Friday, September 28, 2018

Burr's Seedling

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Burr's Seedling
acrylic paint on canvas board
9" x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm)
201809115
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://society6.com/product/burrs-seedling_print?sku=s6-9773747p4a1v45

40% off this item with code NOPLANS ends tonight at midnight PT!
Make a blank space pop with rad Art Prints. Better yet, start a gallery wall and mix Art Prints, posters, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints of all sizes to elevate your space with design. Available in five sizes, from mini to x-large.

-Gallery quality Giclée print
-Natural white, matte, ultra smooth background
-100% cotton, acid and lignin-free archival paper
-Epson K3 archival inks for high-quality print
-Custom trimmed with 1” border for framing


More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

On a Chicago Street Corner

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On a Chicago Street Corner
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201809114
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/614691323/on-a-chicago-street-corner-original

On this plots of land, the long grass of the Illinois prairie gave way to squalid tenements of Irish immigrants in the 1840s.  They escaped famine and oppression in their homeland to find abuse, poverty, and the backbreaking labor of digging canals, building roads, and constructing the railroads.  The neighborhood had frequent Cholera outbreaks because of the constant flooding.

Seeking religious and political freedoms from the Austrians, Czech immigrants moved to this muddy Chicago neighborhood.  They opened a restaurant called "At the City of Plzeň", which inspired the Pilsen neighborhood's name.  When banks refused to loan them money to build homes, they formed their own credit unions to finance the neo-Bohemian Baroque architecture that is treasured today.

In the 1950, the construction of the Stevenson Expressway forced Mexican immigrants from their homes to the Hull House Neighborhood.  Soon after, they were forced from their homes again to make room for the University of Illinois Chicago campus.  When the Latino community began to appear in Pilsen, they fought discrimination to have a place to live, to be members of churches, to open shops, and to have their children receive decent educations.  So, when another Urban Renewal plan for Pilsen was discovered, they fought back to save the neighborhood they worked so hard to create.

These streets bear the scars of injustice and the hope for opportunity for all.  Overcoming our prejudice to the cause of freedom is what gives us hope in America.        

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018

First Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


First Home
acrylic paint on canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201809112
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Watkins Glen

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Watkins Glen
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711124
© copyright Michael Kraus

The birds and chipmunks scurry through the leaves as we climb up the gorge.  Not too far away is the gentle crashing of a waterfall.  Step-by-step, our feet press forward as we make our way up the stairs and down the paths.  As we take a short break, we comment on how the rocks are stacked like books waiting to be placed back on the shelves.  After a little more walking, you can really take it all in at Point Lookout.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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:

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #308
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 frame) 
201809113
© 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.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Happy Baby

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Happy Baby
acrylic paint on canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201806077
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.


THANK TO KETTLE RIDGE FARM!  I had another great day at KettleFest.  It's always great meeting so many wonderful people, local artisans, talented musicians, and eating all the honey and maple syrup pancakes.


More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Easter Dog

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Easter Dog
acrylic paint on canvas
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201806076
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-art-by-mike

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.


More About Mike Kraus Art

See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:

Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Summer Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Summer Woods
 acrylic paint on canvas board
18" x 24" (45.7 cm x 61.0 cm) 
201808110
© copyright Mike Kraus

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER! Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art. Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique. Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.


More About Mike Kraus Art

See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:

Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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.

Monday, September 10, 2018

The Enchanted Squirrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Enchanted Squirrel
acrylic paint, beads, gems, stones with resin on canvas
16" x 20" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) in a vintage wooden frame
201809112
© copyright Maureen Robbins/Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/203691540/the-enchanted-squirrel-original-mixed

What happens when a piece of Mike Kraus' art scampers into the studio of Maureen Robbins?  Magic!  An artists' workshop is a dangerous place for a squirrel to wander in to.  There's lots of paint, beads, gems, stones lurking in every nook and cranny.  Some that bring out somber thoughts and others that dazzle the eye with its brightness.  But, if everything goes right and momentum propels us correctly, unusual collaborations can lead to wonderful enchantments.


More About Maureen Robbins Art
First Sunday Art Opening at 540WMain

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM​ Rochester at:


Maureen Robbins
From collector to artist, Maureen Robbins has always had a certain flair. She shared her artistic side with a love of interesting purses and jewelry during a long career in Marketing, along with a home filled with unusual artwork and collectibles from around the world. So it was no surprise that, in retirement, she would take her artistry in a new direction. A bejeweled old window, used as a message board in a B&B was her first inspiration for turning everyday items into bejeweled pieces of artwork …. planters, vases, windows, picture frames. From those early stages, her artwork has developed in multiple directions and her work has been shown in a Gallery in San Diego, CA, and has been featured for three years in the Spring Show of the Erie Art Museum. Today, you’ll find pieces in galleries and art shops across Upstate New York.

Mike Kraus
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.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Canadice Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Canadice Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711117
© copyright Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/642169863/canadice-lake-original-acrylic-painting

Not too many waters are as pure as Canadice Lake.  The wildness of the wilderness still remains as homes are prohibited from the shoreline and large boats are banned from the waves.  Just the tranquility of fresh water splashing on the embankment surrounded by unspoiled woodlands.  As I silently watch the sunset, a Bald Eagle soars in the air before a sudden plunge toward the lake.  It pulls up just before crashing while thrusting its talons into the water grabbing a Lake Trout and flying away.

More About Mike Kraus Art
Boston Voyager Magazine Interview

See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist

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


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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