🐔🌮 A Taco Always Chickens Out 🌮🐔

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🐔🌮 Chicken Taco 🌮🐔 

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202508035

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit:

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/241284522

The humble taco has always been more than just food, it is survival, ingenuity, and joy wrapped in a warm tortilla. In the wake of wars and broken promises, Mexican and Indigenous families kept their cultures alive through flavors that could not be silenced, selling sizzling tacos on street corners where the smell of grilled meat and fresh cilantro hung in the night air. Tourists once came chasing the Chili Queens, but it was really resilience they were tasting, layered with spice and history. While some people always shrink away from truth, culture never chickens out.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, or wood.

🍁 Calling All Art Lovers! 🍁

Get ready for the Awesome Autumn Art Festival—the coziest, craftiest, most joyfully creative online event of the season! Whether you're here to shop unique, sell your amazing work, or just soak in the good vibes, this is THE place to be. Think colorful finds, handmade magic, and a community that actually cares about art.

So grab your pumpkin spice and click that RSVP—because this fall, we’re making art the main event at:  👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/1046518944308485

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🍁 If you were walking down Toronto's Graffiti Alley, what would you rant about? 🍁

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🍁 Toronto's Graffiti Alley 🍁

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202506028

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/232334744

Toronto, meaning "plenty" to the Huron and "place where trees stand in water" to the Iroquois, is a beacon to the world.  It called to French fur traders, British colonists, refugees of the American revolution, fleeing US slaves, Irish, Germans, French, Italians, Jews, and over 200 other distinct ethnic groups that speak 160 languages.  This multiculturalism made Toronto the fourth largest city in North America and a major center of business, arts, and finance.  The locals are famously friendly and that joy can be found on the streets.

Have you been to Toronto?  What was your favorite part?

This painting would best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood.

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!

You're invited to:

a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show

with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:

Junction361

24 N Main St

Fairport, NY 14450

https://junction361.com/

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike—the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

⛪ St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

⛪ Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

202505021

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4309254024

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4309251476

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4309271584

They were just putting on the finishing touches to Saint Jean Baptiste Church when my great-great grandparents emmigrated from Quebec to Michigan in 1882.  It was the heart of the French-Canadian neighborhood that embraced them.  Five of their children were baptized there starting a multi-generational tradition.  There are countless photographs of brides and grooms posed on the alter as it changed over the decades.  And all the funerals where we said goodbye to our loved ones for the last time.  When it was torn down in September 2024 after 142 years, our family and community lost a lot of history that made us who we are.

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

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!

You're invited to:

a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show

with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:

Junction361

24 N Main St

Fairport, NY 14450

https://junction361.com/

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

💗💀🍁 Au coin d'une rue de Montréal 🍁💀💗 (On a Montreal Street Corner)

Brightscapes : Le chemin vers la beauté

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

💗💀🍁 Au coin d'une rue de Montréal 🍁💀💗

💗💀🍁 On a Montreal Street Corner 🍁💀💗

Affiches de qualité musée réalisées sur du papier mat épais

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

droits d'auteur / © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Pour acheter pour votre maison, veuillez visiter / To purchase for your home, please visit: 

ENCADRÉ/FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1891198102

IMPRIMER/PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1905375739

Les rues de Montréal sont Liberté.  Partout où vous regardez, c'est une célébration de la bouffe, de la musique et de l'art.  De la vie.  Que ce soit un hiver froid ou un été chaud, il y a toujours un festival qui se déroule.  L'architecture contemporaine du centre-ville s'intègre parfaitement aux grands édifices du Vieux-Port et au-delà. Lorsque les Montréalais se rassemblent sur la place des Festivals, c'est toujours une expression de liberté.

The streets of Montréal are Freedom.  Everywhere you look it is a celebration of food, music, and art.  Of life.  Whether it's a cold winter or a hot summer, there's always a festival happening.  The contemporary architecture of Downtown blends seamlessly with the grand buildings of the Old Port and beyond. When Montréalers come together at the Place des Festivals, it's always an expression of liberty.

Cette pièce serait idéale dans un espace petit à moyen de couleur rouge, orange, jaune, vert, bleu foncé, violet, noir, blanc, gris ou bois.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, gray, or wood.

Mon histoire

Je suis Mike, l'artiste de Mike Kraus Art Inc.

J'fais de l'art depuis que j'suis assez vieux pour tenir un crayon. Je remplissais d'innombrables carnets de croquis avec des dessins, je couvrais les devoirs scolaires avec des gribouillis, je publiais des magazines et j'imprimais des dépliants pour les groupes de mes amis. Et puis, je suis devenu un « adulte… » Les exigences de la nourriture et du loyer semblaient exiger un « travail sérieux ». Pendant des années, j'ai langui dans une boîte, faisant des tâches insignifiantes pour un maigre salaire.

Mais l'art a toujours été mon activité secondaire. J'ai commencé à vendre mes œuvres d'art au secondaire entre les cours. Je créerais des pièces originales lors de cours et de commandes plutôt que pendant mes devoirs. Curieusement, c'est le fait d'être un étudiant pauvre qui m'a permis d'entrer à la prestigieuse école de l'Art Institute of Chicago. Inspiré par mon passé, j'ai quitté ma carrière et pris un autre emploi à temps partiel comme caissier dans un magasin à grande surface, car c'était celui qui avait le moins de responsabilités. Le reste de mon temps, je l'ai passé à peindre. Après plusieurs mois, j'ai dû quitter cet emploi à bas salaire aussi, car il entravait mon art.

J'ai décidé de devenir un artiste professionnel à plein temps. J'avais besoin de temps pour peindre, collaborer avec mes clients et mes galeries et entretenir mon atelier. Depuis lors, j'ai vendu des milliers de tableaux qui sont exposés dans presque tous les États et dans des dizaines de pays. J'ai beaucoup de chance d'avoir une carrière consacrée à ajouter plus de beauté au monde. Et j'espère partager cette expérience avec vous.

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

Pour plus d'informations ou pour une commande personnalisée, veuillez visiter : 

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🌞 Barcelona streets are a celebration of Freedom and Democracy 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🌞Barri Gòtic Barcelona 🌞

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202411038

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/698060210

People have been walking these streets since the Romans built them in 15 BCE and it grew into a Medieval maritime power. It earned it's name Gòtic (Gothic) because their wealth from the 13th-15th century lead to a building boom in the Gothic architectural style. It was a center of Republicans (Loyalists) against the Fascist Franco regime, which lead to resistance, suppression of Free Speech, civilian targeted bombing raids, mass arrests, and political murders. And that cruel dictatorship died with Franco. Catalans reclaimed these streets for Freedom and Democracy. And their courage and strength has made Barcelona a world-class city.

La gent ha estat caminant per aquests carrers des que els romans els van construir l'any 15 aC i es va convertir en una potència marítima medieval. Va guanyar el seu nom de Gòtic perquè la seva riquesa dels segles XIII-XV va provocar un auge constructiu d'estil arquitectònic gòtic. Va ser un centre de republicans (lleials) contra el franquisme feixista, que va conduir a la resistència, la supressió de la llibertat d'expressió, bombardeigs dirigits a civils, detencions massives i assassinats polítics. I aquella cruel dictadura va morir amb Franco. Els catalans van recuperar aquests carrers per a la Llibertat i la Democràcia. I la seva valentia i força ha fet de Barcelona una ciutat de primer nivell.

This piece would work best is a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, or light wood.   

YOU'RE INIVITED TO THE

🌸 Bring Spring Art Festival 🌸

Let's celebrate warmer weather and the Arts together!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1279832046445225

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

Total Solar Eclipse

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Total Solar Eclipse
acrylic paint on canvas board
202404011
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/210510047

Where were you on April 8th, 2024?  Did you actually "see" the moon passing in front of the sun or did you only "look" at the eclipse?  What did you notice about the sky as it began to converge?  Did you hear the crickets chirp and the birds go silent?  What about the colors and shadows?

How did the solar eclipse make you feel?

Total Solar Eclipse

acrylic paint on canvas board

202404012

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1483662829

COME TO THE allFREEDOM SUMMER PARTY!

It's all about making friends and having fun at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/7494125563997105

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🎨 Where To Start a Creative Art Business 🎨:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/where-to-start-a-creative-art-business-fb8867dec221?sk=3910f0d8bfc2fe700c909f51ce8ebc83

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

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

Total Solar Eclipse

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Total Solar Eclipse
acrylic paint on canvas board
202404008
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/248928242

A total solar eclipse will take place at the Moon's ascending node on Monday, April 8, 2024, visible across North America and dubbed the Great North American Eclipse (also Great American Total Solar Eclipse and Great American Eclipse) by some of the media. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than the Sun's, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs only in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide. (from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_April_8,_2024)

For more information, please visit: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/

Total Solar Eclipse

acrylic paint on canvas board

202404009

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1487002319

Total Solar Eclipse

acrylic paint on canvas board

202404010

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/213712985

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

📢 ESTATE SALE! Today 10am-3pm 📢: 

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/estate-sale-today-10am-3pm-864c65a8c544?sk=a63627462f1337f9443f645eef371727

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

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

Montagne Sainte-Victoire

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 

Montagne Sainte-Victoire

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201910091

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/527602589

Montagne Sainte-Victoire can be seen in the distance from Le Jas de Bouffan.  A source of inspiration for ancient Roman soldiers conquering surrounding lands.  A site for festivals for early Christians celebrating the beautiful world.  And the view of the mountain was incredible at Chemin des Lauves.  These locations and mountain were the bookends of the life of Paul Cezanne.  His optical realism, simplified shapes, colorful atmospheres, and enhanced depth motivated Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian, Beckmann, Braque, Giacometti, Léger, Gorky, Giorgio Morandi, Liubov Popova, Marsden Hartley, Charles Demuth, Kelly, Jasper Johns, Jeff Wall, Brice Marden, Sherrie Levine, Francis Alÿs and so many others to make their own unique creations.

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

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🖼 Refuge From An Indifferent World 🖼: 

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/refuge-from-an-indifferent-world-8ef888cb076c?sk=7aa2d740086383edba1dd0a1fe593c48

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Arles Amphitheatre

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807098

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199644221/arles-amphitheatre-original-acrylic

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

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

☀😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎☀

Perfectly unique items for your home 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 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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Leaving Donegal, Ireland

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Leaving Donegal, Ireland

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201801019

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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This is the last time Frank Duff will see his home. A vanishing glimpse of Donegal, Ireland aboard the ship Eliza slowly heading for America.  While he loves his country, he and his wife, Anna, know there is no future for them there.  For generations, Frank and his family harvested the land.  Their hard labor put food on the table, clothes on their backs, and maybe a little extra to barter when times were difficult.

That all changed when the English exiled the Gaelic leaders from Ireland.  The British made it illegal for Catholics to worship, vote, speak their language, and own property.  With their farm stolen from them, English absentee landlords demanded high rents that they could never afford.  The debt became so large that they were forced off their farm to become migrant farmers traveling through Ulster and Scotland.  Their days consisted of walking barefoot to work and fighting wild dogs for food.  And they'd watch each other die from malnutrition only to be buried in mass graves.

This group of religious/political refugees on the ship Eliza were not welcomed to America.  They practiced the "foreign religion" of Catholicism that "pledged allegiance to the Pope."  Fear was purposely spread that these Irish would bring crime to their cities and they were rapists.  These Irish were coming to take away jobs and their many children would drain the welfare budgets with their diseases and laziness.  So, when the boat docked in New Castle, Delaware, Frank and Anna were now afraid of their new home too.

Frank and Anna Duff were my 5th great-grandparents.  They left the east coast to established a farm in the distant wilderness of Butler, Pennsylvania.  Several generations worked the land and eventually became machinists in factories, firefighters, bridge builders, and soldiers in war and peace.  They only wanted a chance at a better life and I remember their story.

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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.

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