Friday, August 31, 2018

Owasco Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711112
© copyright Michael Kraus


The waning days of summer.  A time to reflect on the memories we've made.  All the trips to the lake for boating and swimming.  Also a time to absorb every last bit of the warm sun the summer has to offer.  To remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.
Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:

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 hundreds 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, August 29, 2018

Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711120
© copyright Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/626210526/aurora-borealis-over-lake-michigan
The lights of the city are far from the gently waves splashing on the fine sand beach.  That darkness allows me a brief glimpse of the magic of the skies our ancestors saw before industrialization.  All the greens, pinks, and blues swirling around as if propelled by the soft breeze.  My thoughts evaporate and my eyes absorb this obscured enchantment of the heavens.  Everything is right as my body sinks into the sand and takes in the celestial.

Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:



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 hundreds 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, August 27, 2018

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome #307
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201808108
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/625605604/taco-bout-awesome-307-artist-trading

 Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years .  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United State and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.

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.

Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/



Michael 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 hundreds 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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Friday, August 24, 2018

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Lavender Farm, 2018
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201808107
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/222100999/lavender-farm-original-acrylic-painting

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.

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

 Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/


Michael 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 hundreds 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.


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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee #306
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201808106
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.

 Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/


Michael 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 hundreds 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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Sunday, August 19, 2018

WOW! I'm Featured In Boston Voyager Magazine!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201807100
© copyright Mike Kraus

WOW! Boston Voyager Magazine included my art in the Weekly Review! Please check it out at: http://bostonvoyager.com/2018/08/17/boston-arts-culture-weekly-review-2/#comment-51434


Michael 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 hundreds 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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Friday, August 17, 2018

On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Green of St. Andrews Golf Course
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201808105
© copyright Mike Kraus

The final hole on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf Course; "Cathedral of Golf."  In 1764, William St. Clair of Rosslyn decided to alter the course to have the standard 18-holes we have today.  And it has hosted 29 Open Championships since 1873.  That sense of history is felt with every footstep as I carry my golf bag down every fairway and over ancient bridges.  And I have a lot of time to ponder the days of yore when I'm in the "road bunker..."

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

Please listen to my Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:
https://www.mixcloud.com/graphic-ear/070518-graphic-ear-with-mike-kraus/


Michael 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 hundreds 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, August 15, 2018

Café In Briançon, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Café In Briançon, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201808104
© copyright Mike Kraus

We take our time wandering though the forests along the Durance River enjoying the cool air.  Eventually, we find the ramparts of the city of Briançon.  These fortifications built in the 1600s to keep the Austrians out now provide skiers and tourists picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  We have reservations for Le Pied de la Gargouille, which is just around the corner.  But, there's still time to enjoy the sun setting on the French Alps.

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


Michael 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 hundreds 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.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY SCOUT!!!

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, August 13, 2018

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #305
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201808103
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.


Michael 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 hundreds 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, August 10, 2018

All Your Questions About Toronto; UNANSWERED!

Megan and I decided to take our summer vacation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada this year since neither of us has been there since the early-mid 1990s.  Little did we know, that we'd be back home in less that 24 hours...

We dropped off our bags and went for a late lunch at Fancy Franks (https://fancyfranks.com) around the corner on College Street.  And they were amazing.  We both got the "Franks Got Seoul" with Korean Beef Rib, Kimchi, Sesame Seeds, and Scallions.  I haven't had a hot dog this good since I lived in Chicago

The Fairland Funland (http://fairlandfunhouse.com) is an artist/musician project we were planning to attend while in Toronto.  It was just down the street from our place in Kensington Market.  

Eco-friendly car?

I barely recognize Toronto from my last visit around 1993.  There were new skyscrapers everywhere.  And it makes sense since the population is now more than Chicago and the 4th largest city in North America.  

The CN Tower (https://www.cntower.ca/intro.html) is one of the few structures I did recognize from before.  But, it looks much smaller next to all the new high rises around it.

The base of the CN Tower from the Rogers Center.  There's parks, event spaces, Ripley's Aquarium (https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/) and all kinds of things here now.  So different from the large parking lots, railroad tracks, and abandoned industrial buildings I remember surrounding the stadium.


Here's a few people doing the Edge Walk (https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/plan-your-visit/attractions/edgewalk/edgewalk-overview.html) on the CN Tower.  

The Toronto Blue Jays (51W-60L) (https://www.mlb.com/bluejays) vs. the Boston Red Sox (79W-34L) (https://www.mlb.com/redsox) at the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome).





We haven't been to an MLB game since Chicago.  While the Blue Jays aren't very good, at least the game was competitive.  Went into extra innings before the Red Sox overpowered the Jays.

We were completely unaware of what was happening.  While the game was happening, the roof of the stadium was being closed.  Which is odd since rules for baseball usually require that lights, domes, and other conditions have to be the same for both teams.  And, I've never seen a retractable roof changed during a game ever.  But, it was impressive to see this feat of engineering at work.  

Why the roof was closed was because a major rainstorm was about to hit Toronto.  It rained heavily for hours.  It rained so hard that the dome leaked into sections of the seats.  And it was a slow moving storm that we were stranded in the stadium hotel for a long time because taxis and mass transit were all down.  

Here's a photo from the Toronto Star (https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/08/07/16000-without-power-in-north-york-as-heavy-rain-batters-toronto-causing-floods-in-parts-of-the-city.html)  Megan and I were blissfully unaware of the situation still.  We knew it was raining hard, but we were annoyed because we left the rain gear at our place since there was no rain predicted earlier.  But, when we arrived at our rental, it too was flooded.  Fortunately, the building manager lived next door and we were able to stay in a guest room for the night.  But, that also meant it was the end of our vacation.

At Aroma Coffee (https://aroma.ca) on College Street pondering the rain.  Deciding "should we stay or should we go." 

Well, we're still technically on vacation.  So, Megan and I went to Deer Run Beach Park (https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Deep-Run-Beach-3) for some sun and water.

Aww...  Those dragonflies are in love...

I have to admit, we do make good lemonade when life gives us lemons...

Please listen to my Graphic Ear interview on WAYO 104.3 FM Rochester at:

Michael 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 hundreds 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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