Twilight Woods

 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#

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 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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

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/

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

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.

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

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/

Lavender Farm In Italy For Greentopia

Lavender Farm In Italy, 2017

acrylic on canvas 

24" x 48" (60.9 cm x 121.9 cm)

201707072

© copyright Mike Kraus

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

Last night, I was honored to participate in Greentopia's Dinner On the Bridge fundraising gala by donating my Lavender Farm In Italy painting (above) to the silent auction.  Over 275 friends, supporters, and leaders converge on the 100-foot high Pont-de-Rennes bridge in Rochester’s High Falls to participate in this truly unique event.  Greentopia is Rochester's premiere organization moving the city, its citizens and the region towards a more sustainable, resilient future. Greentopia's three primary projects include: The GardenAerial at High Falls – a capital project to build greenway infrastructure, trails and amenities around the rim of the gorge at High Falls; Green Visions: Growing Healthy Futures – a workforce development/phytoremediation flower-growing business in the JOSANA neighborhood of Rochester; and the High Falls EcoDistrict; the creation of New York State's FIRST EcoDistrict – a planning and organizational framework to achieve ambitious environmental goals in the neighborhoods surrounding the High Falls Gorge. 

The High Falls are one of three voluminous waterfalls on the Genesee River, that flow through the city of Rochester in New York. The High Falls are located about 2 miles upstream from the lower falls and act as their source. The High Falls area was the site of much of Rochester's early industrial development, where industry was powered by falling water. Browns race diverts water from above the falls and was used to feed various flour mills and industries, today the water is used to produce hydroelectric power.

The High Falls may be viewed from the Pont De Rennes bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Genesee River a few hundred feet from the base of the falls.

The High Falls was the site of the final jump of "The Yankee Leaper" Sam Patch who died after jumping off of the High Falls in 1829 (from Wikipedia)

Tommy Brunett is a singer/songwriter and showman based out of Upstate NY. He's a craftsman and songsmith mixing old-school country, great story telling and rock and roll. He glides and stomps through his now legendary live performances with true sideshow-carny expertise and is known for his good ol' honest approach to everything he touches.

Tommy's television credits include: The Today Show and Conan O'Brien and he's warmed up the ol' floor boards for such acts as ZZ Top, Kellie Pickler, Charlie Daniels, The Lumineers, Marshall Tucker Band, Shooter Jennings, Courtyard Hounds, Old 97's, Ted Nugent, Cracker and more. Little known fact... he was also the touring guitar player for 80's hit slingers Modern English from the U.K. back in his hired gun days.

Oh yeah and he's got his own brand o' booze with some other fine folks called, Iron Smoke Whiskey. It's apple wood smoked and tasty as all get out!

If you like Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Social Distortion or Evil Knievel, you'll be eating Brunett up with two giant spoons and his live shows with the Tommy Brunett Band are guaranteed to make your socks roll up and down.

http://www.tommybrunett.com/

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

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

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal, 2017

acrylic on canvas

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

201707073

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

Her dad was from Ferreirós do Dão, one of the oldest villages in Portugal at 1,080 years old.  It's history is as solid as the Ponte Romana bridge crossing the Rio Dão.  Her dad grew up in the shadow of the bridge creating some of his fondest memories along its banks.  Recollections he'd later share with his daughter.  So, thinking of her dad on Father's Day, she started looking up pictures of the village of Ferreirós do Dão on the internet.  

While scanning the random images, she came across a small painting and said, "Hey-that's my village..."  Immediately, she contacted me to purchase the piece, which had unfortunately been sold a few years earlier.  That disappointment quickly turned into a wonderful opportunity when she discovered I could offer to do a custom commission piece.  While she liked my original piece, she was excited to be able to have a much large version to fit into her amazing antique frame.  And since she visits the village every other year, I'd be able to use her photographs to adjust the colors and tailor specific details to her memories.  Reflections of her father and his village in Portugal that she can be reminded of every time she see's this special piece in her southern Californian home.   

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

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

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan, 2017

acrylic on canvas

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

201707074

© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire.  A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm are the price of admission.  The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake.  The scent of the shoreline pares perfectly with the changing colors of the sky.  I faintly hear my friends voices over the water splashing as they collect wood and prepare for a perfect summer night.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

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

LAST FEW DAYS! Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

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/

I Invite You to Join Me

https://www.battleforthenet.com/july12

Today, I join other websites, Internet users, and online communities to protest the FCC's attack on net neutrality. If we lose net neutrality, I, as a small business entrepreneur, could be forced into a "slow lane" while deep-pocketed companies who can afford expensive new “prioritization” fees receive special fast lane access to Internet users – tilting the playing field in their favor.

Right now, new FCC Chairman and former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai has a plan to destroy net neutrality and give big cable companies immense control over what we see and do online. If they get their way, the FCC will give companies like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T control over what we can see and do on the Internet, with the power to slow down or block websites and charge apps and sites extra fees to reach an audience.

But on July 12th, the Internet will come together to stop them. Websites, Internet users, and online communities will stand tall, and sound the alarm about the FCC’s attack on net neutrality.

The Battle for the Net campaign will provide tools for everyone to make it super easy for your friends, family, followers to take action. From the SOPA blackout to the Internet Slowdown, we've shown time and time again that when the Internet comes together, we can stop censorship and corruption. Now, we have to do it again!

Learn more and join the action here: https://www.battleforthenet.com/july12

Twilight Woods #244

Gouache Paint on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)

201707071

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244169466/twilight-woods-244-artist-trading-cards

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt 

What An Exciting Summer!

I hope that you're enjoying your summer!  That you're spending sunny days by the pool, grilling up delicious meals, and watching fireworks.  I've been busy with painting and various new shows.  Not only that, but just finished some renovations to my house that has allowed me to expand my studio.  So, I've been moving around furniture and trying to figure out how to best use my new work space.  I'll share some pictures once I have it all figured out.  Savor the warm, radiant days of summer while they are here.  The inspiration can last a lifetime.

PS- Use coupon code JOINTHEFUN to get 10% OFF your purchase at my online shop

Visit my art gallery online:
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Want to see my work in person? Then visit these galleries:
FINAL WEEK!
Rochester Contemporary Art Center  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

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

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

About 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. 

LAST WEEK OF 6X6X2017!

Twilight Woods

acrylic paint on canvas

6" x 6" (15.2 cm x 15.2cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

ALL OF MY PIECE SOLD AT THE 6X6 SHOW!

Rochester Contemporary Art Center's (RoCo) "international small art phenomenon" returned for the tenth year!  Once again, it is an incredible exhibition of thousands of artworks made and donated by celebrities, international and local artists, designers, college students, children, and so many more.  Each piece is 6 by 6 inches and displayed anonymously.  All pieces are for sale for $20 and benefit RoCo.  More info at: http://www.roco6x6.org   

Visit my online gallery to view more of my work at:

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

See my work in person at these other fine galleries:

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

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

Shore of the Thousand Islands

acrylic paint on canvas

6" x 6" (15.2 cm x 15.2cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

Zig Zag Pelican

acrylic paint on canvas

6" x 6" (15.2 cm x 15.2cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

Lavender In Provence

acrylic paint on canvas

6" x 6" (15.2 cm x 15.2cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

The Artisanal Pickle

The Artisanal Pickle #243

ink and marker on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)

201707070

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/234858243/the-artisanal-pickle-243-artist-trading

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt 

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

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

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

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

Winds of Change In Peneda-Gerês, Portugal

Winds of Change In Peneda-Gerês, Portugal, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

201706069

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/202039258/winds-of-change-in-peneda-geres-portugal

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

In the hot, hazy air of the Peneda-Gerês National Park is the light whooshing sound gently coming off the massive blades of the wind turbines.  Embracing a future that reduces the acid rain destroying our food sources and eliminating a major cause debilitating health issues like asthma.  Billions of private sector dollars are spent each year employing over 1,000,000 people to manufacture, install, maintain, and operate this source of clean energy.  It's something I appreciate more standing on the mountain breathing the fresh air blowing through the peaks and valleys.  While I'm fascinated and respect the past, it is only history to be used for a better tomorrow.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

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

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

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

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

The Cottage

The Cottage, 2017

acrylic painting on canvas board

14" x 18" (35.6 cm x 45.7 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

201706067

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

What place is special to you?  Is it a location that you use to visit frequently as a child?  Maybe it's where you got engaged?  Perhaps it's somewhere you go with your pet.  Commissioning a piece is a great way to celebrate your unique place on this earth.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

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

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

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

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