Showing posts with label sunset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sunset. Show all posts

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?

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ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
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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, January 25, 2023

Rue St. Paul Montréal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Brightscapes: le chemin de la beauté


Rue St. Paul Montréal #280
gouache, ink, graphite on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201802035
© copyright Mike Kraus

Rue Saint-Paul Montréal #280
gouache, encre, mine de plomb sur papier Bristol
PAS UNE IMPRESSION OU REPRODUCTION
2,5" x 3,5" (6,35 cm x 8,89 cm)
201802035
© droits d'auteur Mike Kraus
Pour acheter pour votre collection, veuillez visiter: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213712985/rue-st-paul-montreal-280-artist-trading

Pierre, mon 7ème arrière-grand-père, et son frère sont arrivés à Québec vers 1665. Ils ont quitté la Normandie en France pour devenir pilotes de bateau pour Samuel Champlain en Nouvelle-France. Après 4 ans, il commence une ferme qui a grandi à 15 acres et ont 6 animaux à cornes. Pierre épouse Françoise Loignon et a 13 enfants ensemble. Au cours des 350 prochaines années, la famille s'agrandit, se déplace et se modifie. Et je me promène dans ces rues en imaginant mes ancêtres et en voyant mes cousins.

Pierre, my 7th great-grandfather, and his brother arrived in Quebec about 1665.  They left Normandy France to be boat pilots for Samuel Champlain in New France.  After 4 years, he starts a farm that grew to be 15 acres and have 6 horned animals.  Pierre marries Francoise Loignon and had 13 children together.  For the next 350+ years, the family grows, moves, and changes.  And I wander down these streets imagining my ancestors and seeing my cousins.



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.

Mike Kraus est né sur le littoral industriel de Muskegon, Michigan. Après avoir obtenu son diplôme des beaux-arts à la School of the Art Institute of Chicago, il a fréquenté la Grand Valley State University pour son diplôme d'études supérieures. À partir de là, il a acquis diverses expériences à la Chicago Architecture Foundation, à l'Art Institute of Chicago, au Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, à la Lollypop Farm Humane Society et à la Children's Memorial Foundation. Et partout où il travaillait, il avait son carnet de croquis avec lui et trouvait des moyens d'être activement créatif. En 2014, Kraus est devenu un artiste à temps plein en créant Mike Kraus Art. Depuis lors, il a vendu des milliers de peintures qui sont exposées dans presque tous les états et des dizaines de pays. Actuellement, Kraus vit à Rochester, New York avec sa belle femme et son chien maladroit.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Otisco Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Otisco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708087
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc

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

Originality -  How many times have you walked up to a car in the grocery lot parking lot only to discover that someone else has the same exact car as you?  Do you remember a time visiting a friend's house and seeing the same big box store artwork and furniture that you have in your home?  A one-of-a-kind artwork will make your space uniquely you.  Even better, commission an artist to make a piece specifically for you that will compliment your decor.  An original piece of art greatly increases the status and charm of a living space.

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

This painting would look best in a space that is red, green, dark yellow, orange, 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 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, May 16, 2022

Sun Setting From the Hilltop

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting From the Hilltop
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710103
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Are there any reasons to buy reproductions?  Of course!  For example, when I moved out of my small apartment into my first house there were so many empty walls.  And I'm an artist.  I hung some of my work and filled in the rest of the void with reproductions because I was on a budget.  But, over time, I've collected and made new pieces to replace tattered posters.

Let's say you love a piece and there's no way you can afford it.  The Sistine Chapel inspires you, the Pope refuses to sell it to you, and Michelangelo is permanently retired from making art.  A reproduction is your best option.

Temporary spaces demand temporary art.  You know you won't be living in a college dorm next year.  You're planning on looking for a new job and a cubicle isn't a safe place for valuables.  Maybe you're just staging a house to sell.  Whatever the reason, you're not going to be there long.

Valuables shouldn't be here.  A factory floor with forklifts and other heavy equipment might not be the safest place for your investment.  Maybe you plan on using the space as a kid's playroom full of markers, crayons, and toys that could be thrown at delicate objects?  It could be that you smoke, the air is dirty, or constant high humidity in your basement.  There's nothing wrong with posters in these situations. 

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 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 14, 2022

Deeper Experience in Retrospect

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Deeper Experience in Retrospect
acrylic paint on canvas panel
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The crucible has been lit.  And the heat is intense.  The desire to dominate what is outside when we're unable to control what is inside.  How can you know the truth in the land of fairy tales?  Our medieval beliefs conflict with our modern reality.  What is poured into the crucible determines the outcome.

How are we alike?  Why should we care?  How do we benefit working together?  Choices have consequences.  

This painting would great in a space that is dark red, 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 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, February 23, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710099
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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.

History - What is the provenience or the history of the piece?  Was it hanging in a mansion of a prominent family for the last hundred years?  Maybe it was a gift to the artist's spouse before they passed away  These can add to the value of the piece.  But, what about making your own history?  You don't have to go to a major auction house to build a collection.  Emerging artists can be a very affordable option that can have unlimited growth potential?  To do this, look for artist who is creating artwork as their profession, not as a hobby.  The reason is you want someone who is building a portfolio of work and a market for their pieces.  As the artist career advances from Etsy, to cafe shows, small gallery exhibit, high-end galleries, and museum, the value of your pieces advance too.  If you're fascinated by venture capitalist, this may be for you.  While many of the artists may fail to be recognized, finding that one piece or artist could be life changing. 

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

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, light yellow, light 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:



Monday, November 8, 2021

Twilight Woods

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #463
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202111096

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. 



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, October 25, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #461
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202110090

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. 



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:

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Great Grandfather's Church

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Great Grandfather's Church #350
pen ink and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202002007
© copyright Mike Kraus

LAST DAY!!!

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.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #460
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202110088

NOW OPEN!

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:

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #459
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202110087

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:

Monday, October 4, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #457
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202110084

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:

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Sunrise

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunrise #454
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202109080

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

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:

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #448
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202108070

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. 

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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