Showing posts with label wife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wife. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

18 Years Ago...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


It was 18 years ago that I went on my first date with Megan.  We met working at the Chicago Architecture Center (https://www.architecture.org/) where she planned events and I was in the tour department.  We had a love of weird bad movies from the start.  Blockbuster didn't have Robocop (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093870/), so we rented Innerspace (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093260/) instead.  And for dinner, we had takeout Chicken Katsu from Aloha Eats (https://www.alohaeats.com/).  Little did we know that it was a start of a wonderful adventure.  I'm very lucky.

And after 18 years with me, Megan has earned a homemade crab cake dinner...

Mike Kraus


🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lavender Farm
© copyright 2015 Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1673520849

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

When was the last time you were truly relaxed?  You were without a care, no expectations, and free from electronic devices?  Maybe you were hiking, gardening, or reading a book with a cup of coffee.  When do you get to feel like you?  We have a lot to be grateful for.

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


Lavender Farm
© copyright 2015 Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1673499643

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:

Monday, February 12, 2024

Jazz Martini

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Jazz Martini
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202310069
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

Weekends are for relaxing after a difficult week.  All the mundane burdens are to be forgotten for a couple days.  The sounds of The George Shearing Quintet spinning on the record player.  A shaker of gin and vermouth rattles into a glass.  A perfect moment.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
💚☕🚚 An Enchanting Evening At the Golden Ticket 🚚☕💚:

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:

Friday, February 9, 2024

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201911110
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/234446654/sunset-sherbert-birch-forest-original

I count my breaths as I enter the woods.  It calms my thoughts and helps me to relax.  The chaos and cravings of the world evaporate with every step.  If you're fortunate enough to find the mysterious pass, then you enter into paradise.  This is the magic of the forest.

Do you feel your life is balanced? Why or why not? And what impact will it have on you next year?

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, white, black, 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 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.

Monday, February 5, 2024

💚 WHO DO YOU LOVE? 💚

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Valentine's Day is about friendship. It is a moment to appreciate the deep connections we have with each other. Our kind gestures, really listening, and so many inside jokes.

Love is so much more than romance. It's something we need to ease our stress and loneliness. It bonds us to our parents, friends, neighbors, and so many others. We are love and it's something we must share.

I appreciate you so much. You make the world a more beautiful place to be.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace 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 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:

Friday, February 2, 2024

Fields of Lavender

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Fields of Lavender
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201904036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/614409704

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

Do you feel your life is balanced? Why or why not? And what impact will it have on you next year?

This painting would look best in a small space that is dark red, yellow, orange, green, blue, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:


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.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201907060
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/720805149


Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
☠ Skull & Crossbones Memory ☠:

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 17, 2024

Decisions of Destiny

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Decisions of Destiny
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201909087
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 
https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/741169077

Do you see the ugliness?  He screams cruelty and cocoons them in lies.  The source of our anxieties in a time of need.  He is pitiful as he and his faithful followers have never known love.  There is so much good and beauty if we reject this menace.  We've seen the consequences already.  To choose him again will be our demise.

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

Friday, January 12, 2024

Lavender Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Lavender Field
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201910098
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/210496278

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

Let's make 2024 a beautiful year!  Who do you want to be by 2025?

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, deep 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 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.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201907059
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 
https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/706430694

Our bikes race up and down the gentle hills of Provence.  Everything has a distinct texture, the colors are vibrant, and the perfume in the air is intoxicating.  And every twisting road we turn down has countless rows of purple and blue lavender.  The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

Let's make 2024 a beautiful year!  What is it that you want to stay away from?

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, dark 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 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.

Monday, January 8, 2024

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201912122
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/224142863

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.

Let's make 2024 a beautiful year!  Are you a part of a community and who are they really?

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, or grey.  


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.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #332
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201901009
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/236709241


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.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Deep Dish Pizza Time!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Deep Dish Pizza Time! #525
pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202305012
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Is there a more perfect meal than pizza?  How many other foods are so versatile?  Something that you can have for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner.  And all the variety of toppings.  Even hot or cold.  Pizza is the perfect food.


LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?
Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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:

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