Showing posts with label french. Show all posts
Showing posts with label french. Show all posts

Friday, June 5, 2026

☕️🍊 If you were sitting at a cafΓ© in Orange, France right now, what would you order? 🍊☕️

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I settled into a cafΓ© in Orange, France just as the lunch crowd began to gather. The aroma of fresh bread, herbs, and roasted coffee drifted through the square while the cheerful hum of conversations spilled out from nearby restaurants. As I listened and watched, I realized something important. I was making progress, but I was not yet the person I wanted to become. That thought could have felt discouraging, yet it felt surprisingly hopeful. I did not need to have everything figured out. I only needed a simple way to move forward.

So I pulled out my planner and wrote down one small action I could take that day. Nothing complicated and nothing overwhelming. Within minutes, the uncertainty that had been slowing me down began to fade. That one step gave me direction, confidence, and a sense of momentum. I learned that growth does not come from waiting until you are enough. It comes from choosing a tool that helps you become more of who you want to be. 

If one small action could change the way an entire afternoon felt, what might happen if you started today?

🍊 Orange, France  πŸŠ
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202605028
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For a relaxing day, please visit: 
or buy direct at:


✨πŸ–Ό️ EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND: Feel Something Real πŸ–Ό️ ✨

Free Admission • No Tickets Required

Missed the opening? Due to an incredible response, we are keeping the doors open for one more month. Pieces are already finding homes, so this is your final chance to see the full collection.

Experience bold color, movement, and energy up close. This is art that shifts your mood the moment you walk in. Are you going to catch it before your favorite piece disappears?

1210 Culver Road
Rochester, NY, 14609 United States
(585) 455-3356
I've added the full gallery hours and location details to the Facebook event here:
If you hit 'Interested' or 'Going,' Facebook will actually ping you a reminder before we close so you don't miss the final dates!


Can you find my artwork at 6x6x2026? 

Check out the global online preview to support local art at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) and snag original pieces for only $20!

Find your next small masterpiece at: https://roco6x6.org/gallery/2026

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

πŸ’œ Could a field of lavender be the pause you need right now? πŸ’œ

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


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. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

πŸ’œ Lavender Farm πŸ’œ
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To enjoy more relaxation in your home, please visit:

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, green, blue, dark purple, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ For MayDay 2026, let’s celebrate Freedom in the most meaningful way we can by creating, sharing, and showing up for one another. Whether you are an artist, a maker, a performer, a vendor, or someone who simply loves to support creativity, you are an essential part of the experience. Bring your colors, your sounds, your ideas, and your energy, and step into a space where inspiration is shared and every contribution matters. Together we can fill the day with connection, creativity, and a spirit that reminds us how powerful it is to express, support, and lift each other up. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ What will you bring to life? πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

πŸŒ™ You're invited to a First Friday of color, energy, and connection πŸŒ™

Join us May 1st from 6pm to 9pm at Rochester Fine Art Market for an evening featuring the vibrant and expressive work of Mike Kraus. His paintings are full of bold color, movement, and organic forms that are meant to be felt as much as seen. This is your chance to experience the work up close, meet the artist, and connect with a welcoming community of art lovers. Whether you are a longtime collector or just curious, it is an easy and inspiring way to step into something new.

What might you discover when you give yourself the space to look a little closer?


I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

Friday, April 3, 2026

πŸŒ»πŸ’œ How could a few relaxing minutes help you slow down this weekend? πŸ’œπŸŒ»

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


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. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

This little painting is small, simple, and easy to bring into your life. It fits in almost any room and ships securely to your door, ready to brighten your space. No stress and no extra steps. Just color and memory waiting for you.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

πŸŒ»πŸ’œ Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence πŸ’œπŸŒ»
acrylic paint of canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202602008
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To remind yourself of good things to come, please visit: 

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


πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ For MayDay 2026, let’s celebrate Freedom in the most meaningful way we can by creating, sharing, and showing up for one another. Whether you are an artist, a maker, a performer, a vendor, or someone who simply loves to support creativity, you are an essential part of the experience. Bring your colors, your sounds, your ideas, and your energy, and step into a space where inspiration is shared and every contribution matters. Together we can fill the day with connection, creativity, and a spirit that reminds us how powerful it is to express, support, and lift each other up. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ What will you bring to life? πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, March 16, 2026

πŸ₯ What small everyday moment helps you feel calm when the world feels overwhelming? πŸ₯

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Warm light settles over the table as the rich scent of butter and fresh pastry drifts through the air. I pause for a moment and let that quiet comfort wash over me. The soft rustle of flaky layers and the delicate warmth in my hands remind me that simple pleasures still exist, even when the world outside feels overwhelming.

In moments like this I remember that calm does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with something small that invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the quieter parts of ourselves. If you want this feeling, you can welcome it in and let it brighten your day.

What small moment of comfort helps you slow down when the world feels overwhelming?

πŸ₯ Our Paths Will Croissant Again #608 πŸ₯
pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202603010
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To have something delicious, please visit: 

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

Monday, February 9, 2026

πŸ’œ Can you smell the lavender? πŸ’œ

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


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. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

This little painting is small, simple, and easy to bring into your life. It fits in almost any room and ships securely to your door, ready to brighten your space. No stress and no extra steps. Just color and memory waiting for you.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

πŸ’œ Lavender In Provence πŸ’œ
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202106047
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To relax more in your home, please visit: 

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


I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

Friday, January 23, 2026

πŸ’œ In the age of anxiety, what deserves our attention? πŸ’œ

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


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. Every twisting road reveals countless rows of purple and blue lavender. The Mediterranean sun presses warmly against our backs as we pedal toward the village of Sault. I will never forget the fields of France.

Some days call for stillness rather than stimulation. When life feels slightly out of balance, our surroundings can help us breathe again. This painting was created to hold that feeling of ease, movement, and warmth. A quiet place for your eyes to rest when the world feels loud.

Are you looking for a piece that brings color, motion, and a sense of grounded beauty into your space? This may be the one.

πŸ’œ Lavender Farm πŸ’œ
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
2021070063
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To add calm to your space, please visit: 

This piece would look best in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark/light blue, dark purple, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.


I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

Friday, October 3, 2025

πŸ’œπŸŒ» What if finding beauty was as simple as saying yes?πŸŒ»πŸ’œ

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


πŸ’œπŸŒ» Sunflowers and Lavender in Provence πŸŒ»πŸ’œ
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202508043
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit:

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. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

This little painting is small, simple, and easy to bring into your life. It fits in almost any room and ships securely to your door, ready to brighten your space. No stress and no extra steps. Just color and memory waiting for you.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

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


🍁 OPENING SOON! πŸ
🍁 Calling All Art Lovers! 🍁

Get ready for the Awesome Autumn Art Festival—the coziest, craftiest, most joyfully creative online event of the season! Whether you're here to shop unique, sell your amazing work, or just soak in the good vibes, this is THE place to be. Think colorful finds, handmade magic, and a community that actually cares about art.

So grab your pumpkin spice and click that RSVP—because this fall, we’re making art the main event at:  πŸ‘‰ https://www.facebook.com/events/1046518944308485

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike—the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

🦊 What story would you share with a fox by your side? 🦊


🦊 Young Fox Bookmark πŸ¦Š
Noelle Fran
To purchase for your book, please visit: 

When I place this little fox between the pages of a book, it feels like autumn itself has curled up beside me. The soft rustle of leaves outside the window, the scent of woodsmoke drifting through cool air, and the warm glow of fading sunlight all seem to linger a little longer. Something about the fox’s gentle gaze makes me think of quiet walks under trees where the world is painted in gold and crimson, and time seems to pause just for a moment. 

Do you have a favorite companion for those cozy autumn afternoons when all you want is a blanket, a story, and the comfort of the season?

About Noelle Fran:
Creating allows my imagination to express itself.  And is also very soothing. I have always liked to create.  First to transform everyday life and my environment.  Then to share my creations with others

Connect With Noelle Fran at:

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

πŸ’›πŸ‘️ Where Golden Light Dreams πŸ‘️πŸ’›


πŸ’›πŸ‘️ Golden Eye Bracelet πŸ‘️πŸ’›
Noelle Fran
To purchase for your neck, please visit: 

August always feels like a turning point.  Heat lingering in the air, golden light stretching long into the evenings, and a strange mix of endings and beginnings. I slip on my Golden Eye bracelet and it feels like carrying a secret charm, a quiet guardian watching over me.

The golden calcite glows like bottled sunlight, whispering courage to my restless thoughts, sparking little sparks of creativity when I’m tired. The green aventurine feels gentler, like soft moss under bare feet reminding me to breathe deeply, to trust love, to find confidence in the quiet parts of myself.

Sometimes I think the eye in the center sees what I can’t: possibility, renewal, the paths I’m too afraid to step onto. It’s less jewelry and more a reminder that magic can live in the smallest things we carry close.

And maybe that’s what August is about… learning to trust what’s already within me.

About Noelle Fran:
Creating allows my imagination to express itself.  And is also very soothing. I have always liked to create.  First to transform everyday life and my environment.  Then to share my creations with others

Connect With Noelle Fran at:

Friday, July 18, 2025

🌊 Wish I Could Stay a Little Longer 🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌊😎 Beach In Cannes, France πŸ˜ŽπŸŒŠ
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202506029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

We wandered along the curve of the beach in Cannes, letting the salt air cling to our skin and the hush of the Mediterranean guide our steps. The golden sand warmed our feet, and the waves traced the shoreline like they were sculpting it anew with every breath. To our right, elegant trees cast soft shade over the promenade, and just beyond them, the grand old buildings of the city stood watching; quiet, regal, sunlit. Far ahead, the hills rose gently, cradling Cannes in their arms, while behind us the world slipped away without a sound. We didn’t talk much; we didn’t need to. The rhythm of the sea said more than we could. For a moment, it felt like we belonged to the coast itself; not as visitors, but as part of its slow, golden heartbeat.

If you could pause time anywhere, would it be by the sea?

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood


Are you looking to grow your art collection without breaking the bank? Join us for the Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival (Aug 4–6, 2025) — a vibrant virtual event where you can BUY, SELL, TRADE, and SHARE original mini masterpieces with artists from around the world. Handcrafted, affordable, and full of personality — it’s everything your collection didn’t know it needed. ✨ πŸ‘‰ Are you ready to find your next tiny treasure?  RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/582766991295652

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, July 11, 2025

πŸ’œ Where the Lavender Leads πŸ’œ

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


πŸ’œ Lavender In Provence πŸ’œ
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202506030
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/252780906

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 and blue lavender.  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.

When was the last time you were truly relaxed?  You were without a care, no expectations, and free from electronic devices?  Maybe you were hiking, gardening, or reading a book with a cup of coffee.  When do you get to feel like you?  We have a lot to be grateful for.

This painting would look best in a space that is dark red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, dark purple, black, white, beige, or wood


Are you looking to grow your art collection without breaking the bank? Join us for the Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival (Aug 4–6, 2025) — a vibrant virtual event where you can BUY, SELL, TRADE, and SHARE original mini masterpieces with artists from around the world. Handcrafted, affordable, and full of personality — it’s everything your collection didn’t know it needed. ✨ πŸ‘‰ Are you ready to find your next tiny treasure?  RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/582766991295652

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

πŸ–€πŸ’€ I’m just here for the sugar skulls and good vibes! πŸ’€πŸ–€




πŸ–€πŸ’€ Gothic Skull Pendant πŸ’€πŸ–€
Noelle Fran
To purchase for your neck, please visit: 

Who is gone that you wish you could keep close to you?  What do you wish you could say to them?  How to you remember them?  They are always here as long as we think about them and what they meant to us.  We must always choose to celebrate the time we had with our loved ones.

About Noelle Fran:
Creating allows my imagination to express itself.  And is also very soothing. I have always liked to create.  First to transform everyday life and my environment.  Then to share my creations with others

Connect With Noelle Fran at:

Monday, June 2, 2025

πŸ’œ Victorian Gothic Amethyst Pendant πŸ’œ


πŸ’œ Victorian Gothic Amethyst Pendant πŸ’œ
Noelle Fran
To purchase for your neck, please visit: 

The sound of my heels on the sidewalk is the only noise on this eerily calm night in the city.  An evening of drinks with friends always makes me feel good.  But, tonight is different.  My head aches from some kind of external gloom.  As I look at others around me I only see furrowed brows and tight jaws.  I clutch my amethyst pendant and immediately feel better.  It will shield me from that I cannot see until I am home.

About Noelle Fran:
Creating allows my imagination to express itself.  And is also very soothing. I have always liked to create.  First to transform everyday life and my environment.  Then to share my creations with others

Connect With Noelle Fran at:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

⛪ St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


⛪ Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202505021
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

They were just putting on the finishing touches to Saint Jean Baptiste Church when my great-great grandparents emmigrated from Quebec to Michigan in 1882.  It was the heart of the French-Canadian neighborhood that embraced them.  Five of their children were baptized there starting a multi-generational tradition.  There are countless photographs of brides and grooms posed on the alter as it changed over the decades.  And all the funerals where we said goodbye to our loved ones for the last time.  When it was torn down in September 2024 after 142 years, our family and community lost a lot of history that made us who we are.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, or wood.

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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