🌊 Have you ever stood at the edge of the world and felt like you are part of something larger? 🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🌊 Reid State Park, Maine #600 🌊

pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

202511063

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit:

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/553921218

I remember the feel of the cool Atlantic breeze on my skin as I navigated the rocky coastline of Reid State Park, the rhythm of my steps matching the steady crash of waves against the granite ledges. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the salty scent of the sea and the quiet calls of gulls circling overhead. From atop Griffith Head, the view was a breathtaking expanse of blue water, with several distant lighthouses standing sentinel against the horizon, a sight that quieted my mind and eased away the stress of the week. There was a unique sense of peace and natural wonder in that solitary hike, a profound feeling of being in a truly special place.

Does the thought of exploring such a rugged, beautiful coastline speak to your own sense of adventure?

🟥⬜️🟦 NOW OPEN!!! 🟥⬜️🟦

🟥⬜️🟦 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.

JOIN NOW AT: https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtFestival/

&

🦃 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.

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1461556485171523

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

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

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

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

👰🤵 Lisa and Ryan's Wedding 🤵👰

CONGRATULATIONS

LISA & RYAN

ON YOUR MARRIAGE!

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

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

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

more SPAGHETTI less UPSETTI!

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

My mom having her makeup put on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your Italian honeymoon!

Lake Park At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lake Park At Hemlock Lake

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

202405013

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/234446654

Today is a lazy day as we've hiked a lot this week.  But, we still want to enjoy something pure and beautiful.  We scout the shoreline for a few rocks that will make a good picnic table and seats.  Maybe a spot for our pup to lay down and chew on a stick.  On the stony beach we enjoy a spread of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate.  The fish jump as we enjoy our food.  Healing nature is possible.

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

NOW OPEN!

🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦

A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

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

🃏🎴 5TH ANNUAL Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival 🎴🃏

Buy, sell, trade unique, hand-made pieces by some of your favorite artists (AT VERY AFFORDABLE PRICES!)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1640769396495519

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

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

202402003

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

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/708800293

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.

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🍕 Tommy’s Pizza, Can I Help Ya? 🍕:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/tommys-pizza-can-i-help-ya-4ea3d996da9c?sk=a33db1fe9a0720b1c311d701fd669feb

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

East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill On Canandaigua Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill On Canandaigua Lake

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

202402002

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/514794182

So hidden, you'll drive by without realizing it. But, a perfect hidden gem on a hot summer day. A narrow path twists and turns down the steep hill. A warm breeze makes the leaves rattle in the bright sunlight. The smell of fresh water getting stronger with every winding step we take. Once we reach the end, we soak our feet on a tiny beach we have all to ourselves.

Where is your favorite place? Who do you go there with? Why is it so special to you? How does it make you feel?

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

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🤵 Fake It ’Til Ya Make It 🤵:

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

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Magpie Trees

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Magpie Trees

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201903025

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/190352538

Simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,

you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

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

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🖼 Refuge From An Indifferent World 🖼: 

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/refuge-from-an-indifferent-world-8ef888cb076c?sk=7aa2d740086383edba1dd0a1fe593c48

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Honeoye Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Honeoye Lake

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202308053

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/239115439/honeoye-lake-original-acrylic-painting-8

The shallow waters of Honeoye Lake felt warm for such a brisk morning.  My rowboat 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.

SIGN UP NOW

for the

🍂🍁 AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

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

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Art During Difficulty

https://medium.com/p/7a2e2aeb6802

& 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

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Twilight Woods #539

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
202308046

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/250926462/twilight-woods-539-artist-trading-cards

JOIN US for the

ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 

There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

https://www.facebook.com/events/666551288240784

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Relationships

https://medium.com/p/f347c4949a9e

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

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Twilight Woods #532

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
202307033

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/210012922/twilight-woods-532-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?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Culture of Engagement

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-engagement-db4c6f82968e

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