Boston Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Boston Alley #552

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
202309065

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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

Join us

at the

🍂🍁 FABULOUS FALL 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/events/1421541185245595

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🐱 Working With Artists Is Like Herding Cats 🐱

https://medium.com/p/45a8078ba8b7

& 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

Rue St. Paul Montréal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Brightscapes: le chemin de la beauté

Rue St. Paul Montréal #280

gouache, ink, graphite on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201802035

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213712985/rue-st-paul-montreal-280-artist-trading

Rue Saint-Paul Montréal #280

gouache, encre, mine de plomb sur papier Bristol

PAS UNE IMPRESSION OU REPRODUCTION

2,5" x 3,5" (6,35 cm x 8,89 cm)

201802035

© droits d'auteur Mike Kraus

Pour acheter pour votre collection, veuillez visiter: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213712985/rue-st-paul-montreal-280-artist-trading

Pierre, mon 7ème arrière-grand-père, et son frère sont arrivés à Québec vers 1665. Ils ont quitté la Normandie en France pour devenir pilotes de bateau pour Samuel Champlain en Nouvelle-France. Après 4 ans, il commence une ferme qui a grandi à 15 acres et ont 6 animaux à cornes. Pierre épouse Françoise Loignon et a 13 enfants ensemble. Au cours des 350 prochaines années, la famille s'agrandit, se déplace et se modifie. Et je me promène dans ces rues en imaginant mes ancêtres et en voyant mes cousins.

Pierre, my 7th great-grandfather, and his brother arrived in Quebec about 1665.  They left Normandy France to be boat pilots for Samuel Champlain in New France.  After 4 years, he starts a farm that grew to be 15 acres and have 6 horned animals.  Pierre marries Francoise Loignon and had 13 children together.  For the next 350+ years, the family grows, moves, and changes.  And I wander down these streets imagining my ancestors and seeing my cousins.

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.

Mike Kraus est né sur le littoral industriel de Muskegon, Michigan. Après avoir obtenu son diplôme des beaux-arts à la School of the Art Institute of Chicago, il a fréquenté la Grand Valley State University pour son diplôme d'études supérieures. À partir de là, il a acquis diverses expériences à la Chicago Architecture Foundation, à l'Art Institute of Chicago, au Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, à la Lollypop Farm Humane Society et à la Children's Memorial Foundation. Et partout où il travaillait, il avait son carnet de croquis avec lui et trouvait des moyens d'être activement créatif. En 2014, Kraus est devenu un artiste à temps plein en créant Mike Kraus Art. Depuis lors, il a vendu des milliers de peintures qui sont exposées dans presque tous les états et des dizaines de pays. Actuellement, Kraus vit à Rochester, New York avec sa belle femme et son chien maladroit.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Pour plus d'informations ou une commande personnalisée, veuillez visiter:

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

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Chicago Alley

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

201811125

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243101275/chicago-alley-original-acrylic-painting

The "L" train rattles and squeals after a long day at work.  Chauffeured home while reading a book and looking at the road rage of traffic below.  The backs of building pass by with their tangle of power lines and wonky patios.  This city has two side: a facade to show the world and a place where the real work gets done.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

What do you notice about your neighborhood?  Is it full of natural beauty or manmade?  Are there trees or have they all been removed?  Can you get places by walking and/or biking or are you forced to drive everywhere?  Where we live is who we are.

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

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227568068843005&set=gm.542485097899464&idorvanity=305635098251133

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:

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

Boston Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Boston Alley #481

ink and colored pencils on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202208037

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/517997646/boston-alley-481-artist-trading-cards-25

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion

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:

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

Barcelona Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Barcelona Alley

acrylic painting on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202105032

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/212845645/barcelona-alley-original-acrylic

The narrow streets off La Rambla provide generous shade from the intense heat of the sun.  Catalunya is quiet except for a lone moped delivering meals.  Barcelona's cityscape is a gallery of Roman ruins from 8 BC, Gothic homes, Baroque palaces, opulent theatres, ancient artwork, and contemporary graffiti.  Above there are countless loving homes with tenderly cared-for patio gardens.  At eye level, murals on roll-up doors share the feelings and humor of the local citizens.

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

Having Fun During COVID-19

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

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Rue de Montréal (Montreal Street)

Brightscapes: Le chemin de la beauté

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Rue de Montréal (Montreal Street)

peinture acrylique sur toile (acrylic paint on canvas board)

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201905045

© copyright Mike Kraus

Pour acheter, veuillez visiter: https://www.etsy.com/listing/691392452/montreal-street-original-acrylic?ref=shop_home_active_1&langid_override=3
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/691392452/montreal-street-original-acrylic

Pierre, mon 7ème arrière-grand-père, et son frère sont arrivés à Québec vers 1665. Ils ont quitté la Normandie en France pour devenir pilotes de bateau pour Samuel Champlain en Nouvelle-France. Après 4 ans, il commence une ferme qui a grandi à 15 acres et ont 6 animaux à cornes. Pierre épouse Françoise Loignon et a 13 enfants ensemble. Au cours des 350 prochaines années, la famille s'agrandit, se déplace et se modifie. Et je me promène dans ces rues en imaginant mes ancêtres et en voyant mes cousins.

Pierre, my 7th great-grandfather, and his brother arrived in Quebec about 1665.  They left Normandy France to be boat pilots for Samuel Champlain in New France.  After 4 years, he starts a farm that grew to be 15 acres and have 6 horned animals.  Pierre marries Francoise Loignon and have 13 children together.  For the next 350+ years, the family grows, moves, and changes.  And I wander down these streets imagining my ancestors and seeing my cousins.

Cette peinture aurait meilleure apparence dans un petit espace qui est rouge, jaune, orange, vert, bleu, violet, blanc, noir, gris, beige ou bois.

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

En savoir plus sur l'art de Mike Kraus

More About Mike Kraus Art

Entretien avec NPR Marketplace Business News sur l’art en tant qu’investissement alternatif

My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

https://www.marketplace.org/2019/02/13/business/hobby-investments-cant-escape-darn-global-economy

Entretien avec Graphic Ear sur WAYO 104.3 FM

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

Entretien avec le magazine Boston Voyager à l'adresse:
Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:
www.bostonvoyager.com/interview/check-mike-krauss-artwork/

Michael Kraus est né sur le rivage industriel de Muskegon, dans le Michigan. Après avoir obtenu son diplôme en beaux-arts de la School of Art Institute de Chicago, il a étudié à la Grand Valley State University. À partir de là, il a acquis diverses expériences auprès de la Chicago Architecture Foundation, de l'Art Institute of Chicago, du Centre Hauenstein pour les études présidentielles, de la Lollypop Farm Humane Society et de la Children's Memorial Foundation. Et chaque endroit où il travaillait, il avait son carnet de croquis avec lui et trouvait le moyen de faire preuve de créativité. En 2014, Kraus est devenu un artiste à temps plein en créant Mike Kraus Art. Depuis lors, il a vendu des centaines de peintures exposées dans presque tous les états et dans des dizaines de pays. Kraus vit actuellement à Rochester, New York, avec sa belle femme et son chien maladroit.

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.

Pour plus d'informations ou une commande personnalisée, s'il vous plaît visitez:

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

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 Michael Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/555810485/twilight-woods-261-artist-trading-cards

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.

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:

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

  Twilight Woods #260

gouache paint on bristol paper

2.5 " x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)

201801003

© copyright Michael Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/237020890/twilight-woods-260-artist-trading-cards

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.

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:

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Journey Through Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Journey Through Montreal, Quebec, Canada #232, 2017

ink and gouache paint on bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame)

201705043

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/517997646/journey-through-montreal-quebec-canada

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

THE SHOW IS OPEN NOW!

THANKS SO MUCH TO UNION PLACE COFFEE ROASTERS for hosting a wonderful open house last night.  We had a great time and met lots of fun new friends.  I really enjoyed the coffee roasting demonstrations, Sweet and Cute coffee syrup tasting on ice cream, Dolce Cupcakery's treats, Southern Tier Brewing Company stout and IPA, and Rochester, NY's mayoral candidate Rachel Barnhart discuss her plans.

There's still time to see my work and have some amazing coffee too!  Whitman Work Co. will have my pieces up until May 25th.  More information at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/433621963677913/

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Genesee Valley Regional Market

900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504

Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 784-0404

www.UnionPlaceCoffeeRoasters.com

Store Hours:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-3pm

Chicago Alley

 Chicago Alley, 2015

acrylic on canvas

18" x 24"

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Portrait for Roman, 2015

pen, ink, and graphite

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Drawing Western Avenue in Muskegon, Michigan

I thought I'd share the process of how I draw.  For the subject, I decided on drawing Western Avenue in my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan.  It's the main street of downtown which has been bulldozed and rebuilt about every other generation.  Somehow, both of these buildings, the Russell Block to the left and the Century Club to the right, have been able to survive since the 1890s.  Anyway, this is how I draw.

 I've measured out a piece of paper to fit an 8" x 10" frame.  I've also added a border.  I like to leave an edge to the paper just in case someone decides to change the frame in the future.  It allows more flexibility for using mats and different size frames.  Next, I tape the paper down to my drawing board and prepare to sketch.

So, I sketch out my general lines in pencil.  I place various points of reference.  For example, I've used the edge of the street and rooflines to keep everything in balance. 

Once I have my reference points, I move into framing the structures.  I really like bold, straight lines that border on architectural drafting.  

This is the nitty-gritty.  From the outside of the building, you can usually see where the support beams are located.  In mid-century Modernist building they tend to be completely exposed.  But, in Victorian-era structures they are more subtle and hidden.  Most of my pencil lines are used to find the underlying structure so I can apply the facade appropriately.

The outline of the Century Club is now complete. 

The restored Western Avenue now has a median.  I had to sketch this in before moving on to the Russell Block building because it is in the foreground.  Then to the van, sidewalk, and the first floor of the structure.  From there, I worked my way up the building using the initial support beams as my guides once again.   

The outline is complete. 

 Then, I add the ink wash.  I like to add an organic wash to counter-balance the rigid drafting technique.    It takes the drawing out of the realm of a photograph and places it into a memory or dream.

The landscaping was particularly fun on this project. 

A detail of the cars. 

And, we're done.  We have a drawing celebrating the crown jewel of Muskegon's downtown.

Add it to a frame and hang it on your wall. 

Or place it on your mantle.  

Have any questions?  Let me know.

Western Avenue In Muskegon, Michigan, 2014

Pen and ink on paper

8" x 10"

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/194679066/western-avenue-in-muskegon-michigan