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

Monday, May 8, 2023

Have S'more!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Have S'more! #520
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
202305016
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

It's been a long, beautiful day hiking through the natural settings of the state park.  We soak our worn feet into a cool creek and put on sandals on the way back to the picnic area for dinner.  In the twilight, we grill a few brats and vegetables over a small flame.  It gives a flavor you can't acquire on a stove or oven.  And, of course, the perfect way to finish the day is with a s'more.


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:

Friday, May 5, 2023

Lots of Tots

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lots of Tots
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305012
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

We spend the day hiking around Seneca Lake ending at Kashong Conservation Area Park. After the long drive home, we crash on the couch to rest our legs. Fresh air and sunshine are great way to relax your body for the evening. It also makes me a lazy cook. So, for tonight's entrée it's lots of tater tots with whatever simple sides are in the pantry and beer. 

What is your favorite comfort food?  That thing you'll make when you want to forget you're on a diet.  Something you'd eat every night of the week if you could.

This painting would great in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, blue, dark purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.


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:

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #519
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
202305011
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


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:

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm #518
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202304009
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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.

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, April 21, 2023

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202304007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/689606258/new-york-street-original-acrylic

New York City is uniquely American.  It doesn't matter if you're on 5th Avenue or Hunts Point Avenue, the world is on the street.  The more than 3.2 million foreign-born residents speaking up to 800 different languages are the cause of this vibrancy.  Every store and neighborhood can be a place of wonder and discovery.  For the past 200+ years, it has been a welcoming place for my family.  And now I'm fortunate enough to welcome the liberty-loving idealists of tomorrow.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801001
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Where this path will end is a mystery.  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.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, green, blue, 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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, February 10, 2023

Honeoye Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Honeoye Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201806084
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/622648587/honeoye-lake-original-acrylic-painting-8

The shallow waters of Honeoye Lake felt warm for such a brisk morning.  My boat lazily bobbing on the gentle waves.  I watch the sun gradually rise in the sky only interrupted by the occasional perch, bass, or walleye tugging on the fishing line.  At noon, I haul my boat ashore to fry my catch-of-the-day.  If this isn't nice, what is?

How do you connect with nature?  What did you enjoy doing outside during your youth?  Do you still enjoy it and why?

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


For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, February 6, 2023

💚 I LOVE YOU! 💚

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💚 I LOVE YOU 💚

Love isn't just for romantic couples.  It's for all of us: friends, neighbors, cousins, parents, etc.  Recently, I joined a Kindness Challenge and it taught me so much.  That love is a skill and capacity we can improve.  And our endearment must come before careers, status, and wealth.  Only through love can we fill the void of anxiety and loneliness.

Valentine's Day is all about friendship.  The bond of kindness, respect, and sharing a good laugh with each other.

I'm so fortunate for your support.  Side-by-side; anything is possible.


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!



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, February 1, 2023

Pink Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

  
Pink Birch Forest #264
pen and marker on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201801010
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Do we have to wait for someone to enter our lives to feel happiness and love?  What are we waiting for?


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 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, January 23, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #279
gouache paint on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201802034
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Where this path will end is a mystery.  
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.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?


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:


Friday, January 20, 2023

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811125
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The "L" train rattles and squeals after a long day at work.  Chauffeured home while reading a book and looking at the road rage of traffic below.  The backs of building pass by with their tangle of power lines and wonky patios.  This city has two side: a facade to show the world and a place where the real work gets done.  The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

What do you notice about your neighborhood?  Is it full of natural beauty or manmade?  Are there trees or have they all been removed?  Can you get places by walking and/or biking or are you forced to drive everywhere?  Where we live is who we are.

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

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10227568068843005&set=gm.542485097899464&idorvanity=305635098251133

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:

Friday, January 13, 2023

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Lavender Farm
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201801021
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241431471/lavender-farm-original-acrylic-painting

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 light red, yellow, orange, green, blue, deep purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10227573232972105&set=gm.537375135077127&idorvanity=305635098251133


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 2, 2022

Creating Is Love!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creating Is Love!

Growing up, west Michigan winters could be harsh and lonely.  Countless hours watching TV between microwaved meals.   Boredom was a gift that forced me to be creative.  Simple doodles lead to elaborate drawings and then to colorful paintings.  Learning new techniques from books and starting the process all over again.  Now, my days are active and enjoyable with a community of friends like you.  

We have so much in common.  Sure, we share similar interests in the arts.  But, it's something deeper than that.  It's wanting a beautiful life by engaging with each other.  To appreciate all we have to be grateful for. 

Let us continue to imagine together.  There are so many wonderful possibilities.


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Thank you for your kindness and support.  Your encouragement has meant so much to me.  I wish you good health and happiness in 2022.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


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, February 1, 2021

Love Is In the Air

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Celebrate Love!

Valentine's Day is all about love, which is a perfect moment for me to let you know how much I appreciate your support.  And to wish you and your loved ones a safe, entertaining, creative, and healthy Valentine's Day!


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

New Valentine's Day Traditions:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-valentines-day-traditions-having.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.


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