Showing posts with label portugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portugal. Show all posts

Monday, March 28, 2022

The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201705054
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The intense sun is blasting the golden beach sand.  The only relief is the cool breeze coming off the Atlantic.  That and a couple of glasses of chilled vinho verde.  The waves crash adding the distinct saltiness of the sea to the air.  Days don't get more perfect that this.

When I need to relax, this is where my mind takes me.  Where does your mind take you?  Is it some place far away or a cozy spot close to home?  Are you by yourself or with a loved one?  Our imaginations are a superpower.

This piece would great in almost space that is red, orange, 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 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, February 28, 2022

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707076
© copyright Mike Kraus

Your home is an extension of your personality.  And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality.  With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces.  Here's a tip to consider when choosing artwork.

What color piece should I choose?  The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish.  Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?"  Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel?  For my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, Pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look.  I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette.  And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for.  Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition...  (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space.  The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, yellow, light green, dark blue, light purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

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, March 2, 2020

What Are Your Plans For Spring?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



What are your plans for spring?  For your home, now is the time to start thinking about the changes you'd like to make.  Here are some ideas:

1) Make a design journal or Pinterest board - Save photos of rooms you admire.  And take notes about the things you like about a space.
2) Make a priority list - Does that broken chair need to be replaced now?  Are your relatives coming for a long-term stay?
3) Make a budget - Avoid stress by knowing what you can afford.  This can also be useful for determining your true priorities.
4) Designing - Take your ideas from your design journal or Pinterest and put your best ideas together. (ie - The wall color from one, furniture from another, and your heirloom painting frames).
5) Make a  Decision - Use painter's tape to see your space.  Outline where you'd put the furniture, shelves, and artwork.  Adjust what doesn't work and build around what you think is great.
6) Implement your plan - Go ahead and buy the paint, hire the carpenter, order the furniture, and commission the artist.  Put it all together. 

For more suggestions and ideas, please visit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

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.



Friday, October 26, 2018

Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Beach In Albufeira, Portugal
Acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Not too far from Faro on the Algarve coast is the town of Albufeira.  An old fisherman's village turned tourist destination.  Travelers are attracted to the burning sun above the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  It's rare to find an empty beach nestled against the golden sandstone cliffs.  A place to rejuvenate under the rays with a little vinho verde.  

This painting would look best in a space that is blue, light green, light pink, orange, light purple, grey, or sand beige.



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, July 26, 2017

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707076
© copyright Mike Kraus

Your home is an extension of your personality.  And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality.  With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces.  Here's a tip to consider when choosing artwork.

What color piece should I choose?  The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish.  Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?"  Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel?  To my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look.  I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette.  And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for.  Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition...  (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space.  The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, yellow, light green, dark blue, light purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Etsy: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
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/


Monday, July 17, 2017

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2017
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707073
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Her dad was from Ferreirós do Dão, one of the oldest villages in Portugal at 1,080 years old.  It's history is as solid as the Ponte Romana bridge crossing the Rio Dão.  Her dad grew up in the shadow of the bridge creating some of his fondest memories along its banks.  Recollections he'd later share with his daughter.  So, thinking of her dad on Father's Day, she started looking up pictures of the village of Ferreirós do Dão on the internet.  

While scanning the random images, she came across a small painting and said, "Hey-that's my village..."  Immediately, she contacted me to purchase the piece, which had unfortunately been sold a few years earlier.  That disappointment quickly turned into a wonderful opportunity when she discovered I could offer to do a custom commission piece.  While she liked my original piece, she was excited to be able to have a much large version to fit into her amazing antique frame.  And since she visits the village every other year, I'd be able to use her photographs to adjust the colors and tailor specific details to her memories.  Reflections of her father and his village in Portugal that she can be reminded of every time she see's this special piece in her southern Californian home.   

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201705054
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Hiking along the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal.  The intense sun blasting the golden sand on the beach.  Every so often, there's a cool breeze from the water to provide some relief.  It's a great place to drink vinho verde.  To plan our life together on the other side of the world. 

This piece would great in almost space that is red, orange, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt


The Rochester Contemporary Art Center's (RoCo)
6x6x2017

ARTWORK SALE
NOW OPEN UNTIL JULY 16TH!
 137 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14604

Global Online Preview is now open!
See if you can find my piece at:




Friday, February 13, 2015

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2015
Acrylic of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
Collection of Lynne Lewis
© copyright Mike Kraus
https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike?

Hiking along the Rio Dão, we come to the Ponte Romana.  An old Roman bridge sturdily connecting the small town of Ferreirós do Dão to the rest of the world.  We climb down to the river to rest our feet in the refreshing water.  The clear water runs over rocks that seem to support the world.  A place to have peace of mind.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, December 1, 2014

Tree In Albufeira, Portugal

Tree In Albufeira, Portugal, 2014
acrylic paint on canvasboard
8" x 10" (20.3cm x 25.4cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213449922/tree-in-albufeira-portugal-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Hiking along the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal.  The only shade from the intense sun is a tree.  Every so often, there's a cool breeze from the water to provide some relief.  It's a great place to drink vinho verde.  To plan our life together on the other side of the world. 

This drawing would great in almost space that is red, pink, violet, yellow, or blue.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, November 28, 2014

Tree In Albufeira, Portugal

Tree In Albufeira, Portugal, 2014
acrylic paint on canvasboard
8" x 10" (20.3cm x 25.4cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

Hiking along the Atlantic coast in southern Portugal.  The only shade from the intense sun is a tree.  Every so often, there's a cool breeze from the water to provide some relief.  It's a great place to drink vinho verde.  To plan our life together on the other side of the world.

This drawing would great in almost space that is red, pink, violet, yellow, or blue.

For more information or custom order, please visit:



Saturday, November 1, 2014

Architecture Drawing Trading Cards (ACEO)

Rua Augusta in Lisbon, Portugal #5
Gouache on Bristol Paper
Moore Building In Victor, New York #6
Pen and Graphite
Penfield Rd and Five Mile Line Rd, Penfield, New York #7
Gouache on Bristol Paper
Chicago Alley #8
Pen and Marker
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code: JOINtheFUN

These artist trading cards or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) are frameable, collectable, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  They are one-of-a-kind original works of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame.

The cards come with a protective envelope and partition.  FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES

For more information or custom order, please visit:



Friday, August 8, 2014

Beach In Albufeira, Portugal


Beach In Albufeira, Portugal, 2014
Acrylic on canvas board
10" x 8"
© copyright Mike Kraus

Not too far from Faro on the Algarve coast is the town of Albufeira.  An old fisherman's village turned tourist destination.  Travelers are attracted to the burning sun above the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  It's rare to find an empty beach nestled against the golden sandstone cliffs.  A place to rejuvenate under the rays with a little vinho verde.  

This painting would look best in a space that is blue, light green, light pink, orange, light purple, grey, or sand beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:



Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal


Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal, 2014
Acrylic on canvas board
10" x 8"
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our little rental car struggles through the mountainous switchbacks in northern Portugal.  Just north of the little church Parque de São Bento da Porta Aberta, the small hatchback pulls over to an overlook of the Cávado River.  A valley filled with unique colorful flora.  Wind and water have carved this land of granite.  Now, if only we can find the trailhead to explore...

This painting would look best in a space that is light yellow, bright red, dark orange, or neutral beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:




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