Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Spirit of the Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Spirit of the Forest
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201805068
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/615155121/spirit-of-the-forest-original-acrylic

Moonlight breaks through the canopy of the forest as I hike in the darkness.  There's the sound of an owl in the distance warning other of my presence.  The leaves wrestle in the breeze spreading the scent of spicy apricots.  The nocturnal forest is exactly what you expect; and completely unpredictable.  In the dark shadows of the evening I can see everything and nothing at all.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, 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 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, February 17, 2023

Watkins Glen

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 
Watkins Glen
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801013
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232334744/watkins-glen-original-acrylic-painting-8

The birds and chipmunks scurry through the leaves as we climb up the gorge.  Not too far away is the gentle crashing of a waterfall.  Step-by-step, our feet press forward as we make our way up the stairs and down the paths.  As we take a short break, we comment on how the rocks are stacked like books waiting to be placed back on the shelves.  After a little more walking, you can really take it all in at Point Lookout.

It's amazing how far we've gone.  What were you doing a year ago?  What about 5 years ago?  Now think about 10 years ago.  Time passes quickly.  So we have to remember to appreciate it.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, gray, 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 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, July 22, 2022

Jackson Glacier Overlook, Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Montana⁩

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Jackson Glacier Overlook, Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Montana⁩
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202207028
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/209826732/jackson-overlook-glacier-national-park

Places and moments can be very special.  There's a sense of awe.  Something that pulls you away from your mundane routine and gives you peace of mind.  More importantly, this is true of our relationships with people too.  To know that we're loved, supported, and have a place in this world.  We have a lot to be grateful for.

Who is special to you?  Why are you happy to know them?  What have you done to express that appreciation?  It's never too late to let them know.

Let's start being kinder to others and ourselves with the Kindness Challenge at: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10226362752710855&set=gm.413610220786953

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, June 29, 2022

Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Polebridge⁩, ⁨Montana⁩

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Polebridge⁩, ⁨Montana⁩
acrylic paint on canvas
24" x 48" (61.0 cm x 121.9 cm)
202203011
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1259727813

Places and moments can be very special.  There's a sense of awe.  Something that pulls you away from your mundane routine and gives you peace of mind.  More importantly, this is true of our relationships with people too.  To know that we're loved, supported, and have a place in this world.  We have a lot to be grateful for.

Who is special to you?  Why are you happy to know them?  What have you done to express that appreciation?  It's never too late to let them know.


Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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:

Monday, May 9, 2022

Vision Quest XXVIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVIII
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710097
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, 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:

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Vision Quest XXVI

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVI
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186312007/vision-quest-xxvi-original-acrylic

There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

This piece would work in a space that is deep red, orange, light 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:

Monday, April 25, 2022

Vision Quest XXVI

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVI
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186312007/vision-quest-xxvi-original-acrylic

There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

This piece would work in a space that is deep red, orange, light 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:

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Let's make every day Earth Day!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Let's make every day
Earth Day!


I was poisoned. My industrial hometown's water and fish are full of mercury and other toxins. All of the forests were clear cut and the sand dunes and beach sand hauled away. Some days the air was a green or black fog from the soot, which gave me asthma. And so many of my loved ones battle cancer because they're 370% more likely to have cancer just by living there.

I believe in beauty because I understand ugliness. We lose so much when our lakes and rivers are filled with sludge. We lose when our trees are chopped and our wildlife become diseased and die from habitat loss. And we lose when the air we breathe is harmful. It's a failure if we tolerate our ugly neighborhoods and the destruction of our natural open spaces.

Fortunately, there is so much we can do together to make the world a more beautiful place. Here are 52 ways to invest in our planet:

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Here are lots of ways you can help Ukraine right now:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/271594646600172/permalink/1349841522108807




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, April 15, 2022

Vision Quest XXXIX

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXXIX, 
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710098
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, 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:

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Watkins Glen

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Watkins Glen
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711124
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The birds and chipmunks scurry through the leaves as we climb up the gorge.  Not too far away is the gentle crashing of a waterfall.  Step-by-step, our feet press forward as we make our way up the stairs and down the paths.  As we take a short break, we comment on how the rocks are stacked like books waiting to be placed back on the shelves.  After a little more walking, you can really take it all in at Point Lookout.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, light green, dark 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:

Monday, August 23, 2021

Crucible (Home On Fire)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Crucible (Home On Fire) #449
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202108072

Do you see a problem?  What is it?  What are the consequences?  Is there a better way?  There are ways you can help: https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/

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.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

On the Shore of Lake Superior

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


On the Shore of Lake Superior #430
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202106040
© 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.


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, April 2, 2021

Blue Dream Flower

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Dream Flower
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104007
© copyright Mike Kraus

The flowers are in full bloom under the sultry heat of the sun.  Electric colors gain intensity under the afternoon light.  There's a slightly sweet fragrance of summertime berries that attract the bees and hummingbirds.  The garden is a place to learn about patience, persistence, and harmony.  There are two sides to nature and we need to embrace both to acquire the whole.  

This painting would look best in a space that is orange, yellow, dark 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 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 29, 2020

Vision Quest XLIV

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLIV
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202006049
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244169382/vision-quest-xliv-original-acrylic

Twilight along the shore of the Lake Michigan.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

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

Tips For Working At Home
Communication:
Be 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 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:

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