Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Darrel the Barrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Darrel the Barrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201912117
© copyright Mike Kraus
or
https://society6.com/product/darrel-the-barrel-by-mike-kraus-art-milwaukee-wisconsin-muskegon-michigan-great-lakes-traffic-cone_sticker?sku=s6-18579538p65a211v751a212v753

Most epic journeys are unexpected.  An anonymous traffic barrel in Milwaukee accidentally fell into Lake Michigan and became a celebrity 120 miles (194 km) away in Muskegon, Michigan.  This unexpected Wisconsin ambassador has been highlighting the craft breweries, festivals, museums, and beaches easily in reach by the Lake Express fast ferry.  More of Darrel the Barrel's adventures at:  https://www.mlive.com/news/g66l-2019/10/a90f3970e43847/darrel-the-barrel-washed-up-on-beach-becomes-instant-muskegon-celebrity.html 

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, October 16, 2020

Hemlock Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
202010093
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© 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
Over 100 homes and 5 hotels used to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships. The pollution began to poison the waters. In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak. Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity. Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html
Building a Fire Pit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html
Share Heart of Hope:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html
Hiking:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html
Celebrating Women:
 https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html
Have A Picnic:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html
Have Some Theme Spirit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html
Working For the Weekend:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html
Honor and Remembrance:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html

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, February 28, 2020

On the Shores of Toulon, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shores of Toulon, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803046
© copyright Mike Kraus
We toured the Musée du vieux Toulon et de sa région and strolled the nearby neighborhoods until the streets began to fill up with tourists.  We hurried to the Cours Lafayette for the Provençal market to get some fresh food for the day.  There was a cool breeze coming off the Mediterranean that we wanted to take advantage of because of the heat.  In the early afternoon, we found a secluded harbor all our own.  The rest of the day was spend alternating between eating and cooling off in the refreshing sea.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, light 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.



Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Bend of the Danube River

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bend of the Danube River
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.7cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus

It's hard to believe that the Danube River use to be treacherous at this spot as it takes a dramatic turn to the south.  Everything is so calm an peaceful as we stroll the cobbled streets of Grein, Austria.  The autumn fog rolling over the hills and the water calmly flowing by as we enjoy our Riesling.  The bells of St. Giles ring through the small town.  We take a moment to etch into our memories all the beauty of the Wachau Valley. 

This piece would work in a space that is dark red, burnt orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, 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:

Friday, November 15, 2019

Elephants in Tanzania

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 




Elephants of Tanzania
acrylic paint on canvas board
12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
201910100
© copyright Michael Kraus

It was a flash of inspiration.  Her niece's birthday was soon and she loves elephants.  We worked on the piece and had it gift wrapped.  After a loquacious dinner and heavenly cake, it was time to open gifts.  At first, she looked a bit confused by the yellow and brown pattern she saw.  As she pulled off more paper, she saw the first elephant and became very excited.  This original painting is now a symbol of their unique and beautiful relationship.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview 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 7, 2019

Canandaigua Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Canandaigua Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201909085
© copyright Mike Kraus


Nestled between hills covered with traditional wineries and family-run Bed and Breakfasts is Canandaigua Lake.  After a morning in the warm waters, we peruse the village shops on Main Street.  We ended up at the restaurant at the marina watching the courteous boat traffic.  Our lazy journey to Naples seems almost heavenly as we pass roadside fruit stands overlooking the lake.  A great place for a summer day.  

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Cafe In Digne-les-Bains, Provence, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cafe In Digne-les-Bains, Provence, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201907064
© copyright Michael Kraus


We exited the cool interior Saint-Jérôme de Digne Cathedral where wed hid from the midday sun.  The light and heat on our faces as the slim road divided and narrowed further into sidewalks.  We wandered behind clusters of businesses and homes clinging to a sloping hill.  Suddenly, the tight stepped path opened a bit into the canyon of shops on Rue de l'Hubac. It was a short walk, but we were ready to rest again when we saw the cafe.



This piece would work best in a medium-to-small space that is red, orange, light yellow, green, blue, purple, grey, 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.





Jakelin was a 7-year-old fleeing gang infested Guatemala.  
Felipe Gómez Alonzo died of an infection and the flu at 8-years-old
Juan de León Gutiérrez was 16-years-old when he died from an infection.
A 2-year-old died of pneumonia.

These are just a few of the 15,000 children imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other United States Government Agencies and their for-profit contractors.  They are being kept in concrete cells, deprived of basic necessities, and starving from hunger.  The filth they are forced to live in has led to flu, lice, and respiratory outbreaks, that are purposefully being neglected.  And guards punish these children for minor offences by taking away their blankets, mats, and forcing them to sleep directly on the concrete floor (Southern Poverty Law Center)


I am extremely disturbed that a country that has shown me and my family such kindness is so cruel to others. This is not about politics. This is about justice, kindness, and truth. These children and parents are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala because government-supported gangs are violently attacking them (United Nations). After a dangerous journey, we deny them their rights to asylum (Amnesty International), we kidnap and lose their children (American Civil Liberties Union), cage and sexually assault kids (New York Times), and deny them due process and indefinite imprisonment at detention/internment/concentration camps (Los Angeles Times).  We're allowing them to die in these terrible conditions (NBC News).  And we arrest and try to imprison good, Christians who provide food and water to those in need (The Guardian).

I don't care about politics and find involvement in them to be humiliating.  I do care about honesty, fairness, and respect.  I ask that you remember your family roots, that you search your heart, and confront cruelty in all its forms.

For ways to help, please visit:


Friday, June 28, 2019

Elephants of Tanzania

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Elephants of Tanzania
acrylic paint on canvas
12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
201906055
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/elephants-of-tanzania_print?sku=s6-9012384p4a1v45

For years, she's been planning to turn this room into a library.  There's been lots of discussions and ideas.  Shelves have been built.  Molding has been added.  There's been a lot of carpentry and even a new chair to be cozy in while reading.  But, there was a spot that just seemed to be missing something.  And she created something perfect for that space by commissioning the Elephant of Tanzania.



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.


Friday, June 14, 2019

Nikki Beach In Saint-Tropez, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Nikki Beach In Saint-Tropez, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906053 8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

At the north end of Rue Sibille, we made our plans for the day under the shade of a lone tree in a pocket plaza.  Lazily making an itinerary with a bottle of L'Opale de la Presqu'Ile de Saint-Tropez Cotes de Provence Rose.  We sauntered around collecting our bread, meats, and cheese "en pointe."  We follow the narrow lane of Rue du Portalet around the bend to Nikki Beach.  For the rest of the day, we enjoy the hot sun and and gently splashing water realizing how grateful we are to be here.

This piece would work best is a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, grey, or light 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:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus



My family came to America at different times for a myriad of reasons: the French to settle new land, the English and Germans for business opportunities, and the Irish to escape cruel oppression. The United States was a beacon of hope that only required our allegiance to the Constitution.

I am extremely disturbed that a country that has shown me and my family such kindness is so cruel to others. This is not about politics. This is about justice, kindness, and truth. These children and parents are fleeing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala because government-supported gangs are violently attacking them (https://www.rescue.org/article/what-causing-growing-humanitarian-crisis-along-us-mexico-border). After a dangerous journey, we deny them their rights to asylum (https://www.amnestyusa.org/campaigns/refugee-and-migrant-rights/), we kidnap and lose their children (https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/immigrants-rights-and-detention/family-separation), cage and sexually assault children (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/us/immigrant-children-sexual-abuse.html?fbclid=IwAR1613Noe_Lczrx4etRHBNLxQS2BSlLu6Pr16uxKkaQy3U7wzl2V3211y_0), and deny them due process and indefinite imprisonment at detention/internment/concentration camps (https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-katz-immigrant-concentration-camps-20190609-story.html).  We're allowing them to die in these terrible conditions (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/24-immigrants-have-died-ice-custody-during-trump-administration-n1015291).  And we arrest and try to imprison good, Christians who provide food and water to those in need (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/11/arizona-activist-migrant-water-scott-daniel-warren-verdict).

I don't care about politics and find involvement in them to be humiliating.  I do care about honesty, fairness, and respect.  I ask that you remember your family roots, that you search your heart, and confront cruelty in all its forms.

For ways to help, please visit:
https://www.raicestexas.org/



Friday, June 7, 2019

Els Quatre Gats

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Els Quatre Gats
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906052
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Imagine wandering the medieval streets of Barcelona after a late night at a sailor's bar in 1900.  You stumble in to one of the few places still open at that time of night; Els Quatre Gats.  You were hoping to see Santiago Rusiñol, Miguel Utrillo, or Ramon Casa i Carbó debating the state of art.  In the back, a young artist named Pablo Picasso is having his first one-man show.  "Els Quatre Gats" is Catalan slang for "just a few people."  Very true tonight as you decide what snack to pair with your coffee.

Imagineu-vos passejar pels carrers medievals de Barcelona després de la nit a la barra d'un mariner el 1900. Arribareu a un dels pocs llocs encara oberts en aquella hora de la nit; Els Quatre Gats. Esperàveu veure Santiago Rusiñol, Miguel Utrillo o Ramon Casa i Carbó debatent sobre l'estat de l'art. Al darrere, un jove artista anomenat Pablo Picasso té el seu primer espectacle individual. "Els Quatre Gats" és un argot català per "només unes poques persones". Molt cert aquesta nit, ja que decideixes quina mescla es pot combinar amb el teu cafè.



This piece would work best is a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, or light wood.   

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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.

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