Friday, September 30, 2022

The Burrito

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Burrito
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202209055
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Around 10,000 B.C., a corn tortilla food wrap became a common dinner in Mesoamerica.  For thousands of years and countless generations, the recipe was passed on and evolved.  The Pueblo Native American of southwestern United States and northern Mexico ate it as a staple meal.  Cowboys roaming California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Guanajuato found it to be an easy meal to eat while rounding up cattle.  There's a couple legends where the name "burrito" came from.  One says it's because a street vendor in Ciudad Juárez named Juan Méndez sold the meal while riding a donkey.  Another claims it came from a term of endearment used by a man selling lunches to poor school children.  Today, the burrito is served in an infinite amount of restaurants in a myriad of varieties.  Yet another example of how food shows we have more in common than we have in differences. 

Alrededor de 10.000 aC, una envoltura de tortilla de maíz se convirtió en una cena común en Mesoamérica. Durante miles de años e innumerables generaciones, la receta se transmitió y evolucionó. El pueblo nativo americano del suroeste de los Estados Unidos y el norte de México lo comió como una comida básica. Los vaqueros que vagaban por California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Nuevo México, Colorado, Texas y Guanajuato consideraron que era una comida fácil de comer mientras redondeaban el ganado. Hay un par de leyendas de donde vino el nombre "burrito". Uno dice que es porque un vendedor ambulante en Ciudad Juárez llamado Juan Méndez vendió la comida mientras montaba un burro. Otro afirma que proviene de un término de cariño usado por un hombre que vende almuerzos a niños de escuelas pobres. Hoy en día, el burrito se sirve en una cantidad infinita de restaurantes en una gran variedad de variedades. Otro ejemplo más de cómo la comida muestra que tenemos más en común que diferencias.

This piece would work best is a small-to-medium space that is orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, or light wood.

The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 


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:

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Decisions of DeStiny

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Decisions of DeStiny #494
pen and colored pencils on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209054
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 


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:

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Skeleton Dance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skeleton Dance #492
pen and colored pencils on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209052
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 


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:

Thursday, September 22, 2022

San Francisco Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


San Francisco Alley #491
pen and colored pencils on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209051
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 


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, September 21, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #490
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209050
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.


The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, September 19, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #489
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209049
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.


The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, September 16, 2022

Fish Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Fish Taco 'Bout Awesome
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202209048
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
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.

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


The FABULOUS FALL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, September 14, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #488
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209047
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.



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:

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

My Interview With VoyageOhio


Please check out my interview with VoyageOhio at: https://voyageohio.com/interview/check-out-mike-krauss-story/

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, September 12, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #487
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202209046
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.



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, September 9, 2022

End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
202209046
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Hiking down the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail is easy. The switchbacks bounce between cascading waterfall creeks. A strong scent of pine as we startle unsuspecting deer around the bend. On the stony beach we enjoy a picnic of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate. The fish jump as we soak our feet in the water. The hill isn't the only reason it's a difficult hike back.

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels use to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships. The pollution began to poison the waters. In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak. Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity. Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

This piece would best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, 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:

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

You're Invited To the Awesome Autumn Art Festival!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Every day, the sun sets a little earlier and the air gets a little bit cooler.  Autumn has arrived and the trees are about to explode into a fireworks of yellows, oranges, and reds.  Days outside enjoying the fresh harvest coming in.  Nights next to the fireplace under a cozy blanket.  The frantic pace of summer fades into memory and allows us to see how lucky we really are.  

Please join us at the Online Awesome Autumn Art Show starting TODAY Tuesday, September 6th at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion  Join your friends buying and selling various arts, crafts, furniture, fashions, jewelry, and so much more!  And, most of all, HAVE FUN! 

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Artist sign up for the Fabulous Fall Art Festival has begun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595/


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, September 2, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint of canvas
24" x 36" (61.0 cm x 91.4 cm)
2022099045
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/195430291/twilight-woods-original-acrylic-painting

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

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

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, August 31, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #486
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202208044
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, August 29, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #485
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202208043
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, August 26, 2022

Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202208042
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The wind gently flows through her hair as she basks in the sun.  The light energizing her spirit and the fresh scent of the field relaxes her soul.  There is only the whisper of the breeze and the sound of her footsteps as she passes row after row of sunflowers.  She selects a few choice blooms for a temporary reminder of the gratitude she has for this moment.  Knowing how fortunate you are only brings you more luck.

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

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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, August 24, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #484
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202208041
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

The AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Join us at: 

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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