You're Bacon Me Crazy!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

You're Bacon Me Crazy! #538

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

202307045

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/218599419/youre-bacon-me-crazy-538-artist-trading

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 Motivation

https://medium.com/p/adcbc6ad737d

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

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #527

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
202306026

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189688164/missed-breakfast-how-waffle-527-artist

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 

https://medium.com/p/42fb7fa37435

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

Donut Worry About It

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Donut Worry About It

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202305024

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/217808258/donut-worry-about-it-original-acrylic

MMMMmmmm...  Sunlight sparkles through the glass display of the old diner.  Dessert for breakfast.  There's nothing like a freshly made fried doughnut with frosting and sprinkles.  The perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.  It's a good place to hangout after the morning rush has ended.    

How do you spoil yourself after a difficult day?  Is it a snack or something more luxurious?  Maybe it's wasting some time on video games?  It's good to take care of ourselves sometimes.

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

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:

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

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #524

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
202305021

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

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:

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

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #519

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
202305011

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189688164/missed-breakfast-how-waffle-519-artist

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?

Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.

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:

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

Homemade French Toast

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Homemade French Toast #508

color pencil and pen on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211076

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241181519/homemade-french-toast-508-artist-trading

The sun is trying to break through the clouds on an early Sunday morning.  Our feet crunch on the loose gravel on the road to back to our house.  Our mouths salivate as we talk excitedly about breakfast.  The French Toast made with homemade bread, the perfect amount of cinnamon, and Kettle Ridge maple syrup.  All of it coming together beautifully with a little honey butter. 

STARTS TODAY! 

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL!!!  

We're going to have a lot of fun at: 

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

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

Heirloom Tomato

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Heirloom Tomato

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

202010099

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/heirloom-tomato-by-mike-kraus-art-food-fruit-tomatoes-breakfast-lunch-dinners-snacks-treats-red_print?sku=s6-17480541p4a1v45

I want the taste of heirloom tomatoes in everything.  They're sweeter and just make meals more delicious.  At the end of summer, there's an Amish farmer that has a stall at the end of the farmer's market.  He doesn't sell much, but I purchase all that he has each week.  Some I use on meals right away.  The rest of the bushel I can and preserve in mason jars for the winter.  And there's gallons of salsa waiting for me in my basement pantry.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus

Art Project: 

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html

Building a Fire Pit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html

Share Heart of Hope:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html

Hiking:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html

Celebrating Women:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html

Have A Picnic:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html

You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html

Have Some Theme Spirit:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html

Working For the Weekend:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html

Honor and Remembrance:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html

Apple Picking and Other Farms:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/apple-picking-and-other-farms-having.html

Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/halloween-gravedigger-flashlight-game.html

Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/spook-your-friends-and-neighbors-having.html

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.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
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY!!!

YAY!  How is it possible that so much and so little time has passed?  It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were on the dance floor celebrating our wedding.  Yet, it's amazing that it's only been 10 years since we moved from Chicago, got awesome jobs, bought a house, adopted a silly mutt, and so much more.  And while so much has changed (like my Coronavirus Mutton Chops), the most important things have not; I love you, Megan and I look forward to the next 10 years with you!

Megan showing how she would pose if we were on our planned 2nd honeymoon in Hyères, France right now.  Oh well... 

Life is what you make of it.  We don't need money or things to have fun; just each other.  To commemorate our trip to Belgium we had not-so-Belgian waffles for breakfast.  I'll admit Maison Dandoy (https://maisondandoy.com/) in Brussels were slightly better...

After a relaxing morning and a brief walk along Lake Ontario, we had a "Spanish picnic" in honor of our vacation to Mallorca/Barcelona in Durand Eastman Park.

Faisão Wines (https://enoport.pt/) overlooking Lake Ontario from the allegedly haunted "White Lady's Castle."  The myth is a mother haunts the old foundations of a mansion where her daughter went forever missing.  But, the foundations are a ruin of a former hotel.  So...

Tapas, my love?  Another inspiration from our trip to Spain.  But, with an Irish-America twist of loaded potato skins.  Buen provecho and Taitneamh a bhaint as do chuid béile

Green onions are different from leeks.  My wife informs me I was lied to by the produce staff.

Reminds me of our visit to L'Affaire Est Ketchup (https://www.facebook.com/pg/laffaireest.ketchup) in Québec, Canada.

Another Belgian treat.  This time it's waterzooi and french fries (I know, mayo instead of ketchup is more authentic (Welcome to life during Coronavirus).  The restaurant in Bruges/Brugge, Belgium doubled as an antique store.  We had a hearty meal before an evening trying a myriad of Belgian beers in a fairy tale of a city.

Why is coronavirus turning me into Ted Nugent?  Is Covid-19 a variant of Cat Scratch Fever?

Celebrating 10 years together with a 10 year old tawny port wine from Taylor Fladgate (https://www.taylor.pt/us).  On our honeymoon in Porto, Portugal we toured their facilities and sampled their wine.  It was an estate up on a hill overlooking the city across the Douro River.  We had the tasting room with the parachute ceiling all to ourselves.

Cheer to the 10 years we've been married and cheers to the many more years of happiness we have to look forward to!

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Morning Cup of Coffee

 acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) in a frame
201809112

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199896299/morning-cup-of-coffee-original-acrylic

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.

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

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

4 Cups and 2 Cookies

 The Morning Cup of Coffee #177

Gouache on Bristol Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/236709241/the-morning-cup-of-coffee-177-artist

The Morning Cup of Coffee #176

Gouache on Bristol Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/248902549/the-morning-cup-of-coffee-176-artist

Look To the Cookie #175

Gouache on Bristol Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241284522/look-to-the-cookie-175-artist-trading

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & 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.

FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

I'll be one of the artists at KettleFest 2016 on Saturday September 17th!

https://www.facebook.com/events/752139868222934/

Breakfast Selection At the Bakery

Grandpa Jer's Rollin' Cinnamon Rolls #158

Gouache on Watercolor Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247161253/grandpa-jers-rollin-cinnamon-rolls-158

Heavenly Donut #157

Gouache on Watercolor Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/254556033/heavenly-donut-157-artist-trading-cards

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & 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.

FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Why Eat Healthy?

Grandma's Cupcake #149

Gouache on Watercolor Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/234446338/grandmas-cupcake-149-artist-trading

You're Bacon Me Crazy #150

Gouache on Watercolor Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/254233439/youre-bacon-me-crazy-150-artist-trading

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectable, 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.

FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Heavenly Donut

Heavenly Donut, 2016

acrylic on canvas

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

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/195430291/heavenly-donut-original-acrylic-painting

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

MMMMmmmm...  Dessert for breakfast.  There's nothing like a freshly made fried doughnut with frosting and sprinkles from the bakery.  The perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.  Sunlight sparkles through the glass on the chrome of the old diner.  It's a good place to hangout after the morning rush has ended.    

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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