Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts

Friday, March 31, 2023

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Arles Amphitheatre
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807098
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

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

😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎
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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, March 23, 2022

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Alley #224
gouache paint and ink 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)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
2017034

After a long day of work in the Loop, I take the "L" train home. It's so much better reading a book on public transit than fighting road rage in a traffic jam. And today I'm just watching all the buildings pass by. The brown line runs at street level in the alleys after the Western stop. The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is 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. and it is signed on the back.

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


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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

An Extraordinary Transformation

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


An Extraordinary Transformation
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202112105
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

Places are special because of the experiences we've created.  What place is important to you?  And what makes that place unique to you?  

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, November 5, 2021

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110091
© copyright Mike Kraus
We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, 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 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, January 8, 2021

Campanile At Iowa State University

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Campanile At Iowa State University
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202010102
© copyright Mike Kraus

A remote-learning final semester and virtual graduation seems like an appropriate situation for an independent, easy-going, software engineer.  Yet, days on the  Iowa State University (https://www.iastate.edu/) campus are full of experiences and a lifetime of memories.  Recollections that seem both forever ago and all too recent.  Now, there are new adventures with a great career opportunity at Capital One (capitalone.com) in the exciting city of Washington DC.  With the support of his family, he's taken the first step toward a successful life.





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.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kent Hall at University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by
Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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

Monday, July 1, 2019

Roman Théâtre antique d'Orange

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Roman Théâtre antique d'Orange
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201906057
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/704302320/roman-theatre-antique-dorange-original

After a short train ride from Arles, we had brunch at 

Restaurant du Théâtre.  We snacked on various treats and drank plenty of Rosé as we relaxed before our excursion into the sparse and imposing Roman Theatre across the street.  As we entered from the sidewalk, the commanding structure gives way to the openness of a 7,300 seat semi-circular amplitheatre.  I turn to see a massive stage and have difficulty imagining it covered with colorful mosaics and marble.  A statue of Emperor Augustus waves to remind us of the legacy of great empires that all inevitably fall.   It's a miracle that this structure has survived for over 2,000 years so I can see it today.


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

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.




Jakelin was a 7-year-old fleeing gang infested Guatemala.  
Felipe Gómez Alonzo died of an infection and the flu at 8-years-old
Juan de León Gutiérrez was 16-years-old when he died from an infection.
A 2-year-old died of pneumonia.

These are just a few of the 15,000 children imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other United States Government Agencies and their for-profit contractors.  They are being kept in concrete cells, deprived of basic necessities, and starving from hunger.  The filth they are forced to live in has led to flu, lice, and respiratory outbreaks, that are purposefully being neglected.  And guards punish these children for minor offences by taking away their blankets, mats, and forcing them to sleep directly on the concrete floor (Southern Poverty Law Center)

I am extremely disturbed that a country that has shown me and my family such kindness is so cruel to others. This is not about politics. This is about justice, kindness, and truth. These children and parents are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala because government-supported gangs are violently attacking them (United Nations). After a dangerous journey, we deny them their rights to asylum (Amnesty International), we kidnap and lose their children (American Civil Liberties Union), cage and sexually assault kids (New York Times), and deny them due process and indefinite imprisonment at detention/internment/concentration camps (Los Angeles Times).  We're allowing them to die in these terrible conditions (NBC News).  And we arrest and try to imprison good, Christians who provide food and water to those in need (The Guardian).

I don't care about politics and find involvement in them to be humiliating.  I do care about honesty, fairness, and respect.  I ask that you remember your family roots, that you search your heart, and confront cruelty in all its forms.

For ways to help, please visit:


Friday, June 21, 2019

Eckhart Hall

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906051
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate.  Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)!  She raised him right and shares in his early successes.  And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone.  What an exciting time for this young man. 



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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

Friday, July 20, 2018

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Arles Amphitheatre
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807098
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

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


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:

Friday, March 9, 2018

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
Arles Amphitheatre
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803040
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

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



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:

Monday, June 26, 2017

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago, 2017
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
201706063

What place is special to you?  Is it a location that you use to visit frequently as a child?  Maybe it's where you got engaged?  Perhaps it's somewhere you go with your pet.  Commissioning a piece is a great way to celebrate your unique place on this earth.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Little Cafe In Provence

 Little Cafe In Provence, 2016
acrylic on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

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We spent the morning biking through the countryside.  Passing all the scented fields of lavender and sunflowers.  The bright light of the sun shimmering on the dew of the flowers.  In the early afternoon, we came to a village in need of coffee and baked goods.  We rested our weary legs under the canopy.  Relaxing before we continued our amazing journey.

This painting would look best somewhere that needs a splash of color and compliment a space that is dark red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, black, white, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:



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