Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Have S'more!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Have S'more! #537
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
202307043
© 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.

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Motivation

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, July 24, 2023

Home Cafe

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Home Cafe #536
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
202307042
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Community
https://medium.com/p/257f427421d5

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, July 21, 2023

Vitale Park at Conesus Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vitale Park at Conesus Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307041
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

We decided to make this a lazy weekday by skipping work. Then took a relaxed commute to the lake for a BBQ. On the menu is bass, which we caught earlier in the morning. While it grills, we talk about nothing in particular. All the concerns of the world disappear as the sun sinks into the hills.
The sky radiates colors and reminds us to be grateful.

What do you think abou
t the artwork on your walls?  How do you capture your memories.  Does that make you happy?

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Community
https://medium.com/p/257f427421d5

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, July 19, 2023

Do Whitefish Eat Candy?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Do Whitefish Eat Candy? #535
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
202307040
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232846174/do-whitefish-eat-candy-535-artist

Do whitefish eat candy?
What do you believe?
What would it mean if it were true?

JOIN US for the
ARTIST TRADING CARD (& small art) FESTIVAL! 
There will be lots of artists, collectors, traders, and more. How happy are you with your art collection?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Transparency

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, July 17, 2023

Why Biscuit Rush Lips?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Why Biscuit Rush Lips? #534
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
202307039
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Why biscuit rush lips?
What do you know?
What if lips delayed biscuit?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Transparency

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, July 14, 2023

VanRiper and Whitlock Nature Preserve On Cayuga Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


VanRiper and Whitlock Nature Preserve On Cayuga Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202307038
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
A lazy day along Cayuga Lake hiking between Seneca Falls and Ithaca.  Well worn paths through gorges and woods that open up to vineyards.  A tractor path leads us down to the calm lake where we take a snack break.  It's easy to be grateful with places like this.

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

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


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree.  From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture 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, July 12, 2023

Do Whitefish Eat Candy?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Do Whitefish Eat Candy? #533
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
202307035
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Do whitefish eat candy?
What do you believe?
What would it mean if it were true?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Transparency

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, July 10, 2023

STOLEN? Have You Seen This Art?


TITLE: Essential Heroes #398
DESCRIPTION: Portrait
CATEGORY: Drawing
REFERENCE NUMBER: 202010097
MAKER/ARTIST: Mike Kraus of Mike Kraus Art Inc.
MATERIALS: pen and ink on Bristol paper
MEASUREMENT: 2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
TIME PERIOD: 2020

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, July 7, 2023

Owasco Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307034
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The days of summer.  A time to appreciate all the wonderful moments we're experiencing.  The trips to the lake for boating and swimming.  And absorbing the light and warmth from the sun.  To reflect on how grateful we are for all that we have.

What do you think about the artwork on your walls?  How do you capture your memories.  Does that make you happy?

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, July 5, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #532
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
202307033
© 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?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Engagement

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, July 3, 2023

☀😎 Under the Sun 😎☀

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


How do we want to remember this summer?  There are only so many hours of sunlight.  Not nearly enough warm nights for sunsets.  And very few minutes of counting shooting stars while making s'mores.  What about summer makes you happy? 

Art is about capturing the moments and emotions of today.  When we see a painting on our walls it allows us to reminisce about those feelings.  It tells others who we are and want to be. A few select pieces end up in museums documenting our memories of relationships, events, restlessness, maturing, work, and love. What does your art say?




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 30, 2023

Lamoreaux Landing On Seneca Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lamoreaux Landing On Seneca Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202306032
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/244918007

A cool breeze comes off the calm, deep waters of Seneca Lake as we hike the shoreline. We've found our spot to enjoy our picnic lunch from roadside stands paid on the honor system and bottle of local Gewurztraminer wine.  Just relaxing and appreciating the panoramic view.  There's a sweet scent coming from the vineyard as we smirk at our dog running aimlessly through the field.  And we're fortunate to know that feeling like this comes from being outdoors.

Summer is happening right now.  Don't forget to capture that feeling.

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Action
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-action-a54ce2c6209d

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 28, 2023

Our Paths Will Croissant Again

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Our Paths Will Croissant Again #531
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
202306031
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What treat can't you resist?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
Culture of Action
https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/culture-of-action-a54ce2c6209d

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 26, 2023

Grandma's Cupcake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Grandma's Cupcake #530
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
202306030
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What reminds you of someone you love?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
What Can We Do About Our Culture?

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 23, 2023

Bluff Point at Keuka Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202306029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Sometimes, living in Upstate New York is like living in a postcard. Every trail we hike reveals the beauty of nature. Dense forests give way to open fields. We find a comfortable spot to snack and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the lake. "If this isn't nice, what is?"

Where is your favorite place? Who do you go there with? Why is it so special to you? How does it make you feel?

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
What Can We Do About Our Culture?

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 21, 2023

Mother Tree

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Mother Tree #529
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
202306028
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
What Can We Do About Our Culture?

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:

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...