Wednesday, April 6, 2022

In Da Moonlight

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


In Da Moonlight
scratchboard
5" x 7" in a vintage frame (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm in a vintage frame)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Nights are longer here. Only shadows dance in the moonlight of the old farm. Howls and secretive footsteps can be heard, but nothing seen, in the nearby fields. The darkness is honest away from civilization. Much like the people that live in this neck of the woods.

Is the night quiet or loud where you live?  Some neighborhoods have lots of traffic and sirens.  Others are only populated by nocturnal animals sneaking around.  Either way, what is the moon like where you are?

This piece would work in almost any small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, 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:



Monday, April 4, 2022

Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710111
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, light yellow, green, blue, dark 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:







Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Summer Hillside

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer Hillside #227
gouache paint on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame)
201705038
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, beige, black, white, gray, 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:

Monday, March 28, 2022

The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Beach In Albufeira, Portugal
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
201705054
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The intense sun is blasting the golden beach sand.  The only relief is the cool breeze coming off the Atlantic.  That and a couple of glasses of chilled vinho verde.  The waves crash adding the distinct saltiness of the sea to the air.  Days don't get more perfect that this.

When I need to relax, this is where my mind takes me.  Where does your mind take you?  Is it some place far away or a cozy spot close to home?  Are you by yourself or with a loved one?  Our imaginations are a superpower.

This piece would great in almost space that is red, orange, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, beige, 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:




Friday, March 25, 2022

Мир в Україні (Peace In Ukraine)

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Мир в Україні (Peace In Ukraine)
acrylic paint on canvas panel
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202203010
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

MY UKRAINIAN FRIENDS NEED YOUR HELP
 
Here are ways you can help Ukraine right now:
Razom For Ukraine: https://razomforukraine.org/
International Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/
Doctors Without Borders: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

SUPPORT THESE UKRAINIAN ARTISTS by following their shops, social media, or purchasing instant downloads (no postal service available due to Russian invasion)  If you use Pinterest, please share your Ukrainian support instant downloads at: https://pin.it/4k1xtYA
 
list from https://www.etsy.com/jp/shop/UsedRemakeSaiwaiNNJP of Ukrainian shops (translation available but not necessary for list)

MAKERS AUCTION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE RED CROSS OF UKRAINE (https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/.../~my-donation) at: https://www.instagram.com/russelljwest/
 
Stand With Ukraine Pampered Chef Fundraiser March 17th - April 30th at: https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/standukraine?fbclid=IwAR25CzVZcbCfLG5xqdTpP_6PYisI9n5RzIV6CfvdXA1...
 
If you are in the Ukraine right now, please let us know and any ways we can help. The world is with you!

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Chicago Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Chicago Alley #224
gouache paint and ink on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
2017034

After a long day of work in the Loop, I take the "L" train home. It's so much better reading a book on public transit than fighting road rage in a traffic jam. And today I'm just watching all the buildings pass by. The brown line runs at street level in the alleys after the Western stop. The alleys are somehow beautifully utilitarian.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is 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. and it is signed on the back.

This piece would look best in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, beige, 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:

Monday, March 21, 2022

Vision Quest XLI

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLI
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710106
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it a making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

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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