Friday, August 14, 2026

🐱 Tell me about the pet who became part of your family’s story? 🐱

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Truffle has always been more than the cat who lives with us. She is part of the rhythm of our family, quietly woven into the ordinary moments that somehow become the ones we remember most. I can still picture her looking completely at home in her little corner of the world. There is something comforting about the soft texture of her coat, the familiar weight of her presence, and the way a beloved pet can make a house feel unmistakably like ours. When I think about what we want to keep from this chapter of our lives, it is not simply an image of Truffle. It is the feeling of being the family we are, with the animals we love woven into our story.

That is what makes a custom portrait so meaningful. It gives us a way to celebrate the people, pets, places, and moments that say something about who you are and who you hope to remain. And it does not have to be complicated. You do not need to know exactly what you want or how to turn a memory into a work of art. You simply bring me the story, and we can create something that feels like it belongs to your life. 

If there is someone or something that has become part of the person you are, what would you choose to make a lasting part of your story?

🐱 Truffle 🐱
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202607043
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To turn your story into a one of a kind work of art, please visit: 
or buy direct at:



One lyric from Brinker James' new song We've Got the Day has been stuck in my head: "Man named Life tapped me. Told me be happy." Simple. Honest. Thoughtful.What if happiness isn't something you find, but something you notice?


🍁 Awesome Autumn Art Festival 🍁

Discover artists. Make new friends. Celebrate creativity. Join us for 3 days of art, conversation, and community. Meet artists from around the world, explore original artwork, and find something that speaks to you. Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply love beautiful things, we'd love to have you with us.

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html
at No comments:

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Wandering Wednesday: What happens when two friends decide to make music together?

Wandering Wednesday


Some songs begin with a melody. Others begin with a conversation, a memory, or simply two friends deciding to see what happens when they make something together. For Andrew Glaser and Ben Saunders, that friendship eventually became Brinker James.

The two met working in a pizza restaurant and bonded over music. Years later, those conversations, influences, experiments, and countless hours of writing and playing became Wooden Shield, their debut album.

"We've Got the Day" opens that journey with something wonderfully uncomplicated: "Come with me, we've got the day."

After spending time with the album, that invitation says something important about Brinker James. Their music doesn't seem interested in telling you what to think. It invites you to slow down, listen, and enter the world they've created. And there is something particularly satisfying about hearing a song that began with two friends making music together eventually become a finished album.

I was fortunate to contribute the cover artwork to Wooden Shield, but the music belongs entirely to Ben and Andrew. This is their story, their songwriting, and their journey. If you haven't heard "We've Got the Day" yet, take a few minutes and come along.

What happens when two friends decide to make something together? Sometimes, you get a song. Sometimes, you get an entire world.


at No comments:

Monday, August 10, 2026

😎 What’s it like when a place you love becomes part of who you are? 😎

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


My connection to São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal began with a family story rooted in Lombinha da Maia, a village surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of volcanic landscapes, ocean views, and endless shades of green. This island is a place where nature feels alive, where cows wander peacefully across the hills under a gentle climate, and where fields of colorful hydrangeas transform the landscape into something unforgettable. I wanted to celebrate the feeling of belonging that comes from knowing a place where the air feels fresh, the views inspire wonder, and the traditions of family, food, and community are woven into everyday life.

This was created for anyone who carries a connection to the Azores, dreams of exploring its beauty, or wants to honor the heritage and memories that shape who they are. It brings a sense of island calm, natural beauty, and family pride into your home, allowing you to reconnect with the places and stories that matter most. Whether São Miguel is part of your history or a destination that lives in your heart, I hope this reminds you of the sound of the ocean, the sight of green hills stretching toward the horizon, and the feeling of being exactly where you belong. 

What part of your own story would you love to keep close every day?

😎 São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal 😎
201904040
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Whether São Miguel is part of your heritage or simply a place you love, you can bring a little piece of the island home here:


What if happiness isn't something you find, but something you notice?

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html
at No comments:

Friday, August 7, 2026

💜 In what ways do the places we dream about become the places where we truly belong? 💜

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



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. Every twisting road reveals new rows of lavender stretching endlessly under the sun. I will never forget the fields of France.

Art is more than something pretty on a wall. It carries feelings, memories, and a little bit of hope. If this piece speaks to you, it may be because it already belongs with you.

💜 Lavender In Provence 💜
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202607041
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To saunter through calm, please visit: 
or buy direct at:


What if happiness isn't something you find, but something you notice?

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at No comments:

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Wandering Wednesday: We've Got the Day

Wandering Wednesday 


There are songs that ask us to think. There are songs that ask us to remember. And every once in a while, there are songs that remind us of something we've known all along.

The opening track from Brinker James' debut album, Wooden Shield, is called "We've Got the Day." It begins with a simple invitation: "Come with me, we've got the day."

Those few words carry a surprising amount of weight. They remind me that some of life's richest moments are also its simplest. A walk beside a creek. Sunlight filtering through the trees. The feeling that, for just a little while, everything is exactly as it should be.

One of my favorite lyrics is: "Man named Life tapped me. Told me be happy." There's no grand speech. No complicated philosophy. Just a quiet reminder that happiness is often found by paying attention to the day we've been given.

When I was creating the cover artwork for Wooden Shield, I contemplated forests, changing seasons, and the symbols that would become part of the painting. Looking back, I realize this opening song captures that same feeling. Before life becomes complicated, there is wonder. Before the journey begins, there is home.

If you've been looking for thoughtful new music, I hope you'll spend a few minutes with Brinker James. I think they've created something special.

What reminded you to slow down and appreciate the day you're living today?

Listen to the full song at: 


Follow Brinker James: 
at 1 comment:

Monday, August 3, 2026

✨ Your Next Favorite Artist ✨

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Some of the best discoveries happen when we're not looking for them.

Many of my favorite artists were people I'd never heard of just moments before discovering their work.

That's one of the joys of collecting art.

Every piece begins as something unknown. Then suddenly it catches your eye. You stop scrolling. You look a little longer. Before you know it, you've found something you'll remember for years.

That's exactly why I'm excited today.

The Artist Trading Card (ACEO) Festival is officially open.

For the next few days, artists from around the world are sharing thousands of original miniature works of art. Some are playful. Some are breathtaking. Some may introduce you to an artist you'll follow for years to come.

I love Artist Trading Cards because they make collecting feel approachable. They're small enough to fit in your hand, yet each one carries a story, a personality, and a unique way of seeing the world.

Who knows? Your next favorite artist might be waiting just one click away.

I'd love for you to join us and explore everything the festival has to offer.

👉 Visit the Artist Trading Card (ACEO) Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/artisttradingcards

I hope you discover something that makes you smile.

Warmly,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS: What will you discover at the 🍁 Awesome Autumn Art Festival 🍁? It could be a favorite new artist, a beautiful piece for your collection, or the perfect place to share your own creations.

Start the exploration at:  https://www.facebook.com/events/107133601545988


I'm excited to finally share a creative collaboration that has been months in the making. Wooden Shield, the debut album from Pittsburgh indie folk duo Brinker James, is arriving soon, and I had the privilege of creating the cover artwork.


I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html
at 1 comment:

Friday, July 31, 2026

💙❤️ Tell me about the place you would escape to if you could walk through this mysterious forest tonight? ❤️💙

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


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?


💙❤️ Twilight Woods ❤️💙
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202607039
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To enjoy the magic of the forest, please visit: 
or buy direct at:


I'm excited to finally share a creative collaboration that has been months in the making. Wooden Shield, the debut album from Pittsburgh indie folk duo Brinker James, is arriving soon, and I had the privilege of creating the cover artwork.


🎴🃏Join us  for the Artist Trading Card (ACEO) Festival! 🎴🃏

The Artist Trading Cards (ACEO) Gallery is hosting a party August 3rd-5th! Buy, sell, trade, collect, or share your ACEOs and ATCs while connecting with artists and collectors from around the world, discovering incredible miniature artworks, and celebrating creativity in a fun and welcoming community. Sign up at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1390215639617927

I’m Mike Kraus, a lifelong artist who believes color, movement, and curiosity can quietly change how a space and a day feel. More about me at: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/bio.html
at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...