Friday, May 5, 2023

Lots of Tots

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lots of Tots
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305012
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

We spend the day hiking around Seneca Lake ending at Kashong Conservation Area Park. After the long drive home, we crash on the couch to rest our legs. Fresh air and sunshine are great way to relax your body for the evening. It also makes me a lazy cook. So, for tonight's entrée it's lots of tater tots with whatever simple sides are in the pantry and beer. 

What is your favorite comfort food?  That thing you'll make when you want to forget you're on a diet.  Something you'd eat every night of the week if you could.

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


LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?
Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #519
pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202305011
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO ON MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND?
Enjoy art, music, and refreshment at a historic church along Cayuga Lake.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Monday, May 1, 2023

💚 THANK YOU MOM! 💚

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


THANK YOU MOM!  You are always with us no matter the distance.  You've shielded us from so many obstacles.  And you taught us what real love is.  Mother's Day is a small expression of infinite gratitude for a lifetime of affection.

Let's celebrate the beauty of mom by letting her know she's unique and special.  

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

IT'S OFFICIAL!  I've accepted the role of writer for
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE.  
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/beauty-is-a-survival-tool-35c808371ee2


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Friday, April 28, 2023

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202304010
© 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 Noves. 

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-to-medium space that is red, orange, light yellow, green, blue, dark purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm #518
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202304009
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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.

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Monday, April 24, 2023

Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender In Provence #517
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202304008
© 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.

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Friday, April 21, 2023

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202304007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/689606258/new-york-street-original-acrylic

New York City is uniquely American.  It doesn't matter if you're on 5th Avenue or Hunts Point Avenue, the world is on the street.  The more than 3.2 million foreign-born residents speaking up to 800 different languages are the cause of this vibrancy.  Every store and neighborhood can be a place of wonder and discovery.  For the past 200+ years, it has been a welcoming place for my family.  And now I'm fortunate enough to welcome the liberty-loving idealists of tomorrow.

This painting would look best in a small space that is red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, white, black, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201801001
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Where this path will end is a mystery.  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.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, green, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

at No comments:

Monday, April 17, 2023

Georges Rouault Tulips

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Georges Rouault Tulips
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201806082
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/236577772/georges-rouault-tulips-original-acrylic

Spring has arrived.  The cold of Winter has given way to the heat of the sun.  The snow has melted and been absorbed and life bursts from the earth.  The tulips flood the hillside with color.  A joyous start to the season.

This painting would look best in a small space that is red, yellow, orange, green, blue, white, black, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Friday, April 14, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201804059
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Where this path will end is a mystery.  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.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?

This painting would look best in a space that is dark red, light yellow, dark orange, blue, dark purple, green, beige, white, black, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Spirit of the Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Spirit of the Forest
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201805068
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/615155121/spirit-of-the-forest-original-acrylic

Moonlight breaks through the canopy of the forest as I hike in the darkness.  There's the sound of an owl in the distance warning other of my presence.  The leaves wrestle in the breeze spreading the scent of spicy apricots.  The nocturnal forest is exactly what you expect; and completely unpredictable.  In the dark shadows of the evening I can see everything and nothing at all.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

at No comments:

Monday, April 10, 2023

The Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Birch Forest
acrylic paint, ink on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803047
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
What do I see?  Is it empty and nothingness?  Or is it lively and full?  Do I appreciate the pure and natural?  Am I only looking or do I really see?   

This painting would great in a small space that is dark red, dark orange, yellow, green, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:


at No comments:

Friday, April 7, 2023

Blue Dream Goat

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Dream Goat
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201805072
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/603865166/blue-dream-original-acrylic-painting-8-x

On the far side of the farm was a field where a few of the animals were allowed to wander.  She went to see the flowers and got more than she bargained for.  As soon as she came over the small hill the animals began to gather around her.  It didn't take long for most of them to wander away when they realized she didn't have any food for them.  That is, all except for one white goat.  For the rest of the afternoon, the goat followed her around.  It'd nudge her arm for affection.  It'd bleat at her when it was bored at standing in a specific area.  But, most of all, it wanted to be her friend.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange yellow, green, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

at No comments:

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint of canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201804063
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Where this path will end is a mystery.  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.

Is there a place you go to relax?  Is it wide-open or cozy?  What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there?  Is it a place where you can be by yourself?  What about it makes you feel good?

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

☀😎👍 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL!!! 👍😎☀
Perfectly unique items for your home 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:

at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...