Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Five Year Anniversary!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Five years ago, I followed my dreams and became a full-time artist.  I couldn't be more amazed by all the support I've received, humbled by the hundreds of my pieces that are on walls all over the world, and excited for all that is to come.  This has been an incredible journey.  An adventure that you made possible.  Thank you and I can't wait to see what the next five years bring. 


Your Friend,

Michael Kraus



PS - Here are some photos from our vacation to Palma de Mallorca looking for inspiration




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:
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Monday, March 4, 2019

Skaneateles Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skaneateles Lake
acrylic painting on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Classic wooden motor boats race through Skaneateles Lake on a fine summer afternoon.  After some light shopping and heavenly burgers, we decide to hike along the shoreline.  An old vineyard somehow manages to survive the invasion of mega-mansions.  There's a cool breeze coming off the lake on a hot day.  An increasing rare sacred open space along the Finger Lakes.

This painting would look best in a space that is light orange, navy blue, burgundy red, evergreen, or cadmium yellow, purple, black, white, 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.

(Detail)

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, November 16, 2018

Isla Bartolomé Galapogos

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Isla Bartolomé Galapogos 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
201810122
© copyright Mike Kraus
Our boat arrives at a pile of lava just off Sullivan Bay on Isla Santiago.  A primordial wind-swept landscape dotted with sunbathing turtles and playful penguins.  Our ascent up the wooden steps toward the summit is slow as iguanas, eagles, and other wildlife interrupt.  Creatures weaving in and out of every lava formation and jagged cliff.  And when we arrive at the summit, we must contemplate the magic of the Earth.

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:
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Thursday, November 15, 2018

Kicker Rock (León Dormido) Galapagos

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kicker Rock (León Dormido) Galapagos 
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
201810121
© copyright Mike Kraus
Our boat left promptly at 8 am from the dock.  The light spray of the warm waters keep us deceptively unaware of the sun's heat.  The helmsman loudly proclaims "there's Kicker Rock" and points as soon as it comes within view.  The anticipation grows as we get closer and prepare our snorkeling equipment.  We've seen so many incredible animals on the islands already; what's could be under the water?

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:
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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:



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Friday, September 7, 2018

Canadice Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Canadice Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711117
© copyright Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/642169863/canadice-lake-original-acrylic-painting

 Not too many waters are as pure as Canadice Lake.  The wildness of the wilderness still remains as homes are prohibited from the shoreline and large boats are banned from the waves.  Just the tranquility of fresh water splashing on the embankment surrounded by unspoiled woodlands.  As I silently watch the sunset, a Bald Eagle soars in the air before a sudden plunge toward the lake.  It pulls up just before crashing while thrusting its talons into the water grabbing a Lake Trout and flying away.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363843977488486/

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

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


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:
at No comments:

Friday, August 31, 2018

Owasco Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711112
© copyright Michael Kraus


The waning days of summer.  A time to reflect on the memories we've made.  All the trips to the lake for boating and swimming.  Also a time to absorb every last bit of the warm sun the summer has to offer.  To remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.
Please listen to my 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, August 10, 2018

All Your Questions About Toronto; UNANSWERED!

Megan and I decided to take our summer vacation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this year since neither of us has been there since the early-mid 1990s.  Little did we know, that we'd be back home in less that 24 hours...

We dropped off our bags and went for a late lunch at Fancy Franks (https://fancyfranks.com) around the corner on College Street.  And they were amazing.  We both got the "Franks Got Seoul" with Korean Beef Rib, Kimchi, Sesame Seeds, and Scallions.  I haven't had a hot dog this good since I lived in Chicago

The Fairland Funland (http://fairlandfunhouse.com) is an artist/musician project we were planning to attend while in Toronto.  It was just down the street from our place in Kensington Market.  

Eco-friendly car?

I barely recognize Toronto from my last visit around 1993.  There were new skyscrapers everywhere.  And it makes sense since the population is now more than Chicago and the 4th largest city in North America.  

The CN Tower (https://www.cntower.ca/intro.html) is one of the few structures I did recognize from before.  But, it looks much smaller next to all the new high rises around it.

The base of the CN Tower from the Rogers Center.  There's parks, event spaces, Ripley's Aquarium (https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/) and all kinds of things here now.  So different from the large parking lots, railroad tracks, and abandoned industrial buildings I remember surrounding the stadium.


Here's a few people doing the Edge Walk (https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/plan-your-visit/attractions/edgewalk/edgewalk-overview.html) on the CN Tower.  

The Toronto Blue Jays (51W-60L) (https://www.mlb.com/bluejays) vs. the Boston Red Sox (79W-34L) (https://www.mlb.com/redsox) at the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome).





We haven't been to an MLB game since Chicago.  While the Blue Jays aren't very good, at least the game was competitive.  Went into extra innings before the Red Sox overpowered the Jays.

We were completely unaware of what was happening.  While the game was happening, the roof of the stadium was being closed.  Which is odd since rules for baseball usually require that lights, domes, and other conditions have to be the same for both teams.  And, I've never seen a retractable roof changed during a game ever.  But, it was impressive to see this feat of engineering at work.  

Why the roof was closed was because a major rainstorm was about to hit Toronto.  It rained heavily for hours.  It rained so hard that the dome leaked into sections of the seats.  And it was a slow moving storm that we were stranded in the stadium hotel for a long time because taxis and mass transit were all down.  

Here's a photo from the Toronto Star (https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/08/07/16000-without-power-in-north-york-as-heavy-rain-batters-toronto-causing-floods-in-parts-of-the-city.html)  Megan and I were blissfully unaware of the situation still.  We knew it was raining hard, but we were annoyed because we left the rain gear at our place since there was no rain predicted earlier.  But, when we arrived at our rental, it too was flooded.  Fortunately, the building manager lived next door and we were able to stay in a guest room for the night.  But, that also meant it was the end of our vacation.

At Aroma Coffee (https://aroma.ca) on College Street pondering the rain.  Deciding "should we stay or should we go." 

Well, we're still technically on vacation.  So, Megan and I went to Deer Run Beach Park (https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Deep-Run-Beach-3) for some sun and water.

Aww...  Those dragonflies are in love...

I have to admit, we do make good lemonade when life gives us lemons...

Please listen to my Graphic Ear interview on WAYO 104.3 FM Rochester 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, July 20, 2018

Arles Amphitheatre

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Arles Amphitheatre
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201807098
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our stomachs were perfectly satisfied as we left the little restaurant on Rue Porte de Laure.  A tiny establishment with a handful of tables, ancient stone walls, worn timbered ceilings, and the finest food.  We hold hands as we saunter down the crooked narrow lane of little shops and active eateries.  Just as the sun casts its golden light over the city, the final twist in the road reveals the Arles Amphitheatre.  It stands proudly as if it's waited over 1,900 years for us to arrive.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

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.


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