Showing posts with label custom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label custom. Show all posts

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018

First Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


First Home
acrylic paint on canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201809112
© 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.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester 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 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 27, 2018

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201807100
© copyright Mike Kraus

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. 


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, April 23, 2018

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

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: 


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, April 20, 2018

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
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:

Monday, April 9, 2018

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
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:

Friday, March 2, 2018

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

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:

Monday, January 22, 2018

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:

Friday, January 5, 2018

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

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.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Colorful Goat

Colorful Goat, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710107
© copyright Michael Kraus


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:

Monday, July 17, 2017

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:

Monday, July 3, 2017

The Cottage

The Cottage, 2017
acrylic painting on canvas board
14" x 18" (35.6 cm x 45.7 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
201706067

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/

Monday, June 19, 2017

Artist Forum: Rows of Lavender in Provence

Question: I want more art in my life, any suggestions?


So, you've found a piece you love, but how do you bring that artwork into your life. The most obvious option is to purchase this piece and hang it on your wall in a nice frame, right? But, there are lots of other option. For example, you can purchase a digital instant download at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=16654398 and use the images for your screensaver, t-shirt, mugs, etc. A very popular option for these instant downloads is to use the image for a party invitation or a save the date. They are great to use for paper printing or on an online app. While digital invitations are relatively new, more and more people have started to use them for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, holidays, and any other occasions. An easy way to share and manager your events is by using Paperless Post.  



It's so simple to do. You select a design, write a message, provide information about your event, and share it with your friends and family. There's lots of options for customizing. And, Paperless Post is able to track your RSVPs, send guest reminders, and many other options. View some of Paperless Post's options at: 
(https://www.paperlesspost.com/).

  Rows of Lavender in Provence, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201706062
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence. Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating. And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple lavender and yellow sunflowers. The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault. I'll never forget the fields of France.

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

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/

This post was published in cooperation with Paperless Post

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