Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humor. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Hipster Fish

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Hipster Fish #543
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
202308051
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Art During Difficulty
& Interview With Mike Kraus

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, January 13, 2021

Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (cm x cm) 
202004023
© copyright Mike Kraus
or merchandise at

I only fed him one time.  Now, I can't get rid of him.  He hangs on my screen door begging me for more peanut butter.  I'm no longer able to go in the backyard.  Yet, I find the whole thing entertaining.


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, January 6, 2021

Darrel the Barrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Darrel the Barrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201912117
© copyright Mike Kraus
or
https://society6.com/product/darrel-the-barrel-by-mike-kraus-art-milwaukee-wisconsin-muskegon-michigan-great-lakes-traffic-cone_sticker?sku=s6-18579538p65a211v751a212v753

Most epic journeys are unexpected.  An anonymous traffic barrel in Milwaukee accidentally fell into Lake Michigan and became a celebrity 120 miles (194 km) away in Muskegon, Michigan.  This unexpected Wisconsin ambassador has been highlighting the craft breweries, festivals, museums, and beaches easily in reach by the Lake Express fast ferry.  More of Darrel the Barrel's adventures at:  https://www.mlive.com/news/g66l-2019/10/a90f3970e43847/darrel-the-barrel-washed-up-on-beach-becomes-instant-muskegon-celebrity.html 

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, May 22, 2020

My Gift To You For Memorial Day Weekend!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


An overstuffed hatchback speeds through an endless expanse of prairie to a long-forgotten Midwestern town.  This extraordinary novel follows Luke on an odyssey of calamity and humor during a summer of uncertainty.

With a bottle of Whiskey, Luke courts mischief with his friend Anabelle, takes care of his grandfather, fails to understand Monica, while working multiple side jobs-a snapshot of a time and place.  From the boarded up storefronts, through the quiet factories, to the well-manicured suburbs, Luke is aloof as he walks the miles of potholed streets of his hometown wondering what the future holds.

From humble beginnings and questionable hopes, Luke knows that his time home will be limited before he's forced toward his destiny.  What dreams, traditions, and relationships will survive these tumultuous days? 





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, May 20, 2020

Hipster Fish

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Hipster Fish #367
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202005035
© 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.

Tips For Working At Home

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, September 9, 2019

Summer by the Pool

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer by the Pool
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201908071
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

They've been such generous friends.  When her son moved to Florida, they gave him some of their furniture for his spartan apartment.  When Hurricane Dorian threatened his apartment, they offered him a spare bedroom for safe shelter.  How do you thank someone for such kindness.  She thought about it a long time.  What do they love most?  After much contemplation, she saw how much they cherish their home.  Particularly, the well-manicured backyard with a pool.  Spending hot days cooling off with their five beloved pups.  Sounds like heaven.


SEE YOU TOMORROW for Kim Lester's art opening and extended Happy Hours!

Please visit my Brightscapes art show at Mendon 64.  Along with seeing my new works of the Finger Lakes, other activities include art by Nora Gelb Designs, Ann Dauphin, David Tay, guest chef Chris Hobaica , music by: Nick LeDucRyan Barski, Wednesday $1 oysters, Thursday no corkage, and so much more.

1369 Pittsford Mendon Rd
Mendon, New York 14506
(585) 433-9464


For up to date information, please visit:  
To see more of Mike Kraus' artwork, please visit: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com  



See me at 
More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1074229096115301/

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.

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018

Max Ryznar 1981 - 2018
Max (left) in Rapper's Guild at Palmer Hall in the late 1990s (photo credit: Eleanor Canter)

A unique and bright star in a vast universe has left making our world a much darker place.  Words fail to capture Max's creativity, kindness, and friendship.  But, Max was supportive of any creative project and a willing participant in mischief.  In 1997, I had just sat down in the Mona Shores High School cafe-torium when Max took the seat across from me.  He slid a piece of paper toward me and said, "Hey, I may have something for that little 'zine of yours.  Did it in my last class."  It was the beginning of a series of comic strips called "Sexual Secrets."  He was a wonderful collaborator and the best way for me to honor him is to share his creations.

Schism #7 August 1997

Schism #8 September 1997

Schism #10 November 1997

Schism #12 January 1998

 Schism #17 June 1998

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:

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:

Friday, June 23, 2017

The Artist and the CEO

The Artist and the CEO #241
ink and colored pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201706065
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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.

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/

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