Mike Kraus: History

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

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

Friday, April 5, 2024

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)

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)

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 📢:

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

Monday, January 15, 2024

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

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Friday, March 31, 2023

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

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, March 17, 2023

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

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/221830295/leaving-donegal-ireland-original-acrylic

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.

☀😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎☀

Perfectly unique items for your home at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, March 10, 2023

Rhône River at Avignon

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Rhône River at Avignon

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803041

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232785261/rhone-river-at-avignon-original-acrylic

On the left bank of the Rhône River nestles the city of Avignon. A slight bend in the river that has been a destination for the Greeks, Romans, Popes, and countless others. And the Pont d'Avignon (the Pont Saint-Bénézet) is the last of many bridges trying to reach the other side. Previous attempts have been destroyed in war, ruined by floods, or doomed to failure by poor engineering. But what it lacks in function, it excels in adding to the beauty of a marvelous city.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201808105

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/210528853/on-the-green-of-st-andrews-golf-course

The final hole on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf Course; "Cathedral of Golf." In 1764, William St. Clair of Rosslyn decided to alter the course to have the standard 18-holes we have today. And it has hosted 29 Open Championships since 1873. That sense of history is felt with every footstep as I carry my golf bag down each fairway and over ancient bridges. And I have a lot of time to ponder the days of yore when I'm in the "road bunker..."

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

Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM Rochester at:
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, September 16, 2022

Fish Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Fish Taco 'Bout Awesome

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202209048

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/248187027/taco-bout-awesome-original-acrylic

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

The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!! Join us at:

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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 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, June 17, 2022

This Land Is...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

This Land Is...

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206020

Find Understanding

We've all hurt people. And that hurts us. After causing that pain, it is our duty to correct that wrong. Our ego must not get in the way. Ignoring and rationalizing only hides our fear that we are weak. True strength comes from humility, kindness, and admitting our mistakes.

1) Express Regret: Talk directly with those you've wronged by expressly stating what you did. For example: "I'm sorry that I (wrongful action). It was not my intention to hurt you."

2) Very Short Explanation: Without excuses, let them know why the incident occurred in 1-2 sentences. For example: "I did (wrongful action) from thoughtless habit; not to attack you."

3) Take Responsibility: Say "I was wrong," "It's was my mistake," or other appropriate variation.

4) Offer Remorse: Let them know explicitly this will not happen again. For example: "I will not do (wrongful action) again because I don't want to cause you pain."

5) Fix or Compensate Error: If you broke something; replace it. If you took something; give it back (in better condition than you found it). Was it something emotional or unable to be restored? Find a way to make amends that is equal to or greater than the misdeed.

6) Ask To Be Forgiven: Be straightforward and say "Will you forgive me?"

Benefits:

1) Saying sorry makes it possible to have a good long term relationship with others.

2) You acknowledge bad behavior and can be trusted again

3) The victim gets their dignity returned.

4) It lets other know that you're still a good person who just made a mistake.

5) Reduces stress that impacts heart health.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, 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:

Monday, March 14, 2022

Deeper Experience in Retrospect

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Deeper Experience in Retrospect

acrylic paint on canvas panel

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

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189900241/deeper-experience-in-retrospect-original

The crucible has been lit. And the heat is intense. The desire to dominate what is outside when we're unable to control what is inside. How can you know the truth in the land of fairy tales? Our medieval beliefs conflict with our modern reality. What is poured into the crucible determines the outcome.

How are we alike? Why should we care? How do we benefit working together? Choices have consequences.

This painting would great in a space that is dark red, orange, yellow, dark 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:

Monday, February 28, 2022

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

acrylic paint on canvas

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

201707076

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243370724/roman-bridge-outside-of-ferreiros-do-dao

Your home is an extension of your personality. And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality. With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces. Here's a tip to consider when choosing artwork.

What color piece should I choose? The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish. Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?" Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel? For my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, Pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look. I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette. And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for. Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition... (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space. The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, yellow, light green, dark blue, light purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

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:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html

Thursday, June 24, 2021

White Russian

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

White Russian

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202106050

For prints, please visit: https://society6.com/product/white-russian-vodka-cream-ice-drinks-alcohol-coffee-liqueur-cherry-kitchen-bar-glass-gifts-dude_print?sku=s6-20818652p4a1v45

For image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1027009368/white-russian-original-digital-download

Perle Mesta, US ambassador to Luxembourg in 1949, was known for her lavish parties. So, when she arrived at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels, the barman Gustave Tops wanted to honor her with a new drink. It's "Russian" because of it's vodka, but has countless other variations like Belgian with chocolate liqueur, Cuban with rum, Canadian with goat's milk, Mexican with horchata, and "dirty" using chocolate milk. It also co-starred in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski with Jeff Bridges. "The Dude abides."

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

Having Fun During COVID-19

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: