🌸 How can we take care of ourselves? 🌸

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🌸 Lotus Flower #579 🌸

pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

202505022

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/222439508

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.

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social 

💜 How can we focus on solutions? 💜

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

💜 Lavender In Provence 💜

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202404015

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/242939782

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.

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

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

👰🤵 Lisa and Ryan's Wedding 🤵👰

CONGRATULATIONS

LISA & RYAN

ON YOUR MARRIAGE!

On Friday May 2nd, 2025 Ryan Cummins & Lisa Kraus (my sister) had their wedding at Hackley Park in Muskegon, Michigan.

Rehearsal dinner at Teddy Spaghettis (an' a pizza pie!) (https://www.facebook.com/eatteddyspaghettis/)

Megan LOVED it!  We'll eat there every time we're in town now.  Teddy and the staff were wonderful.  Good live music while we ate.  And so many leftovers that we couldn't finish them after two days.  Ryan's grandma even found a roll in her purse the next day in the salon.

more SPAGHETTI less UPSETTI!

Lisa getting ready at Evolve Hair Salon (https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolve-Hair-Salon-100063443067183/)

My mom having her makeup put on.

Getting ready in the bridal suite at the Shoreline Inn (https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/muskegon/ascend-hotels/mi322?mc=llgoxxpx)

The marriage was blessed by the mastodon at the Muskegon Museum of History & Science of the Lakeshore Museum Center (https://lakeshoremuseum.org/)

Photos at the Monet Garden Pocket Park (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/monet-gardens/)

Photos at Pere Marquette Beach (https://muskegon-mi.gov/parks/pere-marquette/)

When Ryan mentioned we looked like lucky grooms to passing traffic while waiting to set up, I decided that we should not let our audience down.

And no wedding is complete without visiting the Rotary Club (https://www.muskegonrotary.org/).  For extra bonus points, it was a fundraiser at Wonderland Distilling (https://wonderlanddistilling.com/)

Lisa and Jenny finishing off the cake from Ryke's Bakery (https://rykes.com/) at the reception.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Jenny, Scott, and Maya for all your hard work pulling this wedding together.  It takes so much to make sure that the ceremony is on time, everything is set up, managing the florist, coordinating the food, cleaning up, and so much more.  It was because of you that our families had so much fun celebrating.  And we appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Lisa, you made a beautiful bride.  Ryan, we're so happy that we're now family.  All of us are so excited that you found each other and to many years of happiness!

Enjoy your Italian honeymoon!

🌸 To our inspirational moms! 🌸

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

To our inspirational moms!

Mom selflessly fought to make sure we would thrive. And there were no obstacles she wouldn't overcome to see us win. You are remarkable because you worked every day to make the world a better place. Your patience, kindness, and persistent effort inspires us to be better.

You’re special. You’re beautiful. And you're so loved. Happy Mother’s Day!

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social 

💛🌊 Who supports us: friends, family, clubs? 🌊💛

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

💛🌊 Chimney Bluffs #578 🌊💛

pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

202504019

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/513797026

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.

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social 

🌞 Sun Setting On America 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🌞Sun Setting On America 🌞

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4296499453

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/4296496322

The darkness of night slowly gives way to the hope of a new morning.  The brilliance growing by the minute until it reachs its peak.  And then the luster gradually begins to give way.  The momentum building.  Suddenly the sun is gone.  We pursue and grasp for the happiness of the radiance that was ours so recently.  We are left yearning for the return of the light. 

This painting would look best in a medium-to-small space that is green, blue, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🌻💜 How can we stay calm and detach from negativity? 💜🌻

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

💜 Sunflowers and Lavender in Provence 💜

acrylic paint on canvas board

5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)

202504018

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/534467771

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.

Do you feel your life is unbalanced? Why? And what impact will it have on you next year?

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

My Story

I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/TheWayToBeauty

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social