Monday, February 28, 2022

Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Roman Bridge Outside of Ferreirós do Dão, Portugal
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707076
© copyright Mike Kraus

Your home is an extension of your personality.  And using original artwork is a great way to show that individuality.  With a little effort, you could greatly enhance your home's status by showcasing original art in your living spaces.  Here's a tip to consider when choosing artwork.

What color piece should I choose?  The answer depends on your space and what you want to accomplish.  Do you want the piece to blend in to the space or do you want it to be the focus and "pop?"  Are the colors in your room bold or light and pastel?  For my patrons, I usually suggest looking at interior design websites, magazines, Pinterest, etc. to find places similar to theirs or how they want their spaces to look.  I'll even bring paint swatches from the hardware store to come up with a palette.  And if your house is all beige or gray, something bright and bold maybe what you're looking for.  Or if your walls have a lot of color, a black and white piece may be a stunning addition...  (more at: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html)

This painting would look best in an average sized space.  The suggested wall colors are dark red, orange, yellow, light green, dark blue, light purple, black, white, gray, or beige.

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 thousands 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, February 25, 2022

Waddle I Do With Myself

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Waddle I Do With Myself
acrylic paint on canvas board
4" x 6" (10.2 cm x 15.2cm)
202202006
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Why are we alike?
What do we care about?  
And how to we benefit working together?

This piece would work in a small space that is light orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

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 thousands 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, February 23, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710099
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What are the benefits of buying original art?  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

History - What is the provenience or the history of the piece?  Was it hanging in a mansion of a prominent family for the last hundred years?  Maybe it was a gift to the artist's spouse before they passed away  These can add to the value of the piece.  But, what about making your own history?  You don't have to go to a major auction house to build a collection.  Emerging artists can be a very affordable option that can have unlimited growth potential?  To do this, look for artist who is creating artwork as their profession, not as a hobby.  The reason is you want someone who is building a portfolio of work and a market for their pieces.  As the artist career advances from Etsy, to cafe shows, small gallery exhibit, high-end galleries, and museum, the value of your pieces advance too.  If you're fascinated by venture capitalist, this may be for you.  While many of the artists may fail to be recognized, finding that one piece or artist could be life changing. 

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

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

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 thousands 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, February 21, 2022

Sun Setting On Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting On Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201707074
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/205652659/sun-setting-on-lake-michigan-original

My feet sink into the fine beach sand as I make my way toward the bonfire. A case of beer in one hand and a bundle of wood under the other arm. The heat of the sun begins to give way to the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The scent of the shoreline pairs perfectly with the changing colors of the sky. The waves gently crashing on the shoreline of another perfect summer night.

We all have places that feel like home. Reminders of a carefree childhood. Experiences that made us who we are. We have a connection to them as they gave us our sense of the world. How different would our lives be without these spaces?

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

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 thousands 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, February 18, 2022

Lavender Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Field
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202005
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/208577323/lavender-field-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 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 piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark orange, yellow, green, blue, black, white, grey, or wood.  

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 thousands 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, February 16, 2022

An Extraordinary Transformation

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


An Extraordinary Transformation
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202112105
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

Places are special because of the experiences we've created.  What place is important to you?  And what makes that place unique to you?  

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 thousands 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, February 14, 2022

Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 Icy Shore of the St. Lawrence River
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The chilly wind pierces my skin as I walk the shores of the St. Lawrence.  I look out toward Pine Island as the ice collects and builds on the gentle current.  Grindstone Island, which seems so massive on a sunny day, almost disappears in weather like this.  A flock of ducks flee Picton Island and huddle in a spot on Round Island trying to stay warm.

We are like icebergs on this mighty river.  Some racing and crashing at incredible speeds.  Others remain on the banks growing massive and strong.  All different kinds of formations.  Constantly changing with the fickleness of the weather.  Always breaking apart and coming together.

How do you enjoy your winter days?  Are you active with skiing and snowshoeing?  Or do you hibernate with hearty meals and hot cocoa?  Perhaps you live in a warm, sunny locale laughing at us that shovel?  

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

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 thousands 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, February 11, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  

A mug full of caffeine will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?

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

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 thousands 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, February 9, 2022

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
We need to accept beauty when it arrives.  To prioritize the value of beauty in all forms.   Beauty isn’t a waste of time, a luxury, or the domain of the educated upper classes.  Beauty is your own authentic personal experience.  True beauty is independent, autonomous, and free of social pressure.  Imposed taste is manipulative and unethical as it takes away an individual’s identity.  Art is not a communal experience.  Yet, sharing your love of beauty can build friendships.  It is up to you to refine and develop your personal tastes and interests.  We must be vulnerable and let down our guard.  To be courageous enough to think and feel our true conclusions.  The sensation of openness, trust, symbiosis, caring, and being loved shows us that “everything is okay.”  Beauty is a way of life.   It is the affirmation of life.  To create is an act of love.  It is the process of intelligence.  It is a way of accessing and communicating with the human mind.

What is something ugly you see every day?  What would it take to make it beautiful?  What is preventing you from making the improvement?  Are there reasonable alternatives?  Go do it!

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 thousands 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, February 7, 2022

How Do We Make Beautiful Art?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Beautiful art reveals a truth.   It has a purpose for its existence.  It must reveal a “grey area” item like “love,” “justice,” or other virtue.  And art must have an understandable communication structure. A structure that is coherent and not unnecessarily complicated.  While the self can be referenced by the artist, it needs to be greater than just an individual’s personal ego. An honest forgetting of the self.  It’s not the paint that is beautiful; it’s the truth that it reveals to our mind that is. Still, art is more than just truth. And it’s not necessarily about morals, religion, or politics.  Art is a state of mind frozen in time. It’s about living a fuller existence. 

What is your favorite piece of art? Who made it and when? Why did they create it? How does the piece make you feel? Do you think the artist felt the same way or had the same feelings?

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 thousands 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, February 4, 2022

Mind Reading

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202201003
© copyright Mike Kraus
The most successful members of a stable society have a strong sense of empathy.  They can see what others see, feel what they feel, and gauge response with precision.  When to advance and when to retire.  Whom to groom and whom to avoid.  Whom to challenge and when to placate.  During social interactions, our brains go through a three-step process: 1) mentalizing goals and plans to achieve them, 2) empathizing feelings to predict their actions, and 3) mirroring and imitation.

Is there someone you'd like to know better?  Ask them how they are doing and what things are like these days.  Learn something new by asking for someone to teach you.  Reach out to someone with different beliefs or background to find their dreams and what makes them happy.  

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 thousands 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, February 2, 2022

Creating Is Love!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creating Is Love!

Growing up, west Michigan winters could be harsh and lonely.  Countless hours watching TV between microwaved meals.   Boredom was a gift that forced me to be creative.  Simple doodles lead to elaborate drawings and then to colorful paintings.  Learning new techniques from books and starting the process all over again.  Now, my days are active and enjoyable with a community of friends like you.  

We have so much in common.  Sure, we share similar interests in the arts.  But, it's something deeper than that.  It's wanting a beautiful life by engaging with each other.  To appreciate all we have to be grateful for. 

Let us continue to imagine together.  There are so many wonderful possibilities.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Thank you for your kindness and support.  Your encouragement has meant so much to me.  I wish you good health and happiness in 2022.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


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 thousands 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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