Red Tulips

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Red Tulips

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202305015

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your walls or other items, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1498379119/red-tulips-original-digital-download-by

Summer has arrived.  The coolness of Spring has given way to the heat of the sun.  The chilly frost has given way and been absorbed and life bursts from the earth.  The tulips flood the hillside with color.  A joyous start to the season.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 

https://medium.com/p/d3054916f8e0

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

Our Paths Will Croissant Again

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Our Paths Will Croissant Again #523

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
202305018

© 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

My Relationship With Whiskey Is On the Rocks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

My Relationship With Whiskey Is On the Rocks #522

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
202305017

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/697640393/my-relationship-with-whiskey-is-on-the

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

Waddle I Do With Myself

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Waddle I Do With Myself

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202212079

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241872065/waddle-i-do-with-myself-original-acrylic

Why are we alike?

What do we care about?  

And how to we benefit working together?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/305635098251133

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark 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:

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

Waddle I Do With Myself

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Waddle I Do With Myself

acrylic paint on canvas board

4" x 6" (10.2 cm x 15.2cm)

202202006

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241872065/waddle-i-do-with-myself-original-acrylic

Why are we alike?

What do we care about?  

And how to we benefit working together?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/305635098251133

This piece would work in a small space that is light 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 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

It's Knot a Tie For Dad...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

THANK DAD
for his
INSPIRATION and LOVE!

Dad is too unique and special for just another card, tie, or novelty gift.  Get him something memorable with original artwork.  Or have a custom piece created just for him.  (And dad, you deserve to choose something you want for yourself too.)

Stay Safe,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Trying to stay creative, healthy, and entertained?  Check out my FREE eBook Wooden Bear for a limited time at:

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK HERE!

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

Three Babies

CONGRATS MALLORY, TIM, AND BIG BROTHER EZRA ON THE NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY.  This is my 1st cousin once removed (cousin's kid) Hallie Rose Deibel.  Born yesterday.  YEAH!


That's not the only addition.  The doe that's been way too friendly with us in our back yard give birth to two fawns very recently.  This will add another wrinkle to our ability to enjoy our fire pit...


A fawn after my own heart.  Who doesn't love a hammock?  If only I wasn't taking a picture through a window when it was raining.  WHY WON'T IT STOP RAINING!??!?!


This is more of a note to myself.  I need to figure out what plant this is.  It's a really bushy 12 foot tree with these flowers.  Essentially, where that open field is behind the deer above will be filled in with various kinds of flower, trees, and bushes along a path to the fire pit.  Trying to make a nice secluded private area to hang out in the back yard.  
That's it.  A rather uneventful week.  I've watched way more movies and read way too much of East of Eden than I'd care to admit.  That's what three straight weeks or so of rain will do to you...

Growing Our Family

For a couple of years, Megan and I have struggled with infertility.  After lots of consideration, we have decided to start the process of adopting a child.  At this time, we are taking classes, filing out tons of paperwork, having home inspections before we seek the right child for our family.  

There are lots of questions you may have about adoption and here are some links that may help:

http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/ - The award-winning national adoption magazine is the leading adoption information source for families before, during, and after adoption. 

http://www.creatingafamily.org/ - A blog that provides education and resources for infertility and adoption

http://www.representmag.org/ - The Voice of Youth in Foster Care 

http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/ - Adoption Learning Partners offers an array of interactive, e-learning courses that will increase each participant's understanding of the joys and challenges of adoption.

http://www.adopt.org/ - Their inspiration comes from the belief that "there are no unwanted children, just unfound families" 

Once we have finished our classes and inspections, we will re-evaluate our situation.  If we decide to proceed, the waiting period can range from a couple of months to a few years for us to be matched.  In the meantime, your support will mean a lot to us.  We're excited about starting our family and hope you'll welcome our child when he or she finally arrives!

If you have any questions for us, please feel free to contact me at: MikeKKraus@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Mike and Megan