Showing posts with label muskegon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label muskegon. Show all posts

Friday, August 11, 2023

Brushstrokes & Transformation: An Interview With Mike Kraus


In this interview with Mike Kraus, we delve into the captivating journey of an artist whose work serves as both a canvas of color and a canvas of values — honesty, kindness, and fairness. From his formative years in Muskegon, Michigan, Mike’s artistic voyage has been a dynamic exploration of the intricate interplay between the external world and his inner creativity.  Continue Reading at: https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c


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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:

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, 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:

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

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

How Do You Feel About Coffee In the Autumn?

Inline image 1

Autumn is the perfect time for a hot cup of coffee. And once again, I'm proud to announce I'll be a part of the Coffee Art Project at the New York Coffee Festival, a program that has raised more than $690,000 and delivered clean water to over 20,000 people in Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Nicaragua. So, as the trees start to change color and the air begins to chill, I grab a cup of joe. With every sip I take, I realize how fortunate I am.

See my work online at:

See my work in person at these locations:
The Coffee Art Project at The New York Coffee Festival
October 13-15, 2017
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St, NYC

Havana Night Gala
October 20th, 2017
Baden Street Settlement
Holiday Inn Rochester, NY-Downtown
70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614

Whitman Works Company
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441


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. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Keep It Simple. These Pieces Make It Easy.


Do you have a space at your home or office that just isn't right?  Simply 
add a touch of luxe interior design with original artwork.  The Lavender 
Farm is a highly coveted piece that is endlessly versatile - perfect for a 
large space or above a fireplace, compliments a wide range of colors, and 
provides bold colors while still being calming.
Shop Now:


Remember traveling through the Finger Lakes region in upstate New 
York?  Stopping by the winery on the gentle slope of Seneca Lake.  A 
memory that works in just about any space with it's medium size and 
neutral colors.
Shop Now:
Whitman Works Co.​
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526


Attitude and refinement - this piece will add "pop" to any space that 
needs it.  You can turn a drab wall into something inspiring.  It's just that 
simple.  
Shop Now:
Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr. Muskegon, Michigan


About Michael Kraus
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 Michael 
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, 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/


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/

Friday, June 16, 2017

On the Shore of Lake Michigan at Art Cats Gallery

 OUR SUMMER COLORS ARE SHOWING!
Art Cats Gallery is featuring the artwork of Mike Kraus, an exclusive series of landscapes both real and imaginative.  "Since Muskegon is my hometown, I wanted to create pieces for Art Cats (Gallery) that capture West Michigan's beauty," Kraus said, "It's a uniquely radiant area that you don't fully appreciate until you've been away for a while and return."

Art Cats Gallery is located in the historic and eclectic Lakeside District of Muskegon, a neighborhood on the shores of Muskegon Lake leading toward Lake Michigan.  They carry a fabulous selection of original paintings, prints, pottery, glass, and an amazing array of artist made jewelry.  In 2017, Art Cats celebrated 18 years in business and are excited for the future as West Michigan's premier gallery.  The work of owner Louise Hopson is always in abundance with her studio adjacent to the gallery.

Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr
Muskegon, Michigan
(231) 755-7606
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm
On the Shore of Lake Michigan, 2017
Acrylic on Canvas
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit Art Cats Gallery

It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:


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/



Friday, June 9, 2017

The Morning Cup of Coffee

 The Morning Cup of Coffee #238, 2017
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201706059
© 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/

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.

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