Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Monday, January 15, 2024

Montagne Sainte-Victoire

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Montagne Sainte-Victoire
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201910091
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/527602589

Montagne Sainte-Victoire can be seen in the distance from Le Jas de Bouffan.  A source of inspiration for ancient Roman soldiers conquering surrounding lands.  A site for festivals for early Christians celebrating the beautiful world.  And the view of the mountain was incredible at Chemin des Lauves.  These locations and mountain were the bookends of the life of Paul Cezanne.  His optical realism, simplified shapes, colorful atmospheres, and enhanced depth motivated Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian, Beckmann, Braque, Giacometti, LΓ©ger, Gorky, Giorgio Morandi, Liubov Popova, Marsden Hartley, Charles Demuth, Kelly, Jasper Johns, Jeff Wall, Brice Marden, Sherrie Levine, Francis AlΓΏs and so many others to make their own unique creations.

This painting would great in a small space that is dark red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark 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.

Monday, July 3, 2023

☀😎 Under the Sun 😎☀

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


How do we want to remember this summer?  There are only so many hours of sunlight.  Not nearly enough warm nights for sunsets.  And very few minutes of counting shooting stars while making s'mores.  What about summer makes you happy? 

Art is about capturing the moments and emotions of today.  When we see a painting on our walls it allows us to reminisce about those feelings.  It tells others who we are and want to be. A few select pieces end up in museums documenting our memories of relationships, events, restlessness, maturing, work, and love. What does your art say?




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


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, June 19, 2023

😎 Ready For a Beautiful Summer? 😎

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Do you have beauty in your life?  If so, how; painting, music, interior decorating, or something else?  How does that make you feel?  Is there a boring, ugly space in your home?  Would it give you pleasure if it had attractive art?  Good spirits come from good surroundings. 

Summer is so full of hope.  A season of making memories in the sun.  And we should take the time to enjoy them.   


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - 
See my pieces at:
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/the-way-to-beauty-d3054916f8e0


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


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, May 1, 2023

πŸ’š THANK YOU MOM! πŸ’š

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


THANK YOU MOM!  You are always with us no matter the distance.  You've shielded us from so many obstacles.  And you taught us what real love is.  Mother's Day is a small expression of infinite gratitude for a lifetime of affection.

Let's celebrate the beauty of mom by letting her know she's unique and special.  

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

IT'S OFFICIAL!  I've accepted the role of writer for
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE.  

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/beauty-is-a-survival-tool-35c808371ee2


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, December 14, 2022

Daily Pick Me Up

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Daily Pick Me Up #512
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212081
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
Christmas is December 17th
Hanukkah ends is December 10th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

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

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 12, 2022

Poppy Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Poppy Field #511
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212080
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
Christmas is December 17th
Hanukkah ends is December 10th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

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

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, August 26, 2022

Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202208042
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The wind gently flows through her hair as she basks in the sun.  The light energizing her spirit and the fresh scent of the field relaxes her soul.  There is only the whisper of the breeze and the sound of her footsteps as she passes row after row of sunflowers.  She selects a few choice blooms for a temporary reminder of the gratitude she has for this moment.  Knowing how fortunate you are only brings you more luck.

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

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us 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 thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, August 12, 2022

Field of Peonies

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Field of Peonies
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202208036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

After a morning of hiking through the forest, the woods open into a field of flowers.  An ocean of peonies with vibrant colors and an intense perfume.  It's intoxicating as we wander and enjoy an early picnic.  This is the way to be grateful for summer days. 

How do you relax?  When do you clear your mind, let go of burdens, and turn off your devices?  Is it while exploring the great outdoors or getting cozy at home?  It's okay (and necessary) to take care of yourself too.

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

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:

Friday, July 29, 2022

Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers (Van Gogh)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202207031
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
 
The wind gently flows through her hair as she basks in the sun.  The light energizing her spirit and the fresh scent of the field relaxes her soul.  There is only the whisper of the breeze and the sound of her footsteps as she passes row after row of sunflowers.  She selects a few choice blooms for a temporary reminder of the gratitude she has for this moment.  Knowing how fortunate you are only brings you more luck.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, purple, green, light 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 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 8, 2022

Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers (Van Gogh)
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202207023
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1264743013
 

The wind gently flows through her hair as she basks in the sun.  The light energizing her spirit and the fresh scent of the field relaxes her soul.  There is only the whisper of the breeze and the sound of her footsteps as she passes row after row of sunflowers.  She selects a few choice blooms for a temporary reminder of the gratitude she has for this moment.  Knowing how fortunate you are only brings you more luck.

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

Let's start being kinder to others and ourselves with the Kindness Challenge at: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226290375141461&set=gm.403101601837815

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Dad Joke #94: My Doctor Says I Need Glasses...  🍷🍷🍷

  Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


DAD LOVES SUMMER!

There were always tough days, but dad said "never give up."  After a few bumps and bruises, it did get better.  Now I can face challenges with a smile on my face.  How did your father impact your life?  What can we do to show him our gratitude for all the years of affection?  THANKS DAD!  Now let's make him happy with some grilled food and cold drinks.

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - YOU'RE INVITED
to the
SUMMER ART PARTY!!!
This is a fun way to find and buy amazing art.  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!


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, May 2, 2022

Let's Celebrate the Beauty of Mom!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Let's celebrate the beauty of mom.  A mother is important because they always have a presence in our lives.  Eternally there to protect and love us no matter what.  Mother's Day is a day to show our gratitude for all the years of affection.  THANK YOU MOM!  Let's make our mother's proud by following her example and finding our own happiness.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS -  You can help Ukrainian artists in lots of ways right now:


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, March 2, 2022

How Do You Spring Forward?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


How do you make spring beautiful?

The grey days of winter are starting to give way to the warmth of the yellow sun of spring. Green shoots beginning to push through the melting snow. And birds we haven't seen in months return to chirp outside our window. This is when I replace my worn out clothes, plant seedlings for the garden, and rejuvenate my home.

How do you welcome this sunny season? Perhaps there's something you'd like to change to make your home more appealing? It could be as complex as a complete renovation or as simple as new paint. Maybe you want to try something new? To make a habit of reading outside or hiking at nearby parks. And what is it you appreciate the most right now? Something that you will continue to do to bring you joy?

Looking for tips to make your space more charming? Visit: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS - Here are ways you can help Ukraine right now:
Razom For Ukraine: https://razomforukraine.org/
International Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/
AirBNB: Airbnb.org


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, February 9, 2022

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
We need to accept beauty when it arrives.  To prioritize the value of beauty in all forms.   Beauty isn’t a waste of time, a luxury, or the domain of the educated upper classes.  Beauty is your own authentic personal experience.  True beauty is independent, autonomous, and free of social pressure.  Imposed taste is manipulative and unethical as it takes away an individual’s identity.  Art is not a communal experience.  Yet, sharing your love of beauty can build friendships.  It is up to you to refine and develop your personal tastes and interests.  We must be vulnerable and let down our guard.  To be courageous enough to think and feel our true conclusions.  The sensation of openness, trust, symbiosis, caring, and being loved shows us that “everything is okay.”  Beauty is a way of life.   It is the affirmation of life.  To create is an act of love.  It is the process of intelligence.  It is a way of accessing and communicating with the human mind.

What is something ugly you see every day?  What would it take to make it beautiful?  What is preventing you from making the improvement?  Are there reasonable alternatives?  Go do it!

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, February 7, 2022

How Do We Make Beautiful Art?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Beautiful art reveals a truth.   It has a purpose for its existence.  It must reveal a “grey area” item like “love,” “justice,” or other virtue.  And art must have an understandable communication structure. A structure that is coherent and not unnecessarily complicated.  While the self can be referenced by the artist, it needs to be greater than just an individual’s personal ego. An honest forgetting of the self.  It’s not the paint that is beautiful; it’s the truth that it reveals to our mind that is. Still, art is more than just truth. And it’s not necessarily about morals, religion, or politics.  Art is a state of mind frozen in time. It’s about living a fuller existence. 

What is your favorite piece of art? Who made it and when? Why did they create it? How does the piece make you feel? Do you think the artist felt the same way or had the same feelings?

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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