Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Daily Pick Me Up

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Daily Pick Me Up #512
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212081
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
Christmas is December 17th
Hanukkah ends is December 10th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals) are frameable, collectable, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  They are one-of-a-kind original works of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame

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, December 12, 2022

Poppy Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Poppy Field #511
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212080
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The last day to ship before: 
Christmas is December 17th
Hanukkah ends is December 10th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals) are frameable, collectable, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  They are one-of-a-kind original works of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame

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, December 9, 2022

Waddle I Do With Myself

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Waddle I Do With Myself
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202212079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Why are we alike?
What do we care about?  
And how to we benefit working together?

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, 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:

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee #510
pen and color pencil on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202212078
© 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?

LAST DAY!!!
Get holiday deals at the 
WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL!!!  
Perfectly unique gifts for everyone on your list 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, December 5, 2022

❄⛄❄ HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ❄⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Are you really busy too?  Overwhelmed with how much there is to do and so little time to do anything?  It's okay (and necessary) to slow down and take care of yourself.  This time of year is for relaxing and enjoying all that you've accomplished in 2022. 

This season makes me think about you too.  How people like us are fortunate to have found each other.  To work together to find ways to replace ugliness with beauty.  To help each other during struggles.  And to celebrate each other's successes.    

THANK YOU and may you and your loved ones have a joyful holiday season.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL 
STARTS TODAY!!!
 
Get holiday deals on gifts for everyone on your list at:
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595

The last day to ship before: 
Hanukkah is December 10th

Christmas is December 17th
Kwanzaa is December 18th

*shipping delays may be experienced


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, December 2, 2022

The Only Holy Cannoli

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Only Holy Cannoli
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202210065
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Get holiday deals at the 
WINTER HOLIDAY ART FESTIVAL!!!  
Perfectly unique gifts for everyone on your list 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, November 30, 2022

Digital Devotion

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Digital Devotion #509
paint, color pencil, and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211077
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

LAST DAY! 
The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL!!!  
We're going to have a lot of fun 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, November 28, 2022

Homemade French Toast

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Homemade French Toast #508
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211076
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The sun is trying to break through the clouds on an early Sunday morning.  Our feet crunch on the loose gravel on the road to back to our house.  Our mouths salivate as we talk excitedly about breakfast.  The French Toast made with homemade bread, the perfect amount of cinnamon, and Kettle Ridge maple syrup.  All of it coming together beautifully with a little honey butter. 

STARTS TODAY! 
The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL!!!  
We're going to have a lot of fun 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, November 23, 2022

🍂🍁 HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🍁🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

It's the little ordinary things where we find gratitude.  Did you receive a compliment, a fun item, or other kind gesture recently?  What have you offered someone to help them or cheer them up?  And what difficulties are you fortunate enough to have overcome?  A lot has changed since last Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for.  My loving and supportive wife remains on my side.  So many happy and healthy family and friends.  A silly mutt to keep me entertained.  And I'm grateful for you.  Your kindness has allowed my dreams to come true.  THANK YOU for being you and have a wonderful holiday season!

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL starts Monday!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  Join us 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:

Monday, November 21, 2022

The Hamburger

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Hamburger #507
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

WHO WANTS TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN?  Invite your friends and family to the GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL!!!  We're going to have a good time 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, November 18, 2022

It's Okay Skeleton

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


It's Okay Skeleton
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202211075
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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, November 16, 2022

Belgian Craft Beer

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Belgian Craft Beer #506
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211073
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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, November 14, 2022

Night Watch

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Night Watch #505
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211071
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

An owl hoots in the dim moonlight of the forest.  A slight breeze carries the sweet scent of trees in full bloom through the darkness.  The nocturnal birch guards the woods while it slumbers.  Watching each leaf tumble and every mouse burrow.  It remains still in the face of danger and will always see what is happening.

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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, November 11, 2022

It's Okay Skeleton

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


It's Okay Skeleton
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202211072
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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, November 9, 2022

Vision Quest XLVIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XLVIII #504
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211070
© 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 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.


The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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, November 7, 2022

Whatever Cactus

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Whatever Cactus #503
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211069
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  


The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!!  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!  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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