicago beautiful.


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:

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:

Monday, July 29, 2019

On a Chicago Street Corner

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a Chicago Street Corner
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201907065
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/614691323/on-a-chicago-street-corner-original

On this plots of land, the long grass of the Illinois prairie gave way to squalid tenements of Irish immigrants in the 1840s.  They escaped famine and oppression in their homeland to find abuse, poverty, and the backbreaking labor of digging canals, building roads, and constructing the railroads.  The neighborhood had frequent Cholera outbreaks because of the constant flooding.

Seeking religious and political freedoms from the Austrians, Czech immigrants moved to this muddy Chicago neighborhood.  They opened a restaurant called "At the City of Plzeň", which inspired the Pilsen neighborhood's name.  When banks refused to loan them money to build homes, they formed their own credit unions to finance the neo-Bohemian Baroque architecture that is treasured today.

In the 1950, the construction of the Stevenson Expressway forced Mexican immigrants from their homes to the Hull House Neighborhood.  Soon after, they were forced from their homes again to make room for the University of Illinois Chicago campus.  When the Latino community began to appear in Pilsen, they fought discrimination to have a place to live, to be members of churches, to open shops, and to have their children receive decent educations.  So, when another Urban Renewal plan for Pilsen was discovered, they fought back to save the neighborhood they worked so hard to create.

These streets bear the scars of injustice and the hope for opportunity for all.  Overcoming our prejudice to the cause of freedom is what gives us hope in America.        



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.





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:


Friday, July 19, 2019

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kent Hall at University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by
Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.



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.

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