🏬 What place felt relaxing when everything else was overwhelming? 🏬

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

I remember the first time I wandered into Medici on 57th as a student at the University of Chicago, half lost in my own thoughts and not entirely sure where I belonged yet. The place felt alive in a way that was hard to explain, like it had been holding onto stories long before I arrived. The smell of fresh coffee and warm pizza drifted through the room, mixing with the quiet hum of conversation and the feeling that time moved a little differently inside those walls. I would sit there longer than I planned, watching people come and go, realizing that this small space had somehow become a kind of anchor in the middle of everything else.

Years later, I can still remember the taste of those late meals, simple and familiar, shared between classes or after long nights when the world felt both overwhelming and full of possibility. It was never just about the food, it was about having a place that held those moments for you, somewhere you could return to even after you had moved on.

If one quiet corner of your space could bring you back to a time and place that grounded you, would you let it?

🏬 On a Chicago Street Corner 🏬

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

For great memories, please visit:

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4492315281

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4492320980

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1131020368

🇺🇸 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. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 What will you bring to life? 🇺🇸

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1494771728908397

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

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?

RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1628819511667412

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikekrausart

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🎓 Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago 🎓

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🎓 Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago 🎓

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1702803989

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1688612898

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate. Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)! She raised him right and shares in his early successes. And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone. What an exciting time for this young man.

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202110091

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/william-rainey-harper-memorial-library-at-the-university-of-chicago-uofc-by-mike-kraus_framed-print?sku=s6-22306712p21a12v65a13v54 or the image at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1100965340/william-rainey-harper-memorial-library

We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

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

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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 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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog 

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Kent Hall at University of Chicago

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062

© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.

More About Mike Kraus Art

My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

https://www.marketplace.org/2019/02/13/business/hobby-investments-cant-escape-darn-global-economy

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:
www.bostonvoyager.com/interview/check-mike-krauss-artwork/

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:

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

Eckhart Hall

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago

acrylic paint on canvas board

201906051

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate.  Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)!  She raised him right and shares in his early successes.  And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone.  What an exciting time for this young man. 

More About Mike Kraus Art

My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

https://www.marketplace.org/2019/02/13/business/hobby-investments-cant-escape-darn-global-economy

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:
www.bostonvoyager.com/interview/check-mike-krauss-artwork/

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:

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

Happy 2nd Anniversary Baby Doll

HAPPY 2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEGAN!!!


Two years means two days of celebration. So, Megan and I went to the Old Town School of Music to see a Columbian band called Revolu. Pretty good stuff...


Girls dancing like butterflies


Megan at the Calypso Cafe. Really good Caribbean food in the Hyde Park neighborhood. They are located at 5211 C South Harper Shopping Center.


Me. Somewhat fuzzy and in my finest goin’ out clothes.


Here’s the West Indies Patties (one vegetable, one beef) They are traditional mildly spiced pastries with citrus mustard sauce


This is Megan’s Crusted Tilapia that was mildly seasoned and crusted with crushed plantains. She didn’t care for it though...


This was the Jerk Marinated Chicken Breast. The chicken marinade was really good even though it was on cheap Gordon Food chicken patties. Delicious! The plantains were awesome!


Banana Pie with Coconut topping and Megan thinking "why does my stupid boyfriend take so many pictures." She’s annoyed because I’m preventing her from eatting that delicious dessert.


Now she’s happy because she can eat!!!


More SaveMore! Brent rocking out the Pirates of the Caribbean pinball. This is really a Caribbean themed anniversary and week.


Megan, Tony, Frances, Brent, Mike, and Noah at the SaveMore


Frances, Brent, and Mike. Two of the three had a hard time getting home. One I don’t know about. I hope all are fine...


Amanda and I. "Mike, I just wanna dance. Com’on and dance. pleeeaasse!" She’s not a bad dancer for having a torn ACL or whatever.


Brent’s rock and roll album cover


Megan and her classmate Tony from Cleveland. "What’s this place called? The SaveMore? What a dive! It’s just like home!"


Amanda telling me something very important...


Angela’s going to be in China very, very soon.


Frances had a very good time.


Went to Quenchers after the Mutiny and got myself a Tater Tot Pizza.


Roberto hates how much he loves his sandwich.


Megan out at the forest preserve near Irving Park and River Road.


Pretty cute for a longshoreman, eh?


DEER! DEER EVERYWHERE!!! By my count, we saw approximately 39 deer at the park. Not even at a distance. I mean these deer were so close I could have tackled them!


Hello little fella!


A few of its friends.


MORE DEER! Also, notice the poor urban planning. This is another example of suburban insanity. Here were are in a park loaded with tons of deer. What goes better with deer than a five-lane highway on all sides! I’ll never understand post-World War II city and traffic planners.


Another little deer just a few feet off the trail in the woods


Another of his buddies taking a rest nearby.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MEGAN!!!

Summer Is Official

Hey all,

Here's another fine installment of what I've been up to...

Wednesday Night BBQ. The newest tradition of the Michigan Exiles.


Apparently, these guys are inspecting the Art Institute's Lion's ass. Actually, they are filming something. Probably some tourist ad or something.


The Museum of Science and Industry. They hosted the CANstruction event, which is a charity fundraiser for the Chicago Food Depository where they make art out of food cans and then use them for making meals.


This should have been the first place winner. Instead it was a replica of the Millennium Park Bean which was small and not well built because it was about to collapse. I'll never understand the dynamics of voting and how poor contestants seem to always win.


This is should have been the second place winner!


The MSI's entry.


Eh...


Big tough truck. The winners of this competition go to some national competition. I know nothing other than that. This site has a lot of winners from the past:
CANstruction Winners


This was my favorite part of the night! These are the back offices to MSI. Look at this office! I am really missing out on my calling. Where do I apply for a job at this place?


Who else has a green cow at their office?


I claim this desk as mine!


The German-American MayFest. It really wasn't that great this year. Unfortunately, the Cubs had a home game that day. Cubs fans in recent years have become the biggest douchebags on earth. After the game, they all came up and kind of ruined the atmosphere. Then again, the $10 cup of Pabst Blue Ribbon didn't help. Even if it was the equivelent of 2.5-3 beers, it was $6-7 more than I pay for PBR at a local bar...


John and Ronan arguing the merits of a girls ass.


John getting Megan's opinion.


The debate continues.


The highlight of the evening was heading to Chubby Wiener's for dinner, which is just south of Lawrence on Western. I highly suggest it. Here's our late night picnic.


John on the #49


Hyde Park Art Fair


We weren't going to go to the fair because it was suppose to rain. Then Amanda called and said she was going. Then we thought we should go after watching Children of Men (good movie). Then it really rained hard going back home. It was alright.

Good times in Chicago.

xoxo,

Mike