Friday, July 1, 2022

On a New York City Street

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a New York City Street
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202207022
© 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.

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Polebridge⁩, ⁨Montana⁩

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Glacier National Park⁩, ⁨Polebridge⁩, ⁨Montana⁩
acrylic paint on canvas
24" x 48" (61.0 cm x 121.9 cm)
202203011
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
For image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1259727813

Places and moments can be very special.  There's a sense of awe.  Something that pulls you away from your mundane routine and gives you peace of mind.  More importantly, this is true of our relationships with people too.  To know that we're loved, supported, and have a place in this world.  We have a lot to be grateful for.

Who is special to you?  Why are you happy to know them?  What have you done to express that appreciation?  It's never too late to let them know.


Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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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Monday, June 27, 2022

That's a Piece of Cake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


That's a Piece of Cake #208
Gouache on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Ingredients
Cake

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
7 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 ¾ cups sugar
3 eggs (large at room temperature)
1 egg yolk (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting

3 ½ cups pecan halves (14 ounces)
2 sticks unsalted butter (plus 2 tablespoons at room temperature)
28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (about 2 cans)
¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
5 egg yolks
10 ounces sweetened shredded coconut (about 3 cups)
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Directions
Make the cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch baking pans and line with parchment paper.

Step 2

Use heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add chopped chocolate and melt, stirring occasionally. Chocolate can be melted in microwave too. Let cool slightly.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 sticks of butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. One at a time, beat in the eggs, egg yolk, ending with vanilla. At low speed, beat in the buttermilk and flour mixture in 3 alternating batches, ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the melted chocolate till blending.

Step 4

Batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a cake tester (toothpick) comes out clean. Let cool completely. Turn the cakes out of the pans and remove parchment paper.

Frosting

Step 1

Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop. In a large saucepan, combine butter, condensed milk, and brown sugar and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until smooth. Add egg yolks and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes until thickened. Transfer the frosting to a large bowl and stir in 3 cups of the pecans and the coconut, vanilla and salt; let cool.

Step 2

Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread half of the frosting evenly over one cake. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting on top. Garnish with the remaining pecans.

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?


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:
at No comments:

Friday, June 24, 2022

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)
202206021
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213095501

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #233
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201705044
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?


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:
at No comments:

Monday, June 20, 2022

The Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Distance #215
Gouache Paint and Ink on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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:
at No comments:

Friday, June 17, 2022

This Land Is...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


This Land Is...
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206020
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/538730478

Find Understanding

We've all hurt people.  And that hurts us.  After causing that pain, it is our duty to correct that wrong.  Our ego must not get in the way.  Ignoring and rationalizing only hides our fear that we are weak.  True strength comes from humility, kindness, and admitting our mistakes.   

1) Express Regret: Talk directly with those you've wronged by expressly stating what you did.  For example: "I'm sorry that I (wrongful action).  It was not my intention to hurt you."

2) Very Short Explanation: Without excuses, let them know why the incident occurred in 1-2 sentences.  For example: "I did (wrongful action) from thoughtless habit; not to attack you." 

3) Take Responsibility: Say "I was wrong," "It's was my mistake," or other appropriate variation.

4) Offer Remorse: Let them know explicitly this will not happen again.  For example: "I will not do (wrongful action) again because I don't want to cause you pain."

5) Fix or Compensate Error: If you broke something; replace it.  If you took something; give it back (in better condition than you found it).  Was it something emotional or unable to be restored?  Find a way to make amends that is equal to or greater than the misdeed.

6) Ask To Be Forgiven: Be straightforward and say "Will you forgive me?"  

Benefits: 
1) Saying sorry makes it possible to have a good long term relationship with others.
2) You acknowledge bad behavior and can be trusted again
3) The victim gets their dignity returned.
4) It lets other know that you're still a good person who just made a mistake.
5) Reduces stress that impacts heart health.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black,  gray, 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:
at No comments:
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