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 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/





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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 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/


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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 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/


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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 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/


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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 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/


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Monday, July 24, 2017

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:
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/

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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
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:


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/


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Wednesday, July 19, 2017

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

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.


For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, July 17, 2017

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:

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Friday, July 14, 2017

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:

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/


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