Mike Kraus

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Whitman Works Co. 1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Three Boats In the Harbor

Three Boats In the Harbor, about 1990s

oil painting on canvas

8" x 10" in a white frame (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm in a white frame)

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243811153/three-boats-in-the-harbor-original-oil

Where Can I Find Art? A good place to start is online. Especially if you're not sure what you're looking for. Randomly visit pages on Etsy.com, SaatchiArt.com, Sothebys.com, and even Craigslist.com to see what artists are making. You may not find what you are looking for, but you may discover the styles and subjects you want. And that's a great step forward.

Social media can be a wonderful tool for finding and purchasing artwork too. If you find an artist you like, you should follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or any other places you have in common. Many artists will share their latest pieces, upcoming shows, or give insights into their work.

While New York City, Paris, and London are famous for their galleries, many towns have galleries of their own with a range of local and international artists. Art festivals and craft fairs are popular annual events that can sometimes travel around the country. Many artists have studios that are open to the public. Shows, events, and studios are great places to visit when you're on vacation too.

It's also important just to keep your eyes open when going around town. Does the cafe where you get your coffee in the morning have pieces for sale on the walls? What are those paintings in the garage sale or thrift store? Does the pieces in your favorite restaurant have price tags on them? Interesting artwork can show up in unique places. And the more unique, the better the story usually is. (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in a space that is narrow or intimate. It would work best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, light blue, green, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Etsy: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Monday, July 31, 2017

Rows of Lavender In Provence

Rows of Lavender In Provence, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3cm x 25.4cm)

201707078

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213095501/rows-of-lavender-in-provence-original

Your home is an extension of your personality. And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality. With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces. Here's a tip to consider when choosing artwork.

What about my style? Do you like clean lines and a modern look? Something messy, abstracted, and bold might add interest into your home. Are you more traditional and love Victorian design? Perhaps a gallery wall of paintings with unique frames would look great. If you choose a bright, bold piece, other items in the space should be minimal. If your space is already very busy, a simple piece may make the best statement. And feel free to mix family heirlooms with contemporary pieces. Maybe put a thrift store painting in a modern frame. Use depth, texture, trends, traditions, complimentary, and contrasting items to create visual interest... (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space. The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, light yellow, green, blue, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Etsy: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Friday, July 28, 2017

Adirondack Sunset

Adirondack Sunset, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas

18" x 24 (45.7 cm x 61.0 cm)

201707077

For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

Some places are just magical. And she considers herself very fortunate to have lived in such a place. On the shores of a lake in the Adirondacks. At night, they'd place their lawn chairs under the tree and make s'mores. The sun would set as boats aimlessly float and children laugh in the water. Mothers and daughters. Generations of memories

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Etsy: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

201707076

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/243370724/roman-bridge-outside-of-ferreiros-do-dao

What color piece should I choose? The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish. Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?" Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel? To my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look. I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette. And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for. Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition... (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space. The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, yellow, light green, dark blue, light purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Etsy: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Monday, July 24, 2017

Twilight Woods

acrylic paint on canvas

48" x 60" (121.9 cm x 152.4)

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Twilight-Woods-Original-Acrylic-Painting-48-x-60-by-Mike-Kraus/954006/3717036/view#

What about size? Look at the space you wish to hang a piece of original art. Is it large or small? What's around it; lamps, doors, windows, or other pieces on the wall? Will it be the focus of the room or something to fill a small void? Will anything obstruct its view? The scale of pieces is important. Too big and it can be oppressive in absorbing all the visual space. Too small and it can get lost among the furniture and other decor. Generally, most residential spaces can accommodate pieces in a range of 12 inches (30 centimeters) to 4 feet (122 centimeters)... (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This piece would look perfect in a space above the fireplace, couch, or other area to draw your attention. It would look best with the colors, red, orange, yellow, light green, navy blue, dark purple, black, white, beige, or on wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:

Friday, July 21, 2017

On the Green of the Country Club of Rochester

On the Green of the Country Club of Rochester, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

201707075

© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/210528853/on-the-green-of-the-country-club-of

Trust your gut. Buy what you love. There's always room on your walls for something you love. You are the one that will have to look at it every day. The pieces you choose add life and dimension to your home. They tell your friends, family, and guests who you are. The artwork in your home should feel special to you. If it doesn't, it's better to have an empty void until you find something that makes your heart burst.

What do you love? Is there someone special in your life? What do you do in your spare time? When have you been the happiest? What location is the most special spot in the world to you? All things you should consider before making a purchase... (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in a space that small, on a table or desk, intimate, or as a part of a gallery walls. The suggested wall colors are red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com