Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plants. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2022

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)
202205017
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, light 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:

Friday, March 4, 2022

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished
acrylic paint on canvas board
7" x 9" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)
202203007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is dark red, dark orange, 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:

Friday, April 2, 2021

Blue Dream Flower

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Dream Flower
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104007
© copyright Mike Kraus

The flowers are in full bloom under the sultry heat of the sun.  Electric colors gain intensity under the afternoon light.  There's a slightly sweet fragrance of summertime berries that attract the bees and hummingbirds.  The garden is a place to learn about patience, persistence, and harmony.  There are two sides to nature and we need to embrace both to acquire the whole.  

This painting would look best in a space that is orange, yellow, dark 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 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, March 19, 2021

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202103019
© copyright Mike Kraus

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, orange, dark yellow, green, 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 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, October 30, 2020

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202010101
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

Friday, September 25, 2020

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009085
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:

Monday, October 1, 2018

The Ontario Raspberry

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Ontario Raspberry
acrylic paint on canvas board
9" x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm)
201809116
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/647775733/the-ontario-raspberry-original-digital

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:


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, September 28, 2018

Burr's Seedling

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Burr's Seedling
acrylic paint on canvas board
9" x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm)
201809115
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://society6.com/product/burrs-seedling_print?sku=s6-9773747p4a1v45

40% off this item with code NOPLANS ends tonight at midnight PT!
Make a blank space pop with rad Art Prints. Better yet, start a gallery wall and mix Art Prints, posters, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints of all sizes to elevate your space with design. Available in five sizes, from mini to x-large.

-Gallery quality Giclée print
-Natural white, matte, ultra smooth background
-100% cotton, acid and lignin-free archival paper
-Epson K3 archival inks for high-quality print
-Custom trimmed with 1” border for framing


More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:


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, July 25, 2018

Banana Kush Flower

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Banana Kush Flower
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807099
© copyright Mike Kraus

The flowers are in full bloom under the sultry heat of the sun.  Electric colors gain intensity under the afternoon light.  There's a slightly sweet fragrance of bananas that attract the bees and hummingbirds.  The garden is a place to learn about patience, persistence, and harmony.  There are two sides to nature and we need to embrace both to acquire the whole.  

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


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:

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Flowers For the Home


Our guest bedroom has a small window on the north side of our house and receives very, very little sunlight.  My wife, Megan, and I have been trying to find ways to make the space more useful and inviting.  As most of you know, it's something I'm frequently involved with for my art career: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html.  While we have the light colored walls, bright bedding, and mirrors, we needed something that would "pop."


We selected this arrangement of peonies from plantscapeinc.com (https://www.silkplantsdirect.com/silk-flowers/flower-variety/peony/peony-assorted-pack-of-1-c9864s.html).   As you can see, it explodes with color.  And they are surprisingly realistic.  Even more impressive was the quick shipping, which arrived only 3 days after the order.  Overall, these were a great choice for our guest room.  They are sculptural, bright, and require no sunlight.  


For more information about flowers for your home or business, please visit:  
interior landscape design - http://www.plantscapeinc.com/services/interior-landscaping
interior plant service - http://www.plantscapeinc.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, November 6, 2017

The Peony

The Peony, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
Dimension: 3945 x 2796 pixels
201710108
© copyright Michael Kraus


We are excited about the upcoming $100 and Under Exhibition at: 

Whitman Works Company
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

It's the perfect place to find unique and handmade
 gifts at affordable prices.   Starting November 7th
you'll find paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, 
and so much more.

See my work online at:


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:


Monday, October 16, 2017

Cactus In the West

Cactus In the West, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710102
© copyright Michael Kraus


What are the benefits of buying original art?  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

Fun - The most important thing about investing in art is that it's "fun."  If you enjoy visiting museums, art galleries, studios, garage sales, art fairs, thrift stores, and making your own pieces, then this may be a great option for you.  Know who you are and what you like.  Chances are there are lots of other people who love the same things you do and will want the sames things you want.  

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

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:



See my work in person at these locations:
Havana Night Gala - Baden Street Settlement Holiday Inn Rochester, NY-Downtown 70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614 http://badenstreet.org/2017-annual-gala/

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/







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