Showing posts with label cafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cafe. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The Morning Grind

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Grind #553
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
202309066
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/707593284

Join us
at the
🍂🍁 FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂
Kick off the holiday season with friends and fun.  Meet hundreds of artists and their amazing creations.  How happy are you with your art?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
🌮 Taco 'Bout Awesome! 🌮
& Interview With Mike Kraus

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:

Friday, May 26, 2023

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.

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:  

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:

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee #510
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212078
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?

LAST DAY!!!
Get holiday deals at the 
WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL!!!  
Perfectly unique gifts for everyone on your list 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:

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee #502
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211068
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?


The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  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!  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, June 7, 2019

Els Quatre Gats

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Els Quatre Gats
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906052
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Imagine wandering the medieval streets of Barcelona after a late night at a sailor's bar in 1900.  You stumble in to one of the few places still open at that time of night; Els Quatre Gats.  You were hoping to see Santiago Rusiñol, Miguel Utrillo, or Ramon Casa i Carbó debating the state of art.  In the back, a young artist named Pablo Picasso is having his first one-man show.  "Els Quatre Gats" is Catalan slang for "just a few people."  Very true tonight as you decide what snack to pair with your coffee.

Imagineu-vos passejar pels carrers medievals de Barcelona després de la nit a la barra d'un mariner el 1900. Arribareu a un dels pocs llocs encara oberts en aquella hora de la nit; Els Quatre Gats. Esperàveu veure Santiago Rusiñol, Miguel Utrillo o Ramon Casa i Carbó debatent sobre l'estat de l'art. Al darrere, un jove artista anomenat Pablo Picasso té el seu primer espectacle individual. "Els Quatre Gats" és un argot català per "només unes poques persones". Molt cert aquesta nit, ja que decideixes quina mescla es pot combinar amb el teu cafè.



This piece would work best is a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, or light wood.   

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, May 8, 2017

Vineyard On Canandaigua Lake

WATCH THE VIDEO OF HOW I MAKE A PAINTING
Vineyard On Canandaigua Lake, 2017
Acrylic Paint on Canvas
16" x 20"
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Nestled between hills covered with traditional wineries and family-run B and Bs is Canandaigua Lake. After a morning in the warm waters, we peruse the village shops on Main Street. We ended up at the restaurant at the marina watching the courteous boat traffic. Our lazy journey to Naples seems almost heavenly as we pass roadside fruit stands overlooking the lake. A great place for a summer day. 

This painting would look best in a space that is deep red, dark orange, navy blue, burgundy red, evergreen, cadmium yellow, purple, beige, black, white, or wood 

For more information or custom order, please visit:


THE SHOW IS OPEN NOW!

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

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

Union Place Coffee Roasters
Genesee Valley Regional Market
900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 784-0404

Store Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Thursday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-3pm

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

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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:



Monday, September 19, 2016

THANKS COFFEE ART PROJECT!

Photo Credit: Matt Cauley (https://www.facebook.com/mattcauleyartist)

Another great year at the Coffee Art Project (http://www.coffeeartproject.com/) supporting Project Waterfall (http://www.projectwaterfall.org/) at the New York Coffee Festival (https://www.newyorkcoffeefestival.com/).  I'm humbled to be included again with so many talented artist helping such a wonderful cause.  And I'm very excited my painting will have a new home with a company in London, United Kingdom.  Thanks to the Coffee Art Project team, especially Laura Newby and Natasha Raspudic, for all your help in making this event such a success.  Looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

A 1,000 Reasons To Love The Thousand Islands


Megan and I headed up to the Thousand Islands (http://www.visit1000islands.com/) for a camping vacation.  Just a short drive to Burnham Point State Park (http://nysparks.com/parks/57/details.aspx) between the towns of Cape Vincent and Clayton.

 Scout can't wait for an adventure

"Why is Mike taking so long getting supplies?"

Megan surveying Carleton Island and the St. Lawrence River from our campsite. 

She seems pleased with our spot 

Introducing Scout to waves.  I guess she's never seen them before...

Our new home 

Burnham Point State Park from the pier 

Megan loves this really fast slide built into the hill. 

Scout taking it easy in her coastal condo. 

 The first of many campfires

Eating well at the campground.  It's always scary for Megan to see what I'll come out with from the store before camping.  The menu for this trip was pizza, steak stir fry, brats, smores, and an assortment of snacks.

Sun setting over Carleton Island.

Waking up early camping sponsored by Taste of Design Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/tasteofdesign.cv/) in Cape Vincent.

Spent too much time looking for a camping percolator, found one, still have no idea how to use it, it broke, and then had to return it.  We learned our lesson and just went to the cafe.  

PS-the almond croissants are amazing.

More of the 1,864 islands of the Thousand Islands from Clayton. 


Went on a day trip to Wellesley Island State Park (http://nysparks.com/parks/52/details.aspxfor hiking and the first thing we see when we pull in are a huge nest full of Osprey (http://www.thousandislandslife.com/BackIssues/Archive/tabid/393/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/682/Ospreys.aspx)

 Hiking along Eel Bay

It must be a quiet place to live on Mosquito Island. 

The Zebra Mussels have done a wonderful job cleaning the water.

Views to Canada from atop Wellesley Island 

The Narrows between Wellesley Island and Murray Isle.

And finishing a day of hiking at the swimming beach was a great idea.

All that walking killed Scout...

Another beautiful evening.

Boldt Castle (http://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/) in Alexandria Bay.  

One of countless freighters in the Saint Lawrence River. 

Boldt Castle with another freighter. 

Megan and Scout on Casino Island.  She's not our dog, she's our fur-baby.  This picture is not incriminating... 

More huge houses on little islands.

A Canada Steamship Lines (https://www.cslships.com/en/canada-steamship-lines) freighter up close. 

A surprisingly interesting and beautiful place to visit was the Zenda Farms Preserve (https://tilandtrust.org/explore/preserves-trails/zenda-farms-preserve) just west of Clayton, NY.   

 
"This isn't kindling wood, it's my chewing stick pile..." 

"I wasn't sure I liked camping until I realized there was steak..."

A parade of geese checking each campsite for bread. 

Probably the best sunset photographs I've ever taken. 

 Great way to finish up a vacation.

Scout and I dreaming about our next adventure.

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