Wednesday, July 12, 2017

I Invite You to Join Me


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

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:

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

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. 

Monday, July 10, 2017

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:

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 Co1826 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

Friday, July 7, 2017

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

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:


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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/


Monday, July 3, 2017

The Cottage

The Cottage, 2017
acrylic painting on canvas board
14" x 18" (35.6 cm x 45.7 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
201706067

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:

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Friday, June 30, 2017

Taco 'Bout Awesome

 Taco 'Bout Awesome, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201706068
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/248187027/taco-bout-awesome-original-acrylic

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN


Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years .  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United State and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.

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:

Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

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


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


Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Red Birch Forest

Red Birch Forest #242
ink and marker on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201706066
© copyright Mike Kraus

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:

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Monday, June 26, 2017

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago

Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago, 2017
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus
201706063

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:

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Friday, June 23, 2017

The Artist and the CEO

The Artist and the CEO #241
ink and colored pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201706065
© copyright Mike Kraus

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:

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

The Morning Cup of Coffee

The Morning Cup of Coffee #240
gouache paint on Bristol paper
not a print or reproduction
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
201706064
© copyright Mike Kraus 
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/210522921/the-morning-cup-of-coffee-240-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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Monday, June 19, 2017

Artist Forum: Rows of Lavender in Provence

Question: I want more art in my life, any suggestions?


So, you've found a piece you love, but how do you bring that artwork into your life. The most obvious option is to purchase this piece and hang it on your wall in a nice frame, right? But, there are lots of other option. For example, you can purchase a digital instant download at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=16654398 and use the images for your screensaver, t-shirt, mugs, etc. A very popular option for these instant downloads is to use the image for a party invitation or a save the date. They are great to use for paper printing or on an online app. While digital invitations are relatively new, more and more people have started to use them for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, holidays, and any other occasions. An easy way to share and manager your events is by using Paperless Post.  



It's so simple to do. You select a design, write a message, provide information about your event, and share it with your friends and family. There's lots of options for customizing. And, Paperless Post is able to track your RSVPs, send guest reminders, and many other options. View some of Paperless Post's options at: 
(https://www.paperlesspost.com/).

  Rows of Lavender in Provence, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201706062
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

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 lavender and yellow sunflowers. 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 deep red, yellow, orange, green, blue, light purple, brown, 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:

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 Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

This post was published in cooperation with Paperless Post

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