Showing posts with label lake michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lake michigan. Show all posts

Monday, February 21, 2022

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting On Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire. A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm. The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky. The waves gently crashing on the shoreline of another perfect summer night.

We all have places that feel like home. Reminders of a carefree childhood. Experiences that made us who we are. We have a connection to them as they gave us our sense of the world. How different would our lives be without these spaces?

This painting would great in a space that is light red, orange, dark yellow, green, 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 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, November 3, 2021

On the Shores of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shores of Lake Michigan #462
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 frame)
202110093
© 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.

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, 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:

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Summer In Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer In Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201905042
© copyright Mike Kraus

Under the canopy of the trees, the sun isn't so hot.  But, I live for days like these with our brutal winters.  The seasons can be so extreme here.  The sound of the water splashing on the beach become audible.  My feet sink in the sand as I climb the dune and the vast expanse of the great lake become visible.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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:

Friday, July 14, 2017

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan, 2017
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire.  A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm are the price of admission.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pares perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  I faintly hear my friends voices over the water splashing as they collect wood and prepare for a perfect summer night.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:

LAST FEW DAYS! 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/

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/


Monday, June 12, 2017

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

 Sun Setting On Lake Michigan, 2017
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201706060
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire.  A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm are the price of admission.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pares perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  I faintly hear my friends voices over the water splashing as they collect wood and prepare for a perfect summer night.

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

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/



Thursday, June 8, 2017

You're Invited To See My Work At Art Cats Gallery​

You're Invited To See My Work At
Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr
Muskegon, Michigan

Art Cats Gallery is proud to feature the artwork of Mike Kraus.  His pieces explore nature and our interaction with it.  Using traditional paint on canvas, his works capture the vibrancy and solitude of our natural surroundings.  "My focus is to extract the emotions of each scene and transform it on canvas by emphasizing the details that make the vision unique." say Kraus.  Visit Art Cats Gallery Tuesday - Saturday between 11am - 5pm.

About 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 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.

About Art Cats Gallery
Art Cats Gallery is Muskegon's premier gallery of fine contemporary craft.  Featuring over 45 artists and artisans, year round hours and the studio home of  artist owner Louise Hopson.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

St. Patty's Day Excitement

Since everyone was too cool for St. Patty's Day on the Southside this year, Megan and I went house hunting instead. People are still in denial that their places are not worth a million dollars when it is only 500 square feet with no amenities. But, at least their willing to negotiate now...









































My clipboard at work. Reminds me of a Northern Renaissance piece depicting a tale of foreboding if one takes the wrong actions at work. Or just a weird doodle...

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Am I Butch Cassidy? Or the Sundance Kid?

Sorry this has been so irregular lately (SME), but my computer doesn't communicate with the internets anymore. I guess 8 year old computers are too old...


Tyler and Cliff on the booze cruise at my work. Thanks to everyone for coming out. Your drinking on a boat gave scholarship money to kids who want to be architects!


Matt posing for his next MySpace picture.


The kids are learning stuff.


Mike & Brooke


Chicago from Lake Michigan.


Here's a series of photos...
Mike Kraus thinks, "Hmmmm... This would make a good picture."


"Mike, look at the camera. No, don't wave. You can't see Brooke."


"Sorry Mike. I didn't mean to be mean about it..."


You're a sharp man Mr. Cliff...


Tyler, a toast to your new apartment. When are we having a housewarming party?


Speeding by Navy Pier


Coming back down the Chicago River with the new Trump Tower being constructed straight ahead.


Califone at West Fest a couple of blocks from my apartment


The Ponys


More Pony action


More...


Matt, Nate, and Mike at the Whirleyway. Welcome to Chicago Nate. You are more proof that I have friends from Muskegon moving to Chicago once a week...


Hanging out on the Bloomingdale Trail


More BT action


Well, Megan and I wanted to go to this antique/flea market thing. It ended up being some shady shit at the projects. Nothing good to buy either. So, we headed to Little Italy for a festival. But, the baseball park was on the way and ended up going to see the Sox. I believe Sundays are the lamest days in baseball. Last week's Cub's game was "American Girl Night" and it was "Kid's / Spirit Day" for the Sox. Anyway, we saw Bobby Jenks tie the record for retiring batters. Second milestone baseball game I've seen at a week...


Looking out of The Cell toward the outfield.


Nothing like watching a game in 100+ degree heat and fighting Sox fans because we had seats in the shade.


Looking toward downtown from the Cell


My favorite dental sign in Logan Square


Frances, Noah, Karli, Megan, and I went to see Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid at Grant Park.

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