Showing posts with label NY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NY. Show all posts

Friday, April 21, 2023

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202304007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/689606258/new-york-street-original-acrylic

New York City is uniquely American.  It doesn't matter if you're on 5th Avenue or Hunts Point Avenue, the world is on the street.  The more than 3.2 million foreign-born residents speaking up to 800 different languages are the cause of this vibrancy.  Every store and neighborhood can be a place of wonder and discovery.  For the past 200+ years, it has been a welcoming place for my family.  And now I'm fortunate enough to welcome the liberty-loving idealists of tomorrow.

This painting would look best in a small space that is red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, white, black, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Spirit of the Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Spirit of the Forest
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201805068
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/615155121/spirit-of-the-forest-original-acrylic

Moonlight breaks through the canopy of the forest as I hike in the darkness.  There's the sound of an owl in the distance warning other of my presence.  The leaves wrestle in the breeze spreading the scent of spicy apricots.  The nocturnal forest is exactly what you expect; and completely unpredictable.  In the dark shadows of the evening I can see everything and nothing at all.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, 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 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, February 17, 2023

Watkins Glen

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 
Watkins Glen
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801013
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232334744/watkins-glen-original-acrylic-painting-8

The birds and chipmunks scurry through the leaves as we climb up the gorge.  Not too far away is the gentle crashing of a waterfall.  Step-by-step, our feet press forward as we make our way up the stairs and down the paths.  As we take a short break, we comment on how the rocks are stacked like books waiting to be placed back on the shelves.  After a little more walking, you can really take it all in at Point Lookout.

It's amazing how far we've gone.  What were you doing a year ago?  What about 5 years ago?  Now think about 10 years ago.  Time passes quickly.  So we have to remember to appreciate it.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, dark green, dark 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 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, February 10, 2023

Honeoye Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeoye Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201806084
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/622648587/honeoye-lake-original-acrylic-painting-8

The shallow waters of Honeoye Lake felt warm for such a brisk morning.  My boat lazily bobbing on the gentle waves.  I watch the sun gradually rise in the sky only interrupted by the occasional perch, bass, or walleye tugging on the fishing line.  At noon, I haul my boat ashore to fry my catch-of-the-day.  If this isn't nice, what is?

How do you connect with nature?  What did you enjoy doing outside during your youth?  Do you still enjoy it and why?

This painting would look best in an average space that is red, yellow, orange, green, dark blue, white, black, 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 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, February 3, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


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

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

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

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


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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 27, 2023

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811126
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/516194540/a-view-of-the-blue-mountains-of-the


It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, heron, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to an overlook full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

What can I do to bond with nature?  My food comes from its soil and pastures.  Everything I touch is harvested and mined from the land.  I exist because it allows me to breathe.  While it asks for nothing in return, I wonder about the consequences of losing it.

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


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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, December 19, 2022

Is It Fry-Day Yet?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Is It Fry-Day Yet? #513
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212083
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
 ðŸ’“💚🖤 Kwanzaa ends is December 23rd ðŸ–¤ðŸ’šðŸ’—
🕎 Hanukkah Sameach 🕎
🎄🎅❄ Merry Christmas ❄🎅🎄

NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT in the ROCHESTER, NEW YORK area?  Contact me at MikeKKraus@gmail.com for pick-up/delivery.

💻💾💿 Print your gift of art now using instant digital downloads: 📀🖥🖨 https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=16654398

Enjoy your holiday!!!

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, September 9, 2022

End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
202209046
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Hiking down the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail is easy. The switchbacks bounce between cascading waterfall creeks. A strong scent of pine as we startle unsuspecting deer around the bend. On the stony beach we enjoy a picnic of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate. The fish jump as we soak our feet in the water. The hill isn't the only reason it's a difficult hike back.

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels use to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships. The pollution began to poison the waters. In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak. Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity. Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

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


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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, July 11, 2022

Rachel and Ben's Canandaigua Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Rachel and Ben's Canandaigua Sunflowers
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202106046
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The warm breeze rushes through the car as we drive down country roads with our windows down.  Every bend reveals new sights.  Every hill a new perspective on the panorama.  It's a yearly ritual for us to visit sunflower fields as they bloom.  A day full of hiking and picnics among the waves of petals.  It's the little things in life that make us grateful.

Let's start being kinder to others and ourselves with the Kindness Challenge at: https://www.kindspring.org/challenge/?op=nletter&cid=2153&id=59060

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Summer Excitement!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


WELCOME TO SUMMER!

It's those glorious days under the hot summer sun.  The cool breeze racing off the water as we hike to our favorite beach.  The birds diving and the fish jumping causing the water to splash.  The smell of food on the grill is the only thing preventing us from taking a nap.  It returns me to my youth.

What do you do to enjoy summer?  Is it relaxing with the AC in your home office and brisk walks at night?  Perhaps it's puttering in your garden watching your fruits and vegetables grow and flowers bloom?  Maybe it's taking a refreshing beverage to your favorite vantage point to watch the sunset?  

These are the days to remember.  


Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Looking to spoil yourself?  Try S'more cake.  It's everything you love about cooking at the fire pit, but can be kept cool and invigorating in the fridge.  Recipe at: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226250314979982&set=gm.398884775592831


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, July 1, 2022

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202207022
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/689606258/new-york-street-original-acrylic

New York City is uniquely American.  It doesn't matter if you're on 5th Avenue or Hunts Point Avenue, the world is on the street.  The more than 3.2 million foreign-born residents speaking up to 800 different languages are the cause of this vibrancy.  Every store and neighborhood can be a place of wonder and discovery.  For the past 200+ years, it has been a welcoming place for my family.  And now I'm fortunate enough to welcome the liberty-loving idealists of tomorrow.

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Otisco Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Otisco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708087
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc

What are the benefits of buying original art?  There are countless advantages to owning original artwork.  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

Originality -  How many times have you walked up to a car in the grocery lot parking lot only to discover that someone else has the same exact car as you?  Do you remember a time visiting a friend's house and seeing the same big box store artwork and furniture that you have in your home?  A one-of-a-kind artwork will make your space uniquely you.  Even better, commission an artist to make a piece specifically for you that will compliment your decor.  An original piece of art greatly increases the status and charm of a living space.

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

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

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Lake Placid

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lake Placid
acrylic paint on canvas 
36" x 48" (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

We've been hiking all morning enjoying the foliage, which is at its peak.  The colors seem to explode all around us in the fresh crisp air.  The dried leaves crunch under our feet as we continue down the path.  We come upon an overlook and a place to rest and snack.  A region glows over Buck and Moose Islands all the way to Whiteface Mountain.

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


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


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, May 6, 2022

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas 
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202205015
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

It's a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk winter air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

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

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