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

Friday, August 4, 2023

Otisco Lake Preserve

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Otisco Lake Preserve
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202308048
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
We hike this land that took care of the Haudenosaunee for countless generations.  The settlers arrived and ripped out the living forest and it still nurtured their farms.  And now we preserve this land so it can heal.  A place for bald eagles and other water fowl to nest.  To improve access and water quality of the lake.  It is a gift that gives back to us.

Do you love nature?  What has it given you?  What do we lose if it's gone?  Can you imagine if nature loved you back and what that would look like?

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Relationships

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:

Friday, July 28, 2023

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307044
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Sometimes, living in Upstate New York is like living in a postcard. Every trail we hike reveals the beauty of nature. Dense forests give way to open fields. We find a comfortable spot to snack and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the lake. "If this isn't nice, what is?"

Where is your favorite place? Who do you go there with? Why is it so special to you? How does it make you feel?

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Motivation

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:

Friday, July 21, 2023

Vitale Park at Conesus Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vitale Park at Conesus Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307041
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

We decided to make this a lazy weekday by skipping work. Then took a relaxed commute to the lake for a BBQ. On the menu is bass, which we caught earlier in the morning. While it grills, we talk about nothing in particular. All the concerns of the world disappear as the sun sinks into the hills.
The sky radiates colors and reminds us to be grateful.

What do you think abou
t the artwork on your walls?  How do you capture your memories.  Does that make you happy?

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Community
https://medium.com/p/257f427421d5

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:

Friday, July 14, 2023

VanRiper and Whitlock Nature Preserve On Cayuga Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


VanRiper and Whitlock Nature Preserve On Cayuga Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202307038
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
A lazy day along Cayuga Lake hiking between Seneca Falls and Ithaca.  Well worn paths through gorges and woods that open up to vineyards.  A tractor path leads us down to the calm lake where we take a snack break.  It's easy to be grateful with places like this.

Have you been to Cayuga Lake?  What was your time like there?  Or is there another place you go to embrace nature?  What are your favorite memories?

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, 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 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, July 10, 2023

STOLEN? Have You Seen This Art?


TITLE: Essential Heroes #398
DESCRIPTION: Portrait
CATEGORY: Drawing
REFERENCE NUMBER: 202010097
MAKER/ARTIST: Mike Kraus of Mike Kraus Art Inc.
MATERIALS: pen and ink on Bristol paper
MEASUREMENT: 2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
TIME PERIOD: 2020

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:

Friday, July 7, 2023

Owasco Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307034
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The days of summer.  A time to appreciate all the wonderful moments we're experiencing.  The trips to the lake for boating and swimming.  And absorbing the light and warmth from the sun.  To reflect on how grateful we are for all that we have.

What do you think about the artwork on your walls?  How do you capture your memories.  Does that make you happy?

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:

Friday, June 30, 2023

Lamoreaux Landing On Seneca Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lamoreaux Landing On Seneca Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202306032
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/244918007

A cool breeze comes off the calm, deep waters of Seneca Lake as we hike the shoreline. We've found our spot to enjoy our picnic lunch from roadside stands paid on the honor system and bottle of local Gewurztraminer wine.  Just relaxing and appreciating the panoramic view.  There's a sweet scent coming from the vineyard as we smirk at our dog running aimlessly through the field.  And we're fortunate to know that feeling like this comes from being outdoors.

Summer is happening right now.  Don't forget to capture that feeling.

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Action
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-action-a54ce2c6209d

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:

Friday, June 23, 2023

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202306029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Sometimes, living in Upstate New York is like living in a postcard. Every trail we hike reveals the beauty of nature. Dense forests give way to open fields. We find a comfortable spot to snack and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the lake. "If this isn't nice, what is?"

Where is your favorite place? Who do you go there with? Why is it so special to you? How does it make you feel?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
What Can We Do About Our Culture?

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, April 12, 2023

Spirit of the Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Spirit of the Forest
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201805068
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/615155121/spirit-of-the-forest-original-acrylic

Moonlight breaks through the canopy of the forest as I hike in the darkness.  There's the sound of an owl in the distance warning other of my presence.  The leaves wrestle in the breeze spreading the scent of spicy apricots.  The nocturnal forest is exactly what you expect; and completely unpredictable.  In the dark shadows of the evening I can see everything and nothing at all.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, grey, 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 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:

Friday, February 17, 2023

Watkins Glen

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 
Watkins Glen
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801013
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232334744/watkins-glen-original-acrylic-painting-8

The birds and chipmunks scurry through the leaves as we climb up the gorge.  Not too far away is the gentle crashing of a waterfall.  Step-by-step, our feet press forward as we make our way up the stairs and down the paths.  As we take a short break, we comment on how the rocks are stacked like books waiting to be placed back on the shelves.  After a little more walking, you can really take it all in at Point Lookout.

It's amazing how far we've gone.  What were you doing a year ago?  What about 5 years ago?  Now think about 10 years ago.  Time passes quickly.  So we have to remember to appreciate it.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, dark green, dark 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 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:


Friday, February 10, 2023

Honeoye Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeoye Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201806084
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/622648587/honeoye-lake-original-acrylic-painting-8

The shallow waters of Honeoye Lake felt warm for such a brisk morning.  My boat lazily bobbing on the gentle waves.  I watch the sun gradually rise in the sky only interrupted by the occasional perch, bass, or walleye tugging on the fishing line.  At noon, I haul my boat ashore to fry my catch-of-the-day.  If this isn't nice, what is?

How do you connect with nature?  What did you enjoy doing outside during your youth?  Do you still enjoy it and why?

This painting would look best in an average space that is red, yellow, orange, green, dark blue, white, black, grey, 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 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:

Friday, February 3, 2023

Sunset on Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset on Lake Michigan
acrylic paint of canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201705053
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/637376380/sunset-on-lake-michigan-original-acrylic

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the shoreline.  A case of beer and a bundle of wood in each hand.  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 water splashing onto my feet as I let the day melt away.

Do we need more or is this enough?  Are there some things we can leave in the past?  Why bother with the future?  Right now is pretty good.

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and 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:

Friday, January 27, 2023

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811126
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/516194540/a-view-of-the-blue-mountains-of-the


It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, heron, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to an overlook full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

What can I do to bond with nature?  My food comes from its soil and pastures.  Everything I touch is harvested and mined from the land.  I exist because it allows me to breathe.  While it asks for nothing in return, I wonder about the consequences of losing it.

This piece would look best in a medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Monday, December 19, 2022

Is It Fry-Day Yet?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Is It Fry-Day Yet? #513
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212083
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
 ðŸ’“💚🖤 Kwanzaa ends is December 23rd ðŸ–¤ðŸ’šðŸ’—
🕎 Hanukkah Sameach 🕎
🎄🎅❄ Merry Christmas ❄🎅🎄

NEED A LAST MINUTE GIFT in the ROCHESTER, NEW YORK area?  Contact me at MikeKKraus@gmail.com for pick-up/delivery.

💻💾💿 Print your gift of art now using instant digital downloads: 📀🖥🖨 https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=16654398

Enjoy your holiday!!!

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:

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