Showing posts with label painting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label painting. Show all posts

Monday, February 14, 2022

Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The chilly wind pierces my skin as I walk the shores of the St. Lawrence.  I look out toward Pine Island as the ice collects and builds on the gentle current.  Grindstone Island, which seems so massive on a sunny day, almost disappears in weather like this.  A flock of ducks flee Picton Island and huddle in a spot on Round Island trying to stay warm.

We are like icebergs on this mighty river.  Some racing and crashing at incredible speeds.  Others remain on the banks growing massive and strong.  All different kinds of formations.  Constantly changing with the fickleness of the weather.  Always breaking apart and coming together.

How do you enjoy your winter days?  Are you active with skiing and snowshoeing?  Or do you hibernate with hearty meals and hot cocoa?  Perhaps you live in a warm, sunny locale laughing at us that shovel?  

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, dark blue, black, white, 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 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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Friday, February 11, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  

A mug full of caffeine will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, dark blue, black, white, 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 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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Friday, November 5, 2021

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
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.


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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Friday, October 29, 2021

Pixley Falls

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Pixley Falls
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110092
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our pup pulls her leash on another day of hiking in and around the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a river valley full of brisk autumn air.  There's a roar of water crashing.  Wandering through the forests, you never know what you'll find in the six million+ acres of these parks.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, light yellow, green, 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 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.

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Friday, October 22, 2021

Autumn Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Autumn Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110089
© copyright Mike Kraus
There's a crispness to the fall air walking through the forest.  The sunlight makes the yellows, oranges, and reds explode in vibrancy.  It's an easy hike to the small river.  That's where we'll see the salmon trying to make their run.  The perfect place to social distance.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, yellow, green, dark navy blue, purple, black, white, 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 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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Friday, October 8, 2021

Old Fashioned

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Old Fashioned
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110085

Join us at the ONLINE FABULOUS FALL ART SHOW at:

It is the place to find and buy amazing art. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital, paintings, prints and so much more!


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:
at No comments:

Monday, July 19, 2021

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee #440
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202107059

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.


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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

What An Exciting Summer!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


YAY FOR SUMMER! 
I hope that you're spending sunny days by the water, grilling up delicious meals, and soaking in the rays.  

Summer is a time of appreciation.  A moment to slow down and remember where were last year.  To focus on how fortunate we are.  We are constantly receiving small gifts like a cool breeze on a warm day or sharing a vibrant sunset with someone we love.  What are you thankful for?

Savor the warm, radiant days of summer while they are here.  The inspiration can last a lifetime.

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - What am I grateful for?  You and your kind support over the years.  Support that has allowed me to surpass selling over 1,000 pieces of art.  A milestone made possible by you.  THANKS!


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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Dad Joke #142: I Don't Trust Those Trees. They Seem Kind Of Shady...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


INSPIRATION FOR DAD!

Mass-produced ties, cards, and novelty gifts aren't good enough for your loving dad.  Give him something special with original artwork.  With a wide selection and a range of prices, you'll be sure to find something perfect just for him.  (And dad, you deserve to choose something you want for yourself too.)

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - RARE OPPORTUNITY FOR ART COLLECTORS!  A box-set of dozens of original pieces documenting, educating, and memorializing the historic COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic are currently on sale with free shipping within the United States.  Perfect for museums, galleries, experienced collectors, or an art lover making their first acquisition.  Information at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/511949014/covid-19coronavirus-box-set-artist 


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.


at No comments:

Monday, June 7, 2021

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee #431
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202106042

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.


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.

at No comments:

Friday, May 21, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas 
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202105036

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.  

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, 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 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.

at No comments:

Friday, May 14, 2021

House on Île d'Orléans

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


House On Île d'Orléans
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.7 cm)
202105034
© copyright Mike Kraus

Near Quebec City, in the St. Lawrence River, is the ÃŽle d'Orléans.  It's our time away from the world.  When we leave our home, it's to wander among the farms and visit the fields of my ancestors who settled here from France in the 1600s.  We'll bike around the Chemin Royal to build up an appetite for dinner.  As we gather around the table, we're grateful for the bounty this island has provided us.

Près de Québec, dans le fleuve Saint-Laurent, se trouve l'île d'Orléans. C'est notre temps loin du monde. Quand nous quittons notre maison, c'est pour flâner parmi les fermes et visiter les champs de mes ancêtres qui se sont installés ici depuis la France dans les années 1600. Nous ferons le tour du Chemin Royal à vélo pour créer l'appétit pour le dîner. Alors que nous nous réunissons autour de la table, nous sommes reconnaissants de la générosité que cette île nous a apportée.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, blue, purple, 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 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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Drought

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Drought
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A fan oscillates near almost every window of the house.  Yet the air remains still and sticky with humidity.  The ice in my drink melts in an instant.  The grass is brown and the flowers all wilt.  The perfect day for a swim.

This piece would look best in a small space that is dark red, light orange, bright 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 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.

at No comments:

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas 
22" x 28" (55.9 cm x 71.1 cm) 
25" x 31" frame (63.5 cm x 78.7 cm frame

This painting was featured at:
BRIGHTSCAPES
Canandaigua National Bank and Trust
210 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY 14607

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real.  

This painting would look best in a space that is deep red, orange, purple, yellow, green, 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 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.

at No comments:

Friday, April 9, 2021

Honeycrisp Apple

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeycrisp Apple
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104024
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-original-acrylic

The weekend before my birthday, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York.  Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos.  Others are simply apple farms that just grow apples.  We'll roam the grounds selecting a variety to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats.  And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away...

This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, black, white, 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 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:
at No comments:
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