😎 What place helps the world feel simple again? 😎

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Every summer I make the same quiet promise to myself. When the city noise of Chicago starts to feel too heavy, I point the car toward the lake and end up here again. I climb the sandy steps of Mount Baldhead until the trees open and the whole harbor spreads out below me. The breeze carries the fresh scent of lake water and warm pine, and I can hear the distant hum of boats gliding across the channel. Standing there with the wide sky above and the river winding toward Lake Michigan, everything inside me seems to slow down.

That is why this view never really leaves me. It brings back the feeling of warm sunlight on my shoulders and the peaceful rhythm of summer afternoons along the water. Hanging this scene in your space is like keeping a small window open to Saugatuck whenever you need a breath of calm. 

If you could step into this view for a moment today, who would you want standing beside you at the top of the hill?

😎 View From Mount Baldhead In Saugatuck, Michigan 😎

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To find a Summer escape, please visit:

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4469775261

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4469772829

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4469769403

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikekrausart

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

🏢 When a Town Changes, What Stays With Us? 🏢

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

This drawing holds a chapter of Muskegon history that many people remember in their bones. The Russell Block and the Century Club stood through the 1970s transformation when Western Avenue was roofed over to become the Muskegon Mall and surrounding blocks were cleared for parking. What had once been an open street of storefronts and daily movement turned inward and dimmer. When the mall eventually closed in the 2000s, the city began the slow work of uncovering the street again, restoring light, walkability, housing, and the older rhythm of downtown life. These buildings endured all of it, quietly waiting for the street to breathe again.

Drawing this scene was a way to honor that patience and resilience. It is not just nostalgia for how things used to look, but respect for how places adapt and survive while holding memory. For those who grew up here, passed through on a Great Lakes cruise, or moved away and still feel a tug toward Muskegon, these facades carry stories of loss, renewal, and return. 

When you think about this street, which version of it lives most clearly in your memory?

🏢 Western Avenue In Muskegon, Michigan 🏢

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To keep a special place with you, please visit:

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4451899044

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4451890289

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/194679066

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

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

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikekrausart

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

👰🤵 Lisa and Ryan's Wedding 🤵👰

CONGRATULATIONS

LISA & RYAN

ON YOUR MARRIAGE!

On Friday May 2nd, 2025 Ryan Cummins & Lisa Kraus (my sister) had their wedding at Hackley Park in Muskegon, Michigan.

Rehearsal dinner at Teddy Spaghettis (an' a pizza pie!) (https://www.facebook.com/eatteddyspaghettis/)

Megan LOVED it!  We'll eat there every time we're in town now.  Teddy and the staff were wonderful.  Good live music while we ate.  And so many leftovers that we couldn't finish them after two days.  Ryan's grandma even found a roll in her purse the next day in the salon.

more SPAGHETTI less UPSETTI!

Lisa getting ready at Evolve Hair Salon (https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolve-Hair-Salon-100063443067183/)

My mom having her makeup put on.

Getting ready in the bridal suite at the Shoreline Inn (https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/muskegon/ascend-hotels/mi322?mc=llgoxxpx)

The marriage was blessed by the mastodon at the Muskegon Museum of History & Science of the Lakeshore Museum Center (https://lakeshoremuseum.org/)

Photos at the Monet Garden Pocket Park (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/monet-gardens/)

Photos at Pere Marquette Beach (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/pere-marquette/)

When Ryan mentioned we looked like lucky grooms to passing traffic while waiting to set up, I decided that we should not let our audience down.

And no wedding is complete without visiting the Rotary Club (https://www.muskegonrotary.org/).  For extra bonus points, it was a fundraiser at Wonderland Distilling (https://wonderlanddistilling.com/)

Lisa and Jenny finishing off the cake from Ryke's Bakery (https://rykes.com/) at the reception.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Jenny, Scott, and Maya for all your hard work pulling this wedding together.  It takes so much to make sure that the ceremony is on time, everything is set up, managing the florist, coordinating the food, cleaning up, and so much more.  It was because of you that our families had so much fun celebrating.  And we appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Lisa, you made a beautiful bride.  Ryan, we're so happy that we're now family.  All of us are so excited that you found each other and to many years of happiness!

Enjoy your Italian honeymoon!

🌊 On the Shore of Lake Superior 🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

On the Shore of Lake Superior

acrylic paint on canvas board

202405015

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

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/517997646

Where do I escape? Where do I find peace? Where can I find myself and happiness? This painting would best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, dark yellow, green, purple, black, white, grey, or wood.

NOW OPEN!!!

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172

You're invited to the

🍂🍁 5th Annual Awesome Autumn Art Festival 🍁🍂

 at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/845185077270809

Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!

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/TheWayToBeauty

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

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

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

Mackinac Memories

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Mackinac Memories

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202308055

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

Framed Print: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679733941

Print: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679731217

Digital: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679748211

Days start early on the dock.  We're still preparing for a long day of ferrying and the passengers are already lining up.  Back-and-forth passing the Round Island Passage Light countless times.  Always in awe of the Grand Hotel.  A part of a shipping tradition that has lasted 138+ years.  And I'm proud to be a part of that heritage.

Is there a place you go to relax? Is it wide-open or cozy? What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there? Is it a place where you can be by yourself? What about it makes you feel good?

📻 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:

🤵 Fake It ’Til Ya Make It 🤵:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/fake-it-til-ya-make-it-f82ade21a44d?sk=fc962f57251308ae4e4a57ce0afbcb76

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

On the Shore of Lake Erie

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

On the Shore of Lake Erie

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201910093

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/206106597

Lake Erie has an over-sized influence.  It's more than just location, industry, tourism, and fishing, but in an intellectual and spiritual way.  It's the look and feel of the water that communicates indescribable messages to those who listen.  Yet, ugliness begets ugliness.  For the sake of convenience and profit, we've destroyed wetlands for subdivisions, dumped industrial and animal waste into rivers, and poured fertilizers onto grass to make it a little greener.  This predictably has lead to dead zones of toxic Blue-green algae that now engulf over 500 square miles of Lake Erie during the summer.  Conservation and restoration of Lake Erie is imperative.  Progress requires the protection of our scenic, health, historic, and recreational values.  What is good for nature is good for us.

📻 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:

💚☕🚚 An Enchanting Evening At the Golden Ticket 🚚☕💚:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/an-enchanting-evening-at-the-golden-ticket-2f8284be509f?sk=33b86cc2f2c6a46b4b1f3d226312a74c

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

Lake Erie

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lake Erie #547

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
202309059

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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

SIGN UP NOW

for the

🍂🍁 AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

Kick off the holiday season with friends and fun.  Meet hundreds of artists and their amazing creations.  How happy are you with your art?

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Art Is a Gift

https://medium.com/p/b65c92288e5

& Interview With Mike Kraus

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c

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

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Positivity

https://medium.com/p/4d7f0a74e179

SIGN UP NOW

for the

🍂🍁 AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

Kick off the holiday season with friends and fun.  Meet hundreds of artists and their amazing creations.  How happy are you with your art?

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

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!!! 👍😎☀

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 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