Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Twilight Woods

Twilight Woods, 2017
Acrylic on canvas board
11" x 14" in a vintage frame (27.9 cm x 35.6 cm in a vintage frame)
201708085
© copyright Michael Kraus

What are the benefits of buying original art?  There are countless benefits to owning original artwork.  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

Style - What kind of person are you?  Do you follow trends or do you take your own path?  If you're trendy, then it's a matter of trying to stay ahead of the curve.  Look for pieces that have the colors and subjects that are popular.  Let's say purple bears are becoming hot.  You can purchase and commission a few pieces with purple bears.  You could build a collection (2+ pieces), which can boost the value of the pieces as collectors may want everything you've curated.  Once you've sold your pieces at the peak of their popularity, you can move on to building a collection of unicorn paintings or whatever else you think will be the next big thing.

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice 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, dark orange, blue, 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/










Monday, August 21, 2017

Bluff Point At Keuka Lake Postcards

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
Reproduction of original landscape painting
matte finish good for readability and easy to write on
4" x 5.5" (10.2 cm x 14 cm) and envelopes 

Original illustration by Mike Kraus. These postcards are frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion. The inside of the card is blank for writing your own special message. The back of the card has pieces title, my name, and website. 

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/



Friday, August 18, 2017

Hemlock Lake

Hemlock Lake, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708084
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/538118402/hemlock-lake-original-acrylic-painting

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.

Isn't original art expensive?  It can be.  The Scream by Edvard Munch did sell for $120 million in 2012.  But, there are more affordable options from artists that are established, mid-career, or just emerging.  But, let's review the three reasons original art is more expensive than reproductions: 1) Quality, 2) Scarcity, and 3) Production.

Quality - A painter will take a canvas, paint it with primer, and then design a subject using various colors, materials, and imagination.  Usually, this creates a texture and a vividness.  It is hand crafted by the artist.  A reproduction is a photographic copy that has difficulty capturing and holding that quality depending on the resolution, printing, and quality of paper.
Anyone using a copy machine knows the quality of the image declines the further away from the original the print comes from.  

Scarcity - There's only one original.  And the more well-known and talented the artist is, the most valuable the piece will become.  This severely limited supply of one compared to the potentially unlimited demand of art consumers can increase prices very rapidly.  Mass produced posters remain cheap because if they sellout, they can always just print more.

Production - To create a piece, an artist may spend anywhere between a few minutes to several years.  It can vary depending on size, subject, materials, complexity, etc.  Genius and inspiration are impossible to schedule and mass produce.  All of these factors come together to determine the artist earnings for a piece.  With reproductions, all the creative process costs are eliminated.  A machine can mindlessly make copy after copy without end.

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

This painting would look best in an average sized space.  It would work best with the colors red, light green, yellow, orange, dark blue, 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 16, 2017

Thousand Island Sunset

Thousand Island Sunset, 2017
acrylic on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708082
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please contact: 
https://www.whitmanworks.com/art-products?category=Mike+Kraus
Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

SHOW TONIGHT!
This Thousand Island Sunset piece is a Whitman Works Co. Exclusive.  And tonight is a great night to stop in the gallery to view it as Jim Buscemi has his opening!


(Penfield, NY) Whitman Works Company is pleased to present the gallery's first exhibition of local photography by East Rochester native, Jim Buscemi. Mr Buscemi will be showing the breadth of his work in Sports, Wildlife and Landscape images with a primary focus on Western New York themes. The photographer will be in residence for the opening of the exhibit on August 16, 2017 from 6 PM to 9 PM. The show will continue in the Whitman Works Company Gallery through September 6th. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM. For additional information please visit the gallery shop in person or online.


About the artist: Born and raised in East Rochester, Jim Buscemi currently resides in Fairport, N.Y. with his wife Jennifer, step-daughter Rena, and their german shepard mix Tripp. Jim started his journey in photography at the age of 8 when his parents gave him his first camera, a Kodak Instamatic. After graduating from high school, he purchased a Minolta 35mm and used this through his college years. A Nikon 3000 and Canon T3i are now his primary tools of the trade.

You can follow Jim Buscemi on Facebook (Jim Buscemi), Instagram (@jbusc_33), and Twitter (@Jbusc33).

More info at


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




Accidentally took a pic of Carol's new "office" at Whitman Works.  But, there's something charming about it and thought I'd share this too.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Canandaigua Lake

 Canandaigua Lake, 2017
acrylic on canvas
36" x 48" (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm)
201708083
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/247433935/canandaigua-lake-original-acrylic

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.

Can you tell me what "original art" is?  "Original art" is an unique one of a kind piece, like Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night painting hanging in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.  A "reproduction" is a photographic copy of the painting that has it's image placed on posters, mouse pads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and anything else you can imagine.  Somewhere between the two are "limited edition" prints made by photographers, screen printers, etchers, and other graphic artists that promise to limit the quantity of their copies usually to less than 200 replications.

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.


This painting would look best in a large space, over a fire place or couch.  It would work best with the colors red, green, yellow, orange, dark blue, 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/

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/

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