Showing posts with label new years. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new years. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

❄⛄ Season's greetings from the heart! ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


As the year gently comes to a close, I wanted to pause and simply say "thank you." Your kindness, encouragement, and friendship mean more to me than I can easily put into words. The only reason I am able to spend my days creating and sharing beauty is because of people like you who believe in it and support it.

This season always reminds me that art is not just about color on a wall. It is about connection, memory, joy, and hope. I am deeply grateful that we get to share that belief and walk this creative journey together.

I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful moments with the people you love. I look forward to continuing to add more beauty to the world together in the year ahead.

With gratitude and friendship,

Mike

My Story
Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

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

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

❄⛄ Season's Greetings! ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


⛄ Season's Greetings! ⛄ 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!  As I take the time to reflect, I want to say "THANK YOU" for all of your support.  The only reason why I've been able to add more beauty to the world is because of you.  And my 10th anniversary year of being a full-time professional artist was the best so far.  You make dreams come true!  I hope that you enjoy your time with your loved ones.  And I look forward to us making 2025 a beautiful year!
 
Your Friend,
Mike Kraus


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.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. 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 business.

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:

Sunday, January 1, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY NEW YEAR

We've accomplished so much together in 2022.  And that's a great reason to celebrate.  It's good to acknowledge all we've learned from our obstacles too.  These stumbling blocks are opportunities for growth in 2023.  I expect it to be a great adventure for us.


Thank you for being you.  I'm so grateful to have you in my life.


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun.


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, December 31, 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2021 was a year of kindness and support from friends like you.  A time of reflection to search for understanding, honesty, and gratitude.  And to have the courage to take care of ourselves and our community.

I'm glad to have you in my life.  We have a lot to look forward to in 2022.  


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com


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.

Thursday, December 31, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With the new year, I hope that you will embrace 2021 with an open 
heart and go forward in good health, joy, and 
imagination.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


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 1, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Sunflowers In Provence France


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope that you've had a memorable 2019.  It's been another incredible year full of shows, collaborations, and painting.  I'm very fortunate to have you in my life.  And I look forward to more excitement in 2020.  THANKS AGAIN!

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

A sad start to 2020 with the announcement that Whitman Works Gallery will be closing it's doors.  Derek and Carol have been great gallerists, supporters, and friends over the past few years.  While it's the end of this part of the journey, I'm looking forward to the start of their next adventure.

All pieces 25% OFF at Whitman Works Gallery until everything is gone and the doors are closed.  You won't find better prices on original art than this.  To see available pieces, please visit:

Whitman Works Gallery
1826 Penfield Road
Penfield, New York
(585) 420-8654
https://www.whitmanworks.com

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, December 27, 2019

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome #347
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201912119
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/625605604/taco-bout-awesome-347-artist-trading

Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years .  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called the "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United States and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.

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.

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, January 2, 2019

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope that you've had a memorable 2018.  It's been another incredible year full of shows, collaborations, and painting.  I'm very fortunate to have you in my life.  And I look forward to more excitement in 2019.  THANKS AGAIN!

Your Friend,
Michael Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


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:

Monday, January 1, 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As I look back, I find myself reflecting on the past year and those who have helped shape my art. It’s been quite a year for us all! I hope that 2018 has been just as memorable for you, your colleagues and your loved ones. I look forward to working with you in the years to come.

Your Friend,
Michael 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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Years Eve With the Razorsharks

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As part of my xmas present, Megan brought me to my first Rochester Razorshark minor league basketball game at the Blue Cross Arena.  Please let me introduce you to Finley, the Razorshark.


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warming up


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More Finley


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Oh man!  My first Razorshark game is also a banner raising ceremony!  Now I can tell my kids that I was there when it all happened!


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The banner!


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Mayor Tom Richards throwing the highest tip off in the history of basketball.  


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Unfortunately, this ladie's half-court shot for $10,000 barely made it to the free throw line.  


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The Razorsharks beat the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Steamers 107-98 in the 2012 championship banner raising home opener.  Megan and I had a great time.  Lots of great people watching.  For some reason, the pictures didn't turn out very good.  Hopefully, my next Blue Cross Arena event will look much better next week...


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Well, winter started about three months later than it did last year.  Hopefully, this doesn't mean that it will ending in August to make up for lost time.  


That's about it for now.  Very, very busy at work right now catching up on everything with the holiday season.  So, nothing too exciting to report...

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Those Were Simpler Times Indeed


Nick on X-mas. We hung out with them after going to Megan's bosses party earlier. Her boss was getting ready for the party and saw Rod Blagojevich in front of his house huffing and puffing from jogging. When he walled up, he asked, "are you okay?" hoping he wasn't going to have a heart attack or something.
"Yeah! The truth will come out," says Blago.
"Oh, okay, well keep your head up." was his uplifting reply. Then a black SUV rolls up. A man yells out, "Are you okay sir." Blago nods and continues his run.
In this picture though, Nick is playing Mexican Train.


A Pickle Pult is the best kind of heat to pack.


Here's the ammo


Here's a good beer from Wisconsin. It was established in 1848 or something. It's sad when people from 1848 were remembering "Simpler Times." I imagine it going like this:
"Remember when we didn't have paved roads, sewers, and outhouse?"
"Ah yes, simpler times..."


Eric and Nick having some Pete's Pizza. A deep dish, of course, while we're celebrating New Years at Goldie's


Christie and Eric flashing the 2-double zero-9

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b37/hfipublishing/Chicago03/100_0733.jpg
Nick wearing his "BOOZ" glasses


Megan says to Mike, "Ohhhh, let's take a picture now before we look ugly!"


Eric looks like he's from some scary movie based on New Years 2009. Like "Hellraiser: New Years Resolution."


DANCE TO TETRIS AND BASEKETBALL!


This just makes it look the the best night ever! Christie, Eric, Katherine, Nick, and Megan are all so excited!


Somehow, our facial expressions are exactly the reverse of what they really were in this picture.


This is the image going on our wedding invitations...

Spent last weekend up in Muskegon visiting the parents and the grandparents. I no longer know where anything is. Did you know Target is in Fruitport and a Walmart in Norton Shores? The world is topsy-turvy...

Thursday, January 3, 2008

"So, You’re Pretty Much Just a Big Kid, Huh?"

Merry X-mas New Year and all!


I do what I have to when I chop onions


For x-mas, we went to visit Megan's family in Rochester, New York. I figured that I made her see my family and go camping for a week. I'd better even the score up a bit. Here's the little lady at Midway Airport.


Midway was shut down for two hours and it was packed with travelers. No seats and the flight was delayed for a few hours.


Here's the bar we ended up in after our flight and dinner. It's somewhere in the Rochester vacinity and called (something) Corner Bar. They had a good cover back that certainly brought the rock!


This is Kelly, which is Megan's brother's dog.


Here's "Illegal Motion," the tailgating vehicle Megan's dad hangs out at when he goes to the Bill's game. Her uncle and family had a pig roast and it was awesome!


And, what's a pig roast without a pig's head on a post. Yep, that's a real pig head threatening the NY Giants and their fans on the way to Ralph Wilson Stadium.


Megan eatting the pig body, which was so moist and tender and good!


Food and booze everywhere!


Megan has a lot of uncles and cousins. I only remember Andre and he's not even blood...


Nothing is more festive and christmas-y than a family gathering under a pig head...


LET'S GO BUFFALO! It's official, I've been to more Bills games than Lions or Bears games. So, does that make me a Bills fan? Can't be worse than a Lion fan...


Luckily, the seat at the stadium are heated!


Right after the game ended, they prepared the field for the Winter Classic, which hosted the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins in the first outdoor NHL game in the US of A.


Remember this picture. This is the 1st quarter. A 4th quarter pic will follow.


The stadium also has an indoor sports bar area. When the sleet and rain and wind picked up, we hid in there for a while.


Nothing like fans getting upset in front of the TV when the game is ten feet to the left.


As promised, the 4th quarter pic. Nothing like watching the Bills lose in freezing rain!


Walking back to the car after the game. Thanks to Megan's dad for the tickets!


We went to Megan's mom's house too and this is the view of Canadagua (sp?) Lake from her porch. It's alright, I guess...


One of the famed finger lakes.


x-mas eve with the family. Here's Rachel (Tachel) and I during our camera war. I think I won because I have Photoshop. Nothing like beating a 3 year old.


"I'm a princess!"


The princess twirling and showing off for the camera and her uncle Dave.


I'm tired of opening and playing with presents.


Here's George Eastman's (of Eastman Kodak) Mansion. Pretty swanky place. The elephant head is a nice sutble statement. I have to thank him for my camera though. It shouldn't work considering how much I beat the thing up.


George and I have similar taste. I would have been a classy gentleman in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I missed my time...


Luscious lady!


Some holiday bears at an old timey gas station in Canadigua (sp?)


Megan's new giant HDTV. X-mas was good to her this year


My x-mas present. Why is it I always look like a serial killer when I get all gussied up?


HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!! Noah getting the NYE party started by messing with the cat


Frances and Amanda!


Megan all dolled up on the sweater couch.


Pre-gaming


Frances has a sour face


Dance party!


I'm not sure what's going on here.


A nice snowfall for NYE. We're on our way to Goldie's. A great bar with no cover, $1 PBR, and $3 well drinks.


Better take a pretty pic before we get ugly.


IT'S 2008. LET'S MAKE OUT! Frances, you misplaced Noah!


PDA. Way to gross people out.


I don't know...


This was the "pretty" version of the previous pic.


Me, Megan, Frances, and Noah. I don't know where the other girls went. Nick took the pic and Katherine wasn't losing her barstool for anything.


Frances keeps jumping in front of the camera. Are you happy?!?!?


Noah, Nick, Katherine, and Megan at Goldies!


If Frances and I hang out, it's required that we have one "roller coaster" pic taken.

That's it. Hope everyone had a good holiday.

xoxo,

Mike

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