Friday, May 31, 2019

Seneca Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Seneca Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
201905049
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!

To celebrate Megan's birthday, we took a day trip to the wineries on the east side of Seneca Lake.  The focus was red wines with a view.  And Damiani Wine (https://damianiwinecellars.com/) was a great way to start.  Very friendly and knowledgeable staff with great wines.


J.R. Dill (http://www.jrdillwinery.com/) had a great patio, an eclectic and affordable range of wine, and a fun.  And, if you're like me, and don't know a lot about wine, it's a great place to start and learn a few things.

Atwater Estate Vineyards (https://www.atwatervineyards.com/) really knew how to enhance their view.  A tasting room overlooking the lake.  A patio to relax and enjoy a glass or two of wine.  And vineyards to wander around in.



Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars (https://lamoreauxwine.com/) was a temple to wine.  A wonderful variety of wine, beautiful tasting spaces, and a very outgoing staff.  Local artists work covers the walls making it an impressive destination.




Fingerlick's Ice Cream is so good they don't need a website or social media.  So good they only need to be open 3 days a week.  There's quite a few creative combinations and very generous proportions.  This all makes for a very happy birthday girl.


More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Canandaigua Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Canandaigua Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
201905048
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Nestled between hills covered with traditional wineries and family-run Bed and Breakfasts is Canandaigua Lake.  After a morning in the warm waters, we peruse the village shops on Main Street.  We ended up at the restaurant at the marina watching the courteous boat traffic.  Our lazy journey to Naples seems almost heavenly as we pass roadside fruit stands overlooking the lake.  A great place for a summer day.  

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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.


Monday, May 27, 2019

Sunflower Fields of Provence France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflower Field of Provence France
Acrylic paint on Canvas
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus 

It was a late start from Avignon as we lingered at a cafe savoring our coffee and croissants.  A warm breeze with a sweet scent was blowing as we hiked our way toward Carpentras.  My backpack filled with necessities like snacks, water, and wine.  It will come in handy when we find a beautiful place to rest our worn feet.  Perhaps overlooking the rolling hills of sunflowers.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, green, blue, violet, purple, brown  beige, or on wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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.



Friday, May 24, 2019

Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
201905047
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels use to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships. The pollution began to poison the waters. In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak. Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity. Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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.


Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Yellow Birch Tree

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Yellow Birch Tree
Acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A white birch tree in a field of yellow. Birch trees have always been a meditative source for me. Growing up, there was one outside my window that I would look at while daydreaming. And, when I needed to get away from the world I went to a grove of Birch trees to find refuge. I’ve always found the unique and nearly useless white tree interesting.

This painting would look best somewhere that needs a splash of color.  A small-to-medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, purple, beige, black, white, grey, or wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM



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:

Monday, May 20, 2019

São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

acrylic paint on canvas

201904040

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

© copyright Mike Kraus

Her family is from São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. A green volcanic island with a lot of exotic plants and marine life. After a recent visit, she decided she wanted to commemorate her family's village of Lombinha da Maia with a painting. The Azores are the land of happy cows. Unlike many cows, they are able to graze year-round in the very temperate climate. And their joyful exclusively grass-based diet makes the best cheese. A rainbow of Hydrangea flowers thrive on the islands taking over much of the landscape. After many consultations back and forth, the piece is completed. The vision of the sketch comes alive. The island memories are recalled. And I'm very fortunate to be a small part of her family's Azores journey.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

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.




Friday, May 17, 2019

Conesus Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Conesus Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
201905046
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Our friends invited us to a BBQ on a weekend afternoon. On the menu was bass, which they caught earlier in the morning. Over the grill, we discussed our daily lives. All the concerns of the world disappear as the sun starts to sink. The sky radiates color and reminds us to be grateful.
More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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.


Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Summer In Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer In Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201905042
© copyright Mike Kraus

Under the canopy of the trees, the sun isn't so hot.  But, I live for days like these with our brutal winters.  The seasons can be so extreme here.  The sound of the water splashing on the beach become audible.  My feet sink in the sand as I climb the dune and the vast expanse of the great lake become visible.

This piece would work in a space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, black, white, or wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM


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:

Monday, May 13, 2019

Vision Quest XXVIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vision Quest XXVIII
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710097
© copyright Michael Kraus


I have stayed here for several days.  Alone in the wilderness with only the things I can carry in my backpack.  I've been rationing my food and water to extend my time here.  There's an intensity to the morning sun that is counter-balanced by the dew on the leaves.  A delicate harmony to everything.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM



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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