The Diva Squirrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

The Diva Squirrel

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) in a frame

acrylic paint of canvas board

201804058

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Suzan isn't afraid of being "different." As a model, she regularly shops at jewelry stores for accessories. One day, she was inspired to create a piece she saw, but with a little more pizzaz. Suzan was successful at adding that pizzaz and started to make several more pieces. Friends, family, and co-workers would compliment the jewelry, which lead to sales when they discovered they were her own creations. 

Why Diva Squirrel Treasures? "Diva" is Suzan's modeling persona (per say). "Squirrel" is her nickname because of her short attention span. And "Treasures" are all her jewelry. "It is uniquely silly, but even my oldest son said he remembered in because it was different.

See Diva Squirrel Treasures eclectic jewelry at: 

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

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:

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Cats Need Structure Too!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Cats Need Structure Too!

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201804053

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

He didn't know what to get her for her birthday. She's an antique collector and already has so many wonderful things. In fact, she was really excited about her recent acquisition of a Tiger Maple Chest. Inspiration! That's when he contacted me. We discussed the room and how the Tiger Maple Chest needed to be emphasized. Also about having her cats included doing various activities around the room. And the subject seemed to be more appropriate in a post-impressionist style.

Over the next few weeks, we worked together on the piece. Changes to the room arrangement, brightening the chest and adding more details, and developing the cats' personalities even more. On her birthday, she opened her gift and was shocked. "That's my room!" and went on saying the name of each cat. She was so excited about such a thoughtful gift and went into her antique storage to find a frame for her new piece.

(detail)

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.

(detail)

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Georgiana's Burrito

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Georgiana's Burrito #287

gouache paint on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201803050

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

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

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:

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Two Rocks In the Sea

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Two Rocks In the Sea

 Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica

acrylic paint on canvas board

11" x 14" (27.9 cm x 35.6 cm) 
201802032

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.

(detail)

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:

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Watch the Loving Rochester Interview With Mike Kraus Now!

LOVING ROCHESTER WITH KAREN LAMBERT

February 9th, 2018

Filmed by Dan Groth

Karen interviews local artist Mike Kraus about the inspiration and creation of his Brightscapes.  Her visit includes Whitman Works Co. Gallery and Kraus' studio in Penfield, New York.  

Be sure to also Check out Loving Rochester at:

http://lovingrochester.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LovingRochester/

https://www.instagram.com/lovingrochesterny/

https://twitter.com/RochesterLoving

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:

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Aqui the Goat

Aqui, 2018

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201801006

© copyright Michael Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls. For examples of my previous work, please visit: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Christmas House

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Christmas House, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201712132

© copyright Michael Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls. For examples of my previous work, please visit: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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:

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Colorful Goat

Colorful Goat, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201710107

© copyright Michael Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

On the far side of the farm was a field where a few of the animals were allowed to wander.  She went to see the flowers and got more than she bargained for.  As soon as she came over the small hills the animals began to gather around her.  It didn't take long for most of them to wander away when they realized she didn't have any food for them.  That is, all except for one white goat.  For the rest of the afternoon, the white goat followed her around the farm.  It'd nudge her arm for affection.  It'd bleat at her when it was bored at standing in a specific area.  But, most of all, it wanted to be her friend.

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2017

acrylic on canvas

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

201707073

© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Her dad was from Ferreirós do Dão, one of the oldest villages in Portugal at 1,080 years old.  It's history is as solid as the Ponte Romana bridge crossing the Rio Dão.  Her dad grew up in the shadow of the bridge creating some of his fondest memories along its banks.  Recollections he'd later share with his daughter.  So, thinking of her dad on Father's Day, she started looking up pictures of the village of Ferreirós do Dão on the internet.  

While scanning the random images, she came across a small painting and said, "Hey-that's my village..."  Immediately, she contacted me to purchase the piece, which had unfortunately been sold a few years earlier.  That disappointment quickly turned into a wonderful opportunity when she discovered I could offer to do a custom commission piece.  While she liked my original piece, she was excited to be able to have a much large version to fit into her amazing antique frame.  And since she visits the village every other year, I'd be able to use her photographs to adjust the colors and tailor specific details to her memories.  Reflections of her father and his village in Portugal that she can be reminded of every time she see's this special piece in her southern Californian home.   

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

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

The Cottage

The Cottage, 2017

acrylic painting on canvas board

14" x 18" (35.6 cm x 45.7 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

201706067

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

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:

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

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 Co. 1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

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

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

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:

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

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 Co. 1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Avo' Good Birthday

Avo' Good Birthday #235, 2017

gouache paint on bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

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

201705055

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

10% OFF with coupon code: JOINTHEFUN

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

The Rochester Contemporary Art Center's (RoCo)

6x6x2017

ARTWORK SALE
NOW OPEN UNTIL JULY 16TH!
 137 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14604

In Gallery Preview is now open!

See if you can find my piece at:

http://www.roco6x6.org/6x6x2017.php

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

To see more, please visit: https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Vineyard-On-Canandaigua-ORIGINAL-ACRYLIC-PAINTING-16-x-20-by-Mike-Kraus/954006/3581112/view

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:

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

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:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1190565527732439/

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Genesee Valley Regional Market

900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504

Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 784-0404

www.UnionPlaceCoffeeRoasters.com

Store Hours:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-3pm

Rabbit Run

Rabbit Run

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Looking for the perfect gift for the holidays?  Space is limited and filling up quickly for custom commissioned pieces by Mike Kraus.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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