Monday, June 19, 2023

😎 Ready For a Beautiful Summer? 😎

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Do you have beauty in your life?  If so, how; painting, music, interior decorating, or something else?  How does that make you feel?  Is there a boring, ugly space in your home?  Would it give you pleasure if it had attractive art?  Good spirits come from good surroundings. 

Summer is so full of hope.  A season of making memories in the sun.  And we should take the time to enjoy them.   


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - 
See my pieces at:
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/the-way-to-beauty-d3054916f8e0


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:

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Red Tulips

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Red Tulips
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202305015
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your walls or other items, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1498379119/red-tulips-original-digital-download-by

Summer has arrived.  The coolness of Spring has given way to the heat of the sun.  The chilly frost has given way and been absorbed and life bursts from the earth.  The tulips flood the hillside with color.  A joyous start to the season.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 
https://medium.com/p/d3054916f8e0

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:

Monday, June 5, 2023

Mother Tree

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Mother Tree #528
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
202306027
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What did you do today?
What was the best/worst part?
How did the day end?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 

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:

Friday, June 2, 2023

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #527
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
202306026
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 

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:

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Lavender Dream

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Dream #516
gouache paint on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202302005
© 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.


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:

Friday, May 26, 2023

Donut Worry About It

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Donut Worry About It
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305024
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

MMMMmmmm...  Sunlight sparkles through the glass display of the old diner.  Dessert for breakfast.  There's nothing like a freshly made fried doughnut with frosting and sprinkles.  The perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.  It's a good place to hangout after the morning rush has ended.    

How do you spoil yourself after a difficult day?  Is it a snack or something more luxurious?  Maybe it's wasting some time on video games?  It's good to take care of ourselves sometimes.

This painting would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, dark orange, green, blue, purple, black, white, 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:

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Missed Breakfast? How Waffle!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Missed Breakfast?  How Waffle! #524
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
202305021
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


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:

Monday, May 22, 2023

Pin-Up Skeleton

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Pin-Up Skeleton #526
ink and color pencil on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202305023
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

💚 Where is the love and kindness?  It's for everyone; not just romantic relationships.  Who do you spend most of your time with?  What are they like?  If you became like them, how would you be different?  If this person is so important to you, what are you doing about 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 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:

Friday, May 19, 2023

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305020
© 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 Sault.  I'll never forget the fields of France.

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 look best in a space that is light red, yellow, orange, dark green, blue, dark purple,  black, white, 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:

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Happily High; Highly Happy

 

To purchase for your wardrobe, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1429342632

Looking forward to lazy summer daze?  Start a ritual by breaking the ritual of waking up to an alarm clock.  Whenever that is, walk to a peaceful and secluded spot near your home.  It could be a park, wilderness, or a small river.  Sit comfortably and enjoy the coffee, light breakfast, and smoke what you brought with you.  Close your eyes, count your slow breathes, and think of all the small things you are grateful for today.

To purchase for your wardrobe, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1441722440

The pandemic turned my life upside down.  And the darkest moment was losing my dad during Christmas 2020.  It changed my priorities as I realized that now is always the time to work for my dreams.  My three sons should not continue suffering a life living paycheck-to-paycheck.  Today, I'm going back to school for psychology and creating styles for you and your home.

For more designer styles, please visit: 

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Our Paths Will Croissant Again

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Our Paths Will Croissant Again #523
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
202305018
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


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:

Monday, May 15, 2023

My Relationship With Whiskey Is On the Rocks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


My Relationship With Whiskey Is On the Rocks #522
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
202305017
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.


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:

Friday, May 12, 2023

Bell Station On Cayuga Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bell Station On Cayuga Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202305019
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage or home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/696666366/cayuga-lake-original-acrylic-painting-8

Bell Station is an embodiment of triumph.  This pristine location was to be a site of a nuclear power plant.  When that plan failed, an auction was scheduled for the expected development of cheap plastic subdivisions.  But over 4,000 neighbors came together to protect this little paradise.  After a lot of petitions, lobbying, and negotiations this land is now preserved by the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

Have you been to Cayuga Lake?  What was your time like there?  Or is there another place you go to embrace nature?  Tell us your favorite memories.

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

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Deep Dish Pizza Time!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Deep Dish Pizza Time! #525
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
202305012
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Is there a more perfect meal than pizza?  How many other foods are so versatile?  Something that you can have for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner.  And all the variety of toppings.  Even hot or cold.  Pizza is the perfect food.


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:

Monday, May 8, 2023

Have S'more!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Have S'more! #520
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
202305016
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

It's been a long, beautiful day hiking through the natural settings of the state park.  We soak our worn feet into a cool creek and put on sandals on the way back to the picnic area for dinner.  In the twilight, we grill a few brats and vegetables over a small flame.  It gives a flavor you can't acquire on a stove or oven.  And, of course, the perfect way to finish the day is with a s'more.


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:

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