Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

🧊☃️🌞 Is now the time for ice to melt? 🌞☃️🧊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I stepped into the winter woods expecting quiet and cold, but instead I felt a warmth waiting for me, glowing low and steady behind the bare trees like a held breath. The snow softened my footsteps, the branches reached upward in patient lines, and that deep red light pulsed at the center of it all, a reminder that even in the starkest season something alive is still burning. Standing there, I felt my worries thin out, as if winter wasn’t an ending but a place where strength learns how to glow from within. A warmth I knew I would want to return to, again and again. 

What part of yourself is quietly keeping its warmth, even now?

🧊☃️🌞 Warmth That Remains 🌞☃️🧊
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For warmth on a chilly day, please visit:

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
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Friday, January 9, 2026

❄️☃️🌞 Where do you find warmth when everything else feels cold? 🌞☃️❄️

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I stepped into the winter woods expecting quiet and cold, but instead I felt a warmth waiting for me, glowing low and steady behind the bare trees like a held breath. The snow softened my footsteps, the branches reached upward in patient lines, and that deep red light pulsed at the center of it all, a reminder that even in the starkest season something alive is still burning. Standing there, I felt my worries thin out, as if winter wasn’t an ending but a place where strength learns how to glow from within. A warmth I knew I would want to return to, again and again. 

What part of yourself is quietly keeping its warmth, even now?

❄️☃️🌞 Warmth That Remains 🌞☃️❄️
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202112104
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To add more cozy comfort to your space, please visit:


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
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Friday, November 14, 2025

🌞🌳 Do you remember the stillness just before night falls? 🌳🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌞🌳 Twilight Woods 🌳🌞
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202511060
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit:

Where this path will end is a mystery. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

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?

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


🍂🍁 Fall of Freedom: Join the Movement! 🍁🍂

This November 21–22, artists everywhere are uniting to celebrate creativity as an act of courage and connection.

We believe art is truth, empathy, and voice. When we create, we remind the world what it means to feel free and what is lost when that freedom is threatened. The Fall of Freedom campaign unites galleries, libraries, and online communities in a celebration of creative resistance. Share your work and tell us what freedom means to you.

🖼️ Art matters. Artists matter. Freedom matters.


&

🦃 Grateful Art Festival 🦃

Right after Thanksgiving we gather to celebrate the best time of the year for artists, makers, and collectors. This festival is your chance to discover treasures for yourself and meaningful gifts for the people you love.

Explore a dazzling variety of hand crafted creations in ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, wood, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital works, paintings, prints and so much more. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artist Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday all in one week, the Grateful Art Festival is the perfect way to shop with purpose, support creativity, and fill your holidays with beauty.


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:
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Friday, February 21, 2025

❄⛄ Will I hold the line for the truth? ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


❄⛄ Winter Woods ⛄❄
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202411037
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/538728628

It's a chilly late afternoon in the forest.  The snow glows on the creaking branches of the trees.  All I hear is the crunching of my boots down the icy path.  This is the season of hibernation.  A time of reflection and calm.

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


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:
at No comments:

Friday, January 3, 2025

❄⛄ What Do I Like To Do On Winter Days? ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


❄⛄ Winter On Skaneateles Lake ⛄❄
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202004029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/193600478

We came to here to be spoiled.  A day at Mirbeau Inn rotating between massages, the spa, and cocktails in the lounge.  Now, we lazily explore Skaneateles Lake's waters barely making a noise in the crisp winter air.  Lingering in Clift Park, the setting sun gently paints the landscape in pinks and yellows before near complete darkness.  At peace, our boots crunch in the snow as we make our way to The Krebs for an exception dinner to finish the perfect day.

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

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.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. 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 business.

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:
at No comments:

Monday, February 20, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

   
Twilight Woods #261
gouache paint on bristol paper
2.5 " x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201801004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/555810485/twilight-woods-261-artist-trading-cards

Where this path will end is a mystery.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

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:
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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:
at No comments:

Monday, February 14, 2022

Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The chilly wind pierces my skin as I walk the shores of the St. Lawrence.  I look out toward Pine Island as the ice collects and builds on the gentle current.  Grindstone Island, which seems so massive on a sunny day, almost disappears in weather like this.  A flock of ducks flee Picton Island and huddle in a spot on Round Island trying to stay warm.

We are like icebergs on this mighty river.  Some racing and crashing at incredible speeds.  Others remain on the banks growing massive and strong.  All different kinds of formations.  Constantly changing with the fickleness of the weather.  Always breaking apart and coming together.

How do you enjoy your winter days?  Are you active with skiing and snowshoeing?  Or do you hibernate with hearty meals and hot cocoa?  Perhaps you live in a warm, sunny locale laughing at us that shovel?  

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, dark blue, 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:
at No comments:

Friday, March 5, 2021

Chicago Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Street
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202103015
© copyright Mike Kraus
It's so cold outside that the door handle has frost on the inside of the apartment.  I eat my toast as I put on my layers of clothing: thick socks, long johns, undershirt, and ski goggles so my eyes don't freeze waiting for the train.  I top off my thermos of coffee and grab a few office papers.  I prepare myself for the wind chill as I put on my hat coat and boots.  As, I open the door, I know it's going to be a great day as the landlord already cleared the sidewalk. 


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:
at No comments:

Friday, January 29, 2021

Winter Glow

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Winter Glow
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202101004
© copyright Mike Kraus

Winter isn't always gloomy.  The grey clouds do break in the morning sun.  The crisp air snaps in the warmth of the sunlight.  The snow and ice on branches sparkle.  You find what you look for.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, 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 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:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog
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Friday, May 1, 2020

Skaneateles Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skaneateles Lake
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202004029
© copyright Mike Kraus

We came to here to be spoiled.  A day at Mirbeau Inn rotating between massages, the spa, and cocktails in the lounge.  Now, we lazily explore Skaneateles Lake's waters barely making a noise in the crisp winter air.  Lingering in Clift Park, the setting sun gently paints the landscape in pinks and yellows before near complete darkness.  At peace, our boots crunch in the snow as we make our way to The Krebs for an exception dinner to finish the perfect day.

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

 Tips For Working At Home

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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Winter Glow

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Winter Glow
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202001005
© copyright Mike Kraus

Winter isn't always gloomy.  The grey clouds do break in the morning sun.  The crisp air snaps in the warmth of the sunlight.  The snow and ice on branches sparkle.  You find what you look for.



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:
at No comments:

Friday, March 6, 2020

Skaneateles Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skaneateles Lake
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202003009
© copyright Mike Kraus

We came to here to be spoiled.  A day at Mirbeau Inn rotating between massages, the spa, and cocktails in the lounge.  Now, we lazily explore Skaneateles Lake's waters barely making a noise in the crisp winter air.  Lingering in Clift Park, the setting sun gently paints the landscape in pinks and yellows before near complete darkness.  At peace, our boots crunch in the snow as we make our way to The Krebs for an exception dinner to finish the perfect day.

This painting would look best in a medium-to-large space that is dark red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, dark 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 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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

View from Jagungal Lodge Kosciuszko National Park, Australia

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


View from Jagungal Lodge Kosciuszko National Park, Australia
acrylic paint on canvas board
11" x 14" (27.9 cm x 35.6 cm)
201905040
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/kosciuszko-national-park-australia_print?sku=s6-10982257p4a1v45 or commission your own piece at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Everyone has someplace special to them.  For her family, it's Kosciuszko National Park in Australia.  It's where they gather for one time a year.  The days are spent skiing, drinking cocoa, and warming up next to a large fire.  They talk about their lives scattered around the globe.  And remember the good times growing up.  And this humble road in Kosciuszko National Park always says "I'm home."


View from Jagungal Lodge Kosciuszko National Park, Australia (sketch)
color pencil on paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201905043
© copyright Mike Kraus

A quick sketch of a possible piece.  We wanted to make sure all the elements were there.  That it fit together appropriately.  And it had it's own unique sense of "place."



View from Jagungal Lodge Kosciuszko National Park, Australia (sketch)
oil pastel on paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201905044
© copyright Mike Kraus

 Another quick sketch was completed to emphasize it's painterly colors.  The composition was slight adjusted.  And the colors are darker to boost contrast.  In the end, a combination of many of these features were used for the final piece.  It's a very thoughtful, original, and unique gift from a daughter to a dad.  I'm very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful project.

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:
at No comments:
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