Showing posts with label green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green. Show all posts

Monday, February 27, 2023

Green Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

 
Green Birch Forest #266
pen and marker on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201801014
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc

Do we have to wait for someone to enter our lives to feel happiness and love?  What are we waiting for?


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 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:


Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #302
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201807089
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/628957461/twilight-woods-302-artist-trading-cards

Where this path will end is a mystery.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?


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:

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Hello Panda Bear

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Hello Panda Bear #473
pen and ink on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202207024
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/184982750/hello-panda-bear-473-artist-trading

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.

Let's start being kinder to others and ourselves with the Kindness Challenge at: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10226319999722057&set=gm.407531521394823

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:

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Meadow In Bloom

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Meadow In Bloom #225
gouache on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 cm frame) 
201705036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is 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. and it is signed on the back.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark purple, brown, beige, black, white, 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, February 23, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710099
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What are the benefits of buying original art?  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

History - What is the provenience or the history of the piece?  Was it hanging in a mansion of a prominent family for the last hundred years?  Maybe it was a gift to the artist's spouse before they passed away  These can add to the value of the piece.  But, what about making your own history?  You don't have to go to a major auction house to build a collection.  Emerging artists can be a very affordable option that can have unlimited growth potential?  To do this, look for artist who is creating artwork as their profession, not as a hobby.  The reason is you want someone who is building a portfolio of work and a market for their pieces.  As the artist career advances from Etsy, to cafe shows, small gallery exhibit, high-end galleries, and museum, the value of your pieces advance too.  If you're fascinated by venture capitalist, this may be for you.  While many of the artists may fail to be recognized, finding that one piece or artist could be life changing. 

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, light yellow, light 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:



Friday, May 21, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas 
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202105036

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.  

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, white, black, 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.

Friday, May 14, 2021

House on Île d'Orléans

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


House On Île d'Orléans
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.7 cm)
202105034
© copyright Mike Kraus

Near Quebec City, in the St. Lawrence River, is the ÃŽle d'Orléans.  It's our time away from the world.  When we leave our home, it's to wander among the farms and visit the fields of my ancestors who settled here from France in the 1600s.  We'll bike around the Chemin Royal to build up an appetite for dinner.  As we gather around the table, we're grateful for the bounty this island has provided us.

Près de Québec, dans le fleuve Saint-Laurent, se trouve l'île d'Orléans. C'est notre temps loin du monde. Quand nous quittons notre maison, c'est pour flâner parmi les fermes et visiter les champs de mes ancêtres qui se sont installés ici depuis la France dans les années 1600. Nous ferons le tour du Chemin Royal à vélo pour créer l'appétit pour le dîner. Alors que nous nous réunissons autour de la table, nous sommes reconnaissants de la générosité que cette île nous a apportée.

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

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Purple Iris

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Purple Iris
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 6" (20.3 cm x 15.2 cm) 
202004027
© copyright Mike Kraus


Spring gardening is a lot of work with little instant gratification.  There's a lot of weeding, pruning, sowing, tilling, and other activities that look like you've done less than when you started.  Little by little, some seedlings appear and other greenery.  The nightly concern of frost and expectations of deer.  One morning you wake up to unseasonable warm weather and you are surprised a burst of purple miraculously appears in your yard.  Summer must be near.

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

House on Île d'Orléans

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 House on ÃŽle d'Orléans
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Near Quebec City, in the St. Lawrence River, is the ÃŽle d'Orléans.  We spend the day parallel to the coast on Chemin Royal stopping at roadside markets, colonial markets, and wineries.   Seeing where my ancestors settled after leaving France in the 1600s.  We ended the day in Sainte-Pétronille with art galleries, coffee, and chocolate.  Just relaxing and enjoying the view.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, light purple, beige, 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 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, February 17, 2021

The Loblolly Pine

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Loblolly Pine
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

There's a cool breeze blowing through the humid lowland swamp.  The scent of rosemary mixes with the aroma of the moist acidic clay soil.  The towering Loblolly Pine slightly sways in the wind.  There's a thud of green pine cones at random intervals.  The sun retreats into the hills after another day of blistering heat.  

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, light orange, yellow, dark green, light blue, light 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 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, February 12, 2021

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202102008
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235352360/sunflowers-and-lavender-in-provence

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.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, 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 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, February 3, 2021

The Maple Tree

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Maple Tree
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

The warm sun is setting on another steamy summer day.  Waves of heat rise from the fields.  The color of the sky changes every second.  The shade of the Maple tree dissipates as it is no longer needed protection from the sun.  It has other ways to be a refuge at night

This painting would great in a space that is deep red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, light 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 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, January 27, 2021

Cayuga Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cayuga Lake
Acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus

A lazy day along Cayuga Lake hiking between Seneca Falls and Ithaca.  Well worn paths through gorges and woods that open up to vineyards.  A tractor path leads us down to the calm lake where we take a snack break.  With places like this, social distancing is easy.

This piece would work best in a space that is light red, orange, yellow, dark green, navy blue, purple, white, black, 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.

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