Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts

Monday, February 19, 2024

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: 

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?


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, January 29, 2024

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.

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.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

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

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ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
& Interview With Mike Kraus

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:

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


ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Positivity

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🍂🍁 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?

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.

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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:

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:

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

On the Shore of Lake Superior

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


On the Shore of Lake Superior #430
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202106040
© copyright Mike Kraus

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.


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:

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

On the Shore of Lake Huron

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



On the Shore of Lake Huron
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201910099
© copyright Michael Kraus

It's the calm before the storm.  And Lake Huron is famous for it's winds.  In 1913, 90 mile per hour (145 kph) winds sank 10 boats and killed 235 sailors.  In 1996, "Hurricane Huron" formed resembling a tropical hurricane complete with an 18-mile (29 kilometer) wide eye.  Over 1,000 shipwrecks have occurred in this tumultuous sea and many are preserved, including 22 sunk at Fathom Five National Marine Park.  So, find a place to hunker down with some hot cocoa (perhaps something a bit stronger if necessary).

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



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

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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:

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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 Michael Kraus

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.  Saving these lakes is saving ourselves and others.

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

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

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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:

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Summer In Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer In Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201905042
© copyright Mike Kraus

Under the canopy of the trees, the sun isn't so hot.  But, I live for days like these with our brutal winters.  The seasons can be so extreme here.  The sound of the water splashing on the beach become audible.  My feet sink in the sand as I climb the dune and the vast expanse of the great lake become visible.

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

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

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018
Max (left) in Rapper's Guild at Palmer Hall in the late 1990s (photo credit: Eleanor Canter)

A unique and bright star in a vast universe has left making our world a much darker place.  Words fail to capture Max's creativity, kindness, and friendship.  But, Max was supportive of any creative project and a willing participant in mischief.  In 1997, I had just sat down in the Mona Shores High School cafe-torium when Max took the seat across from me.  He slid a piece of paper toward me and said, "Hey, I may have something for that little 'zine of yours.  Did it in my last class."  It was the beginning of a series of comic strips called "Sexual Secrets."  He was a wonderful collaborator and the best way for me to honor him is to share his creations.

Schism #7 August 1997

Schism #8 September 1997

Schism #10 November 1997

Schism #12 January 1998

 Schism #17 June 1998

Monday, November 19, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201810124
© copyright Mike Kraus
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." - Lao Tzu

More About Mike Kraus Art
Works by Larry Wood​, Larry DeKock​ and I at the Books, ETC. ​ art show
https://www.facebook.com/events/500270760452282/

Whitman Works Company​


Michael Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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