Showing posts with label white. Show all posts
Showing posts with label white. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Yellow Birch Tree

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Yellow Birch Tree
Acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A white birch tree in a field of yellow. Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me. Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming. And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge. I’ve always found the unique and nearly useless white tree interesting.

This painting would look best somewhere that needs a splash of color.  A small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, beige, black, white, grey, or 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.



For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Summer In Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer In Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201905042
© copyright Mike Kraus

Under the canopy of the trees, the sun isn't so hot.  But, I live for days like these with our brutal winters.  The seasons can be so extreme here.  The sound of the water splashing on the beach become audible.  My feet sink in the sand as I climb the dune and the vast expanse of the great lake become visible.

This piece would work in a space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, or 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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, May 13, 2019

Vision Quest XXVIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVIII
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710097
© copyright Michael Kraus


I have stayed here for several days.  Alone in the wilderness with only the things I can carry in my backpack.  I've been rationing my food and water to extend my time here.  There's an intensity to the morning sun that is counter-balanced by the dew on the leaves.  A delicate harmony to everything.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, or 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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Bright Red Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bright Red Birch Forest
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" in a frame (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm in a frame)
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199896299/bright-red-birch-forest-original-acrylic

What’s black and white and red all over? A birch forest of course. Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me. Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming. And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge. I’ve always found the unique and nearly useless white tree interesting.

This painting would look best somewhere that light green, dark red, light yellow, blue, dark orange, dark purple, black, white, grey, beige, or 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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, November 19, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201810124
© copyright Mike Kraus
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." - Lao Tzu

More About Mike Kraus Art
Works by Larry Wood​, Larry DeKock​ and I at the Books, ETC. ​ art show
https://www.facebook.com/events/500270760452282/

Whitman Works Company​


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:

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201810123
© copyright Mike Kraus
She sits very quiet and still.  The silence is soothing and only interrupted by a gentle breeze.  But, she's having difficulty keeping focus on her meditation this morning.  Her eyes open and are drawn to the painting of Lake Michigan.  The calm waters are how she wants her mind to be.  After some contemplation, she is able to achieve mindfulness once again. 

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, November 7, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201705047
© copyright Mike Kraus
It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

This painting would look best in a space that is green, red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, green, brown  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:

Monday, October 29, 2018

Vision Quest XXIX

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXIX
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201705051
© copyright Mike Kraus

Twilight along the shores of the Great Lake.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

This piece would work in a space that is deep red, orange, light 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.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Vision Quest XXVI

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVI
acrylic painting on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186312007/vision-quest-xxvi-original-acrylic

Twilight along the shores of the Great Lake.  In the valley between the dunes is a cluster of birch.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A humble spot secluded by nature.  A perfect place to find one's purpose in life.

This piece would work in a space that is deep red, orange, light 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:





Wednesday, October 17, 2018

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore of Lake Michigan
Acrylic on Canvas
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

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



Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Skeleton Dance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skeleton Dance #311
gouache paint and ink on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201810117
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

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

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.

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