Spruce Up Your Home For Summer!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

June is a great time of year to redecorate your home with art and paintings.  It's an easy way to create flow, conversations, and spruce up your home.  A sterile room can be transformed into a stylish space with your character and panache.  Here are a couple tips to enhance your home. 

1) Decide on a style, pattern, type, or motif of art you'd like for a room.  For example, you have a family room that needs updating.  You believe this should be an inviting place for you and your children to gather.  Since your family ancestors are from England, Germany, and France, you decided that you will place landscape paintings from those locations on your walls.  This way, the theme of family roots connect to the function of the room itself.  Your motif could stretch though the whole home, if you desire.

2) Consider the colors of the artwork before hanging a piece.  The art should compliment or contrast purposefully with the existing features, color patterns, and style of the room.  For instance, you have a room that is beige with a lot of accent pieces from your apartment in New York City.  A painting of your favorite part of your former NYC neighborhood would complement the rest of the room.  Maybe your space is very organic with traditional moulding and country features.  You could amplify that style with contrasting artwork that is of urban scenes that are geometric with bold colors.

Have questions?  Please let me know and we'll find something that's perfect for you.

Your Friend,

Michael Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Rochester Contemporary Art Center's 6x6x2019 show is now open.  See if you can find my piece at: http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/exhibitions/6x6x2019/

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Exploring Dutton's View

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Exploring Dutton's View

acrylic on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201901008

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/662852128/exploring-duttons-view-original-acrylic

Dutton's View is a place of contemplation.  The climb up is fairly simple and easy, but opens possibilities to the horizon.  I have to ask "where does this beauty come from?"  Does beauty come from the sky, lakes, and trees themselves?  Or is it just a sensation in my head?  Either way, Dutton's View has made it possible to live a fuller life.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art
Final Days of the Book Etc Art Show featuring Larry DeKock, Larry Wood, and myself
https://www.facebook.com/events/807457209586575/

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Streets of Aix-en-Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Streets of Aix-en-Provence

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201807097

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/615708912/streets-of-aix-en-provence-original

Medieval Aix is suppose to get lost in.  The wandering starts from the wide boulevard sidewalks of the Cours Mirabeau with it's countless cafes shaded by large, cloud-like trees.  At a roundabout, there's a massive fountain that we quickly splash in to cool off from the afternoon sun.  A narrow lane caught our attention as we sought a place to rest our legs.  At a Roman column with a star on top, our options became infinite.  A bit of coffee turned to aperitifs and eventually dinner.  And before our digestif we decide to continue exploring this beautiful city.   

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

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Vineyards Near Nice, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Vineyards Near Nice, France, 2018

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201803054

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/187678009/vineyards-near-nice-france-original

The  uphill climb and apartment complexes disappear as our bikes glide down the Boulevard de la Madeleine.  Around every hairpin turn are terraced farms carved out of the valley.  The dense forest hides our path and provides shade from the blistering sun.  This vineyard is our designated resting spot before our return trip along the Var River.  It's the perfect place to relax as a fragrant cool breeze provides the only sound in this tropical valley. 

This painting would look best in a space that is red, 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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Streets of Aix-en-Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Streets of Aix-en-Provence, 2018

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201803053

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/195164903/streets-of-aix-en-provence-original

Medieval Aix is suppose to get lost in.  The wandering starts from the wide boulevard sidewalks of the Cours Mirabeau with it's countless cafes shaded by large, cloud-like trees.  At a roundabout, there's a massive fountain that we quickly splash in to cool off from the afternoon sun.  A narrow lane caught our attention as we sought a place to rest our legs.  At a Roman column with a star on top, our options became infinite.  A bit of coffee turned to aperitifs and eventually dinner.  And before our digestif we decide to continue exploring this beautiful city.   

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

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

The Secret To Life Is Blogged Right Here.

Pretty relaxing day yesterday. Kinda just laid around the house for the most part. Although, I have to say that the Detroit Tigers did win the World Series on Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball for the Super Nintendo yesterday. Too bad that is nowhere close to reality. Ah, my last summer of freedom.

Check out my new shoes. I got them for my job interview on Friday. They were on sale for $49.99 at Younkers. They remind me of grandpa shoes. In this picture, it looks like my legs are on a table at the morgue. So damn sexy with the white socks and grey pants. How can the ladies resist?

Normally, Jacob is a shy man. But, he requested... In fact, he begged me to post this picture of him. Why? Not quite sure. You will have to ask him. It reminds me of a combination of the cat from Alice in Wonderland, Dr. Evil, and the guy from Sin City, So, Jacob, this one is for you...

Hasan lived it up last night at Monday Night Klub. I think everyone got the "Jordanian Jackhammer." He was pretty bombed by the time Dave kicked us out and I had to convince him to let me drive the Beast. That Regal is one fine automobile. It's like driving a boat. Too bad the battery completely died this morning.

Anyway, today is Hasan's birthday. For all of you who did not get the bulletin, we are having dinner at 6pm at some restaurant. I don't know which since it hasn't been decided. Hasan wanted "McDonald, you know." We won't allow that. After dinner, it's Andrea Mather's house for cake and ice cream. That will be followed up with the drive-in. I don't know what movie yet, but I imagine it will be the 40 year old virgin if it is playing there. So, if I get more details I in time I will post them. If not, call my house. If not there, call Hasan's phone. If not there, you are probably not a real friend and shouldn't hang out with the Terrorist and the CIA.

Later.