Monday, February 21, 2022

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting On Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

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. The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky. The waves gently crashing on the shoreline of another perfect summer night.

We all have places that feel like home. Reminders of a carefree childhood. Experiences that made us who we are. We have a connection to them as they gave us our sense of the world. How different would our lives be without these spaces?

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

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, February 18, 2022

Lavender Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Field
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202005
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/208577323/lavender-field-original-acrylic-painting

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 and blue lavender. The heat of the Mediterranean sun presses against our backs as we pedal back to the village of Brunet. 

When was the last time you were truly relaxed?  You were without a care, no expectations, and free from electronic devices?  Maybe you were hiking, gardening, or reading a book with a cup of coffee.  When do you get to feel like you?  We have a lot to be grateful for.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, yellow, green, blue, black, white, grey, or wood.  

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

An Extraordinary Transformation

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


An Extraordinary Transformation
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202112105
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

Places are special because of the experiences we've created.  What place is important to you?  And what makes that place unique to you?  

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, February 14, 2022

Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The chilly wind pierces my skin as I walk the shores of the St. Lawrence.  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 disappears in weather like this.  A flock of ducks flee Picton Island and huddle in a spot on Round Island trying to stay warm.

We are like icebergs on this mighty river.  Some racing and crashing at incredible speeds.  Others remain on the banks growing massive and strong.  All different kinds of formations.  Constantly changing with the fickleness of the weather.  Always breaking apart and coming together.

How do you enjoy your winter days?  Are you active with skiing and snowshoeing?  Or do you hibernate with hearty meals and hot cocoa?  Perhaps you live in a warm, sunny locale laughing at us that shovel?  

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

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, February 11, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  

A mug full of caffeine will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?

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

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, February 9, 2022

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
We need to accept beauty when it arrives.  To prioritize the value of beauty in all forms.   Beauty isn’t a waste of time, a luxury, or the domain of the educated upper classes.  Beauty is your own authentic personal experience.  True beauty is independent, autonomous, and free of social pressure.  Imposed taste is manipulative and unethical as it takes away an individual’s identity.  Art is not a communal experience.  Yet, sharing your love of beauty can build friendships.  It is up to you to refine and develop your personal tastes and interests.  We must be vulnerable and let down our guard.  To be courageous enough to think and feel our true conclusions.  The sensation of openness, trust, symbiosis, caring, and being loved shows us that “everything is okay.”  Beauty is a way of life.   It is the affirmation of life.  To create is an act of love.  It is the process of intelligence.  It is a way of accessing and communicating with the human mind.

What is something ugly you see every day?  What would it take to make it beautiful?  What is preventing you from making the improvement?  Are there reasonable alternatives?  Go do it!

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, February 7, 2022

How Do We Make Beautiful Art?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Beautiful art reveals a truth.   It has a purpose for its existence.  It must reveal a “grey area” item like “love,” “justice,” or other virtue.  And art must have an understandable communication structure. A structure that is coherent and not unnecessarily complicated.  While the self can be referenced by the artist, it needs to be greater than just an individual’s personal ego. An honest forgetting of the self.  It’s not the paint that is beautiful; it’s the truth that it reveals to our mind that is. Still, art is more than just truth. And it’s not necessarily about morals, religion, or politics.  Art is a state of mind frozen in time. It’s about living a fuller existence. 

What is your favorite piece of art? Who made it and when? Why did they create it? How does the piece make you feel? Do you think the artist felt the same way or had the same feelings?

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, February 4, 2022

Mind Reading

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202201003
© copyright Mike Kraus
The most successful members of a stable society have a strong sense of empathy.  They can see what others see, feel what they feel, and gauge response with precision.  When to advance and when to retire.  Whom to groom and whom to avoid.  Whom to challenge and when to placate.  During social interactions, our brains go through a three-step process: 1) mentalizing goals and plans to achieve them, 2) empathizing feelings to predict their actions, and 3) mirroring and imitation.

Is there someone you'd like to know better?  Ask them how they are doing and what things are like these days.  Learn something new by asking for someone to teach you.  Reach out to someone with different beliefs or background to find their dreams and what makes them happy.  

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Creating Is Love!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creating Is Love!

Growing up, west Michigan winters could be harsh and lonely.  Countless hours watching TV between microwaved meals.   Boredom was a gift that forced me to be creative.  Simple doodles lead to elaborate drawings and then to colorful paintings.  Learning new techniques from books and starting the process all over again.  Now, my days are active and enjoyable with a community of friends like you.  

We have so much in common.  Sure, we share similar interests in the arts.  But, it's something deeper than that.  It's wanting a beautiful life by engaging with each other.  To appreciate all we have to be grateful for. 

Let us continue to imagine together.  There are so many wonderful possibilities.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Thank you for your kindness and support.  Your encouragement has meant so much to me.  I wish you good health and happiness in 2022.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


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 thousands 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.



For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, January 31, 2022

Beauty Is Empathy

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Near Marseille, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710104
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Those who appreciate Beauty are more elastic and adaptable.  Art enhances our empathy. Art is empathetic because it allows us into the mind of the creator.  A creator’s piece doesn’t pull the emotions from your mind; but delivers their feelings into your brain.  It explains the appropriateness and consequences of our decisions. Highlighting these impacts on others fuels empathy.  Our role in those positive and negative behaviors. That creates the sensation of guilt that forces us to right past wrongs and prevent future digressions.  The more types of beauty we appreciate (painting, sculpture, sports, theatre, etc.), the more accepting we are of others. Expanding our tolerance of what is beautiful reduces our fear and insecurity.

What do you appreciate about your hobbies? Do you share your experiences with others? Is it part of a community?

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, January 28, 2022

Looking For Problems

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202201001
© copyright Mike Kraus
Creativity is helped by honest debate and constructive criticism.  Only listening to positive reviews from “yes men” and sycophants reinforces limiting and misguided views on the way to certain failure.   Dissenting opinions are useful even when they are wrong.  It’s important to experiment and test our beliefs in the real world.  To do so, we need to seek “problems;” not “solutions.”  People that come bearing “solutions” are not open-minded and only seek to implement their own opinion.  But people presenting “problems” are willing to try various alternatives to find the best option for an issue.  And finding a true “Devil’s Advocate” will force you to be more effective and truthful.  An truthful opponent can stress test our ideas to separate facts from fiction.  We should welcome this criticism because these people care enough to state their honest views.  What we should fear most is a disinterested audience.

What is a problem you have?  Do you know your options?  Who do you confide in to find answers?  And do you ask "what if the opposite is true?"

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Mentors and Role Models

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creative people have role models and mentors that inspire them to higher achievement.   These people can even be fictional characters from books and movies.  We need to find and be mentors.  We need collaborators to come together and experiment.  To set aside time and space to work.  To be open, curious, and expect the same in return.  Analyze the results while maintaining a positive environment.

Who do you admire?  What do you like about their work?  Why does their work have meaning for you?  What projects do you collaborate in?  And who do you mentor?



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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, January 24, 2022

Beauty Is Life Affirming

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Twilight Woods
Acrylic paint on canvas
24" x 48" (61.0 cm x 121.9 cm)
201708086
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Beauty is an affirmation of life that can soothe us while in distress.  Art is a hidden reconciliation of opposites creating harmony from chaotic elements.  This is an energy that removes societal blocks and reimagines our cultural structures.  It breaks rigid, obsolete, and oppressive rules in exchange for higher values.  It challenges and engages us toward more freedom.  To observe this, we need to respect and allow contemplation.  Time with no destination, pressure, activity, distractions, or purpose.  Allowing yourself “boredom” clears away the poisonous mental clutter and grants the mind space for creativity.  Strategic and purposeful procrastination to think of a goal or option is good.  This allows you to take in wider alternatives that are more creative and effective.  Immediate productivity freezes creativity in exchange for quick and often less efficient results. The mind needs time to simmer on intimate thoughts for pattern recognition.  Our brains want to create meaning, sense, and order.  So much so that our experiential memories will purposely change to “make sense” of situations.  Art is not the solution to the world’s problems.  It is a device of contemplation for a human mind that creates and solves its own problems.

Do you allow yourself quiet relaxation?  If so, how: a relaxing bath, long hikes in the wilderness, listening/playing music?  Do solutions to problems pop in your head when you stop thinking about them?


 Chicago Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811125
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, January 21, 2022

To Create Is To Love

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


To create is to love. It is an act of focusing your attention on something of interest and pleasure. To make something everlasting. It’s the closest we come to immortality.

Knowing beauty is to see that originality is a myth. Imagination is the combining of ideas, influences, and collaboration leading to new ideas. And artists should acknowledge those motivations. Being the first to do something isn’t “original;” being different and better is.

What do you appreciate? Who inspires you? And how does that influence show up?


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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Art Is For Influencing the Mind

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Art is for influencing the mind; good and bad.  This influence can be an imitation of life, truer than life, communication, pure form, or other aesthetic.  In a free and open society, nothing is more important than a proper education with a free exchange of honest ideas.  And this learning requires an understanding of the arts.  Competent training in images, forms, writing, mass media, and other creations immunizes us from deception, manipulation, and enslavement by those wishing to be tyrants.  Arts need to be a source of truth through the use of honest arguments; not a tool of purposeful lies for propaganda.  Disinformation should be vigorously fought (https://www.stophateforprofit.org/).  Providing clarity to the intellect is the highest honor for an artist.

What guides you?  What principles do you believe?  Do you really believe them or are they just empty words?  Is it just dogma or do your ideas grow and mature when you learn?  


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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, January 17, 2022

Beauty Is An Expression Of Ourselves

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Beauty Is An Expression Of Ourselves
Creativity is the act of making beauty.   It’s a personality trait of combining ideas to create something new through a process.  It’s using that productivity to make a change.  It is a discipline that can take many forms.  Sometimes described as meditation, flow, openness, brainstorming, etc.  It’s the ability to see that the current unsatisfactory situation is not permanent and the skill to develop and implement a possible solution.

Art is an understanding of nature.  Knowing that life is a progression of birth, growth, peak, decline, and death.  That there’s a cycle to the seasons and a balance to all things.  Beauty teaches us that harmony is truth.

What do you find unacceptable?  How do you know complete reality?  And what actions can we take to make the world a better place?


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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Friday, January 14, 2022

Creativity

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creativity
Transitioning from fruit foraging to meat hunters, humans were forced to be more social and cooperative.  And eating that flesh combined with physiological evolution lead to extremely quick growth of the human frontal lobe of the brain.  This allowed humans to develop imagination.  A “superpower” that allows the understanding of time, distance, and potential outcomes from actions.  Gathering around a campfire to cook meat developed our social skills.  It was a place for storytelling, gossip, and bonding myths.  A place to learn your role in society and the status of others.

Creativity is using the imagination to produce a work.   An innovation of style, empathy, and metaphor.  Art provides a way of remembering, hope, grieving, understanding, growth, and appreciation.   It’s a contrasting drive for broad diversity and unique niches for survival.  A tool that enables us to be better people.

What do you do to be creative?  Do you enjoy playing a musical instrument?  Maybe you're more reflective and search yourself for poetry and song?  Expression can come from your body in the form of dance, yoga, and athleticism.  What inspires you?


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 thousands 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Beauty Is a Survival Tool

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Beauty Is a Survival Tool
It engages our brain with curiosity, wonder, emotions, play, experiments, relationships, and makes learning fun. Psychologically, it is a socially accepted way to express our unsatisfied desires. Biologically, beauty stimulates our immune systems, increasing Glucocortoid Receptors in the Hippocampus to protect from depression. It helps us appreciate life and find happiness. Also, seeing a lush green meadow with a myriad of flowers and puffy white clouds as beautiful isn’t just a random, pointless, subjective judgment. Our ancestors passed on those preferences to us genetically because it indicates this is a region of plentiful food and easy living. All of this adds to our longevity.

No wonder patients staying in well-designed hospitals have shorter recovery times, use less painkillers, and are more satisfied with their care. Patients with attractive landscape paintings in their rooms had lower blood pressure, slower heartbeats, and used less anesthetics than patients with no art or abstract pieces. Art has the ability to promote rest, silence, and space for “just being yourself.” Adding beauty to life can help prevent and cure our sicknesses. True beauty heals, unites, empowers, provides happiness, and educates messages to those who are sensitive enough to receive them. Perhaps because rivers in their courses offer romantic parallels to human life, people are inclined to attribute to them influences that strongly affect their lives.

How do you find happiness and comfort?  Is it making cocktails after a long day?  Reading a new book by your favorite author?  Maybe it's rearranging a room when a new piece is delivered.  How does beauty make you feel better?


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 thousands 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.

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