Friday, August 11, 2017

Lavender In Provence

 Lavender In Provence, 2017
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708081
© copyright Mike Kraus

Why Invest In Original Art?  A great way to add your personality to a room is by decorating the walls with artwork.  Big box stores offer a lot of cheap options with prints, posters, and other mass produced options.  But, they lose their value immediately and rarely earn more than a few bucks years later in a garage sale.  So, if you're trying to freshen up a tired space, redecorating, or a new home-owner, you may want to consider investing in original artwork.

There's a lot of uncertainty in the world.  And you want to invest your hard earned money somewhere that's safe and has a good return.  According to Bloomberg, sales of post war and contemporary artwork have exploded from $260 million in 1995 to $7.8 billion in 2016.  And the value of art isn't as prone to erratic and irrational fluctuations as the stock and bond markets.  Even more impressive, your investment can add beauty and colors to your walls.  Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some things to consider in purchasing original artwork.


This painting would look best in an average sized space.  It would work best with the colors dark red, green, dark yellow, orange, blue, dark purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
Whitman Works Co1826 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 9, 2017

Rows of Lavender In Provence

 Rows of Lavender In Provence
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-Rows-of-Lavender-In-Provence-ORIGINAL-ACRYLIC-PAINTING-48-x-60-by-Mike-Kraus/954006/3745458/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.

How do I start a collection?  Every collection started with one piece of art that someone loved.  The most important thing about collecting art is that you are having fun.  Some people save their money for one special large piece.  Others have collected countless, affordable small pieces.  And most people are somewhere in between.  Over time, you'll figure out what is best for you and that is what will make your home wonderful...  (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 large area to draw your attention.  The best space would have the colors dark red, orange, light yellow, green, blue, black, white, beige, or on wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Google+: http://plus.google.com/111168390406803022323/posts
 

Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
Whitman Works Co1826 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/


Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Keep It Simple. These Pieces Make It Easy.


Do you have a space at your home or office that just isn't right?  Simply 
add a touch of luxe interior design with original artwork.  The Lavender 
Farm is a highly coveted piece that is endlessly versatile - perfect for a 
large space or above a fireplace, compliments a wide range of colors, and 
provides bold colors while still being calming.
Shop Now:


Remember traveling through the Finger Lakes region in upstate New 
York?  Stopping by the winery on the gentle slope of Seneca Lake.  A 
memory that works in just about any space with it's medium size and 
neutral colors.
Shop Now:
Whitman Works Co.​
1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526


Attitude and refinement - this piece will add "pop" to any space that 
needs it.  You can turn a drab wall into something inspiring.  It's just that 
simple.  
Shop Now:
Art Cats Gallery
1845 Lakeshore Dr. Muskegon, Michigan


About Michael Kraus
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 Michael 
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. 
-- 

Monday, August 7, 2017

Juliana and Kait's Wedding

Juliana and Kait's Wedding, 2017
acrylic on canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201708080
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike


Juliana and Kait, congratulations on your big day.  We're so excited for you and wish you the best.  Megan and I were honored to be at your ceremony and had a great time.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:

Whitman Works Co1826 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/

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708079
© copyright Mike Kraus
What if I don't know anything about art? I can help you? An interior design professional can guide you. And, with the internet, books, and magazines, you can help yourself. Art is all about training your eye how to see. Lots of people look at things, but many can't "see" them. What is the difference in style, texture, colors? Is this piece original or a reproduction? Feel free to ask questions if there's something you don't know or understand. I've had questions about an artist's piece and have been given amazing demonstrations about their technique. (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average size space.  It would work best with the colors red, yellow, orange, dark blue, green, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood

For more information or custom order, please visit:
Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:


Whitman Works Co1826 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) 

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


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

Whitman Works Co1826 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/


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
© copyright Mike Kraus

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:
Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
Whitman Works Co1826 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/


Friday, July 28, 2017

Adirondack Sunset

Adirondack Sunset, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas
18" x 24 (45.7 cm x 61.0 cm)
201707077
© copyright Mike Kraus

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


Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
Whitman Works Co1826 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, 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
© copyright Mike Kraus

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 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


Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:
Whitman Works Co1826 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/


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