Oh, Polar Bear!

 Oh, Polar Bear #222

pen, ink, and marker on bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/512372068/oh-polar-bear-222-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.

FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

THE SHOW IS OPEN NOW!

Join us for the

Union Place Coffee Roasters Open House

Thursday, April 27th

6-8pm

Browse pieces inspired by the stunning landscapes of upstate New York and beyond.  See how I extract the emotions of each scene and transform it on canvas by emphasizing the details that make the vision unique.

Meet Derek Darling of Whitman Works Company, a boutique artisan gallery on the Four Corners of Penfield.  Artists, craftsmen, jewelers, among others can be found hiding in every corner of his shop.  It's a new marketplace that connects artists with patrons and art lovers.

OTHER FEATURED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Coffee roasting demonstrations, Sweet & Cute Coffee Syrup tasting on ice cream, Dolce Cupcakery, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and meet Rochester, NY mayoral candidate Rachel Barnhart.

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Genesee Valley Regional Market

900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504

Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 784-0404

www.UnionPlaceCoffeeRoasters.com

Store Hours:

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Thursday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-3pm

More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/745308018974257

Union Place Coffee Roasters Open House

​

Join us for the 

Union Place Coffee Roasters Open House 

Thursday, April 27th

6-8pm

Browse pieces inspired by the stunning landscapes of Upstate New York and beyond.  See how I extract the emotions of each scene and transform it on canvas by emphasizing the details that make the vision unique.

Meet Derek Darling of Whitman Works Company, a boutique artisan gallery on the Four Corners of Penfield, New York.  Artists, craftsmen, jewelers, among others can be found hiding in every corner. Derek hosts artists of all ilk, and creates a new marketplace that connects artists with patrons and art lovers.

OTHER FEATURED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

​

LEARN TO ROAST AT HOME

You'll be brought on a coffee journey from the green bean to a beautifully roasted coffee ready for your cup.   Demonstrations will include roasting a batch of Colombian beans in the Deidrich roaster, roasted to a medium,  producing a balanced cup with a nice sweetness and a smooth, winey finish and homeroasting using a hot air popcorn popper.

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Tina, owner and creator of Sweet & Cute Coffee Syrup, will serve coffee syrup over ice cream.   Made with three simple  ingredients: organic sugar, water, Union Place Dark Roast Blend Coffee. Learn about the endless ways to enjoy coffee  syrup; from waffles to bourbon!

Sample decadent cupcakes from Pittsford's premier bakery: Dolce Cupcakery.  Located in Schoen Place, where Lisa creates cupcakes that are handmade with premium ingredients you can taste. Check out Lisa's latest creations for your next catered event.

Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has grown to produce more than 100,000 barrels of beer annually.  The hand crafted ales are now available in more than thirty States and points beyond.

Stop by and meet Rochester mayoral candidate, Rachel Barnhart.  Talk with Rachel about her vision for our beautiful city and how you can help make that vision a reality.

Located in Henrietta NY at the Genesee Valley Regional Market, closest to the East Henrietta Rd entrance, look for the orange signs.

Union Place Coffee Roasters

Genesee Valley Regional Market 

900 Jefferson Rd. Building 15 Suite 1504

Rochester, NY 14623

(585) 784-0404

www.unionplacecoffeeroasters.com

Store Hours:

Monday - Friday   9 am - 5 pm

Thursday              9 am - 6 pm

Saturday               9 am - 3 pm

MORE INFO AT:

https://www.facebook.com/events/745308018974257

Buzzed Science: Pocket Volcano

Welcome to a new episode of Buzzed Science! This time we use the tried-and-true bubbling volcano, except now I know what it means...sort of

Hello Panda Bear

Hello Panda Bear #221

gouache and ink bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/511949014/hello-panda-bear-221-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 

Waddle I Do With Myself

Waddle I Do With Myself #220

pen, ink, marker on Bristol Paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus 
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/525289949/waddle-i-do-with-myself-220-artist

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.

FREE SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES!

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River

 Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/239624926/icy-shore-of-the-st-lawrence-river

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

It's a chilly morning and I make sure my coffee is very hot before going outside.  My wife stays cozy next to the fire in the 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel as I explore the snowy shore.  I look out toward Pine Island as the ice collects and builds on the gentle current.  Grindstone Island, which seems so massive on a sunny day, almost seems to disappear in weather like this.  A flock of ducks flee Picton Island and huddle in a spot on Round Island trying to stay warm.  And that's what I'll do too.  Head back into the hotel to relax by the fire with a fresh cup of coffee.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Artist Forum: Winter Woods Inspiration

 Question: How do you decide what to paint?

This is something I've been asked a lot recently.  And I thought I'd share some of my thoughts as it's something every artist struggles with at some point.  

For my example, I will use my Winter Woods painting, which is posted in this blog.  This is a series I started a few years ago.  The dog was restless and I brought her outside to play for a little bit.  While she was running around, I thought the fresh snow was beautiful.  It was so fresh and powdery on the ground, the light coating floating on the branches, and the sun making everything shimmer.  That was the inspiration.

I went back to my studio and started sketching.  For me, it's all about finding the right balance.  I don't want something too realistic, otherwise I'd just use my camera.  But, if it's too abstracted, it tends to lose it's connection to our senses.  So, I try to find that place between the real and the abstracted that brings out the emotions of a piece.  The first piece that came out was a very simple gouache design on a greeting card.  It was a flat blue sky, multi-layers of white snow, dark brown trees with snow on each branch.

For me, that is just the start.  I read a Matisse quote that it took him 50 times painting a subject before he considered a piece "good."  That stuck in my head and, for me, that really is true.  When I complete a piece, it goes on my wall or somewhere that I will see it frequently.  I want to see it often and think, "I like that part, I wish I did that differently, and I will add that next time."  What I want to do is push each piece further toward my vision.  So, the Winter Woods piece evolved.  The hills of snow became less exaggerated.  The sky was amplified by various shades of blue.  I stagger the trees more to give it depth and a pattern like notes on a music sheet.  And finally, the trunks and branches are a mixture of black, brown, and metallic paint to give it shape and excitement.  Just like the previous pieces, this will be on my wall and I will think of ways to push this piece further next time.  And when I'm out of ideas then the series is complete.

But, I'm never our of ideas.  I have a list of 41 paintings I'd like to do.  Where do these ideas come from?  Everywhere.  They come from my patrons requesting commissions.  Maybe a discussion with a fellow artist.  A suggestion from a gallery owner.  Seeing something in a museum.  Maybe a random object caught my eye on TV.  To keep track of all this inspiration, I make a list and sketches so I'm always busy painting.

I hope this is helpful.  And please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss something.    

Winter Woods, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas

18" x 24" (45.7 cm x 61.0 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus 

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/233691635/winter-woods-original-acrylic-painting

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

It's a chilly late afternoon in the forest.  The snow glows on the creaking branches of the trees.  All I hear is the crunching of my boots down the icy path.  This is the season of hibernation.  A time of reflection and calm.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Twilight Woods

 Twilight Woods, 2017

acrylic paint on canvas 

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

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/230280464/twilight-woods-original-acrylic-painting

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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.  

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

On the Shore of Lake Michigan

 On the Shore of Lake Michigan, 2017

Acrylic on Canvas

16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/268850899/on-the-shore-of-lake-michigan-original

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

It's been hot and humid while I've been at work.  Once 5 o' clock hits, I'm all set to flee into the blazing sun toward the beach.  I drop my towel, keys, and other items into the scalding hot sand and make my way to the cool water.   There's just a gentle splash at the shoreline on the calm waters.  The rays of the sun still penetrating my skin as I wade just beyond the sand bar.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

 Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

acrylic paint on canvas 

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/202751065/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 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

Lake Placid

Lake Placid, 2017

acrylic on canvas 

36" x 48" (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm) 

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/229731686/lake-placid-original-acrylic-painting-36

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

We've been hiking all morning enjoying the foliage, which is at its peak.  The colors seem to explode all around us in the fresh crisp air.  The dried up leaves crunch under our feet as we continue down the path.  We come upon an overlook and a place to rest and snack.  A region glows over Buck and Moose Islands all the way to Whiteface Mountain.

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

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

(detail)

SHOW EXTENDED!

​

MIKE KRAUS'
SOLO SHOW AT WHITMAN WORKS
EXTENDED TO APRIL 1ST!

My show at Whitman Works Co. has been such a success, it's been extended to April 1st!  

We hope you can stop in and see us.  If you haven't been to Whitman Works Co. before,

not only can you see my work but pieces created by 17 other artists in the boutique section of the shop.  

THANKS AGAIN for all your support and please join us at:   

Whitman Works Co.

1826 Penfield Road

Penfield, NY 14526

Tuesday - Saturday: 11AM - 6PM

www.whitmanworks.com

(585) 747-9999

More information at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1355435764515225/

SEE YOU THERE!

Mike Kraus

PS-Want to see the show, but too far away?  Please visit: 

https://www.whitmanworks.com/mike-kraus-show-2017/

Buzzed Science YouTube Show

Learn how Neil deGrasse Tyson turned Megan into a nihilist and buzzed scientist.

What is Buzzed Science?  The way you wished you learned science

Learn about Archimedes' Principle from an octopus wearing scuba gear.

Whitman Works Finale!

 MIKE KRAUS'

SOLO SHOW AT WHITMAN WORKS

FINAL WEEK!

We've been having so much fun that we can't believe it's almost over.  There's been parties, good food, plenty of drinks, seen old friends, made new one's, and sold pieces to our neighbors and patrons as far away as Australia.  As pieces have found new homes, they've been replaced with new works.  So, if you haven't been to Whitman Works in a couple weeks, it's almost a new show.  THANKS AGAIN for all your support and please join us at: 

Whitman Works Co.
1826 Penfield Road
Penfield, NY 14526
Tuesday - Saturday: 11AM - 6PM
www.whitmanworks.com
(585) 747-9999
More information at:
 https://www.facebook.com/events/1874977212771319/

SEE YOU THERE!

Mike Kraus

PS-Not able to make it to the show because of time or distance?  You can still see and purchase pieces at:
https://www.whitmanworks.com/mike-kraus-show-2017/