Friday, March 22, 2024

Where To Start a Creative Art Business

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I didn't know how to start an art business.  Or even where to begin.  At my "real jobs," I did have experience with creating and implementing programs.  So, I began with a very simple business plan that was only a few pages long.  Almost every assumption, plan and idea didn't end up working except for one tiny detail.  It said, "Create as much as possible."

Seems obvious, right?  But, this is where I see many of my colleagues fail.  Why do we need to keep making new pieces?  Because we can only sell what is available to purchase.  And when I worked a very brief stint at a very successful retailer, I learned they only sell 10% of their inventory.  This means, if you want to earn $10,000, you should plan to have $100,000 worth of art to sell.  Whis means we need to know how many pieces we can make in a week, month, and year.  This is where business begins.

It can seem daunting, but we all have to start somewhere.  My business started with $50 of supplies, 10 paintings, and a very inaccurate business plan.  It was a humble start full of experimentation, trial-and-error, mistakes, surprise victories, and so much more.  I was constantly learning.  I'm still learning.  But, the biggest lesson for me is still "create as much as possible."

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Tell Me, What Do You See?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


I'm nearly blind.  But, there's nothing wrong with my eyes.  Sometimes, I just don't see things.  There's no attempt to look.  When I wake up, it can be pitch black and I can perform countless mundane tasks to prepare for the day without seeing anything.  And when the sun rises and I flip the switches, it's likely my lazy blindness will continue through the day.  That needs to change.  

What do you see?  Take a moment to close you eyes and clear your mind.  Now, really look at the painting; the subject, colors, shapes, etc.  How does this image make you feel?  Do you think I saw and felt the same things you do when I created the painting? Is this a literal subject or is there a metaphor?  It was 2017 when it was created, does it mean something different now?  Why?

I don't want to be blind by choice.  It's a cold and dark mindset.  We need to break our visual routine to see the world as it is.  And what it could be.  So let's get away from the screens for a moment and look as something; anything.  What is it?  Who made it and why?  Where was it created and how did it end up here?  How old is it and would its maker(s) think of it differently now?  Do you see things a bit differently now?


Vision Quest XXXIX, 
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710098
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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.

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Monday, March 18, 2024

🌞😎🌳 You're Invited To the BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

  Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


You're Invited to the
🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

The sunlight pierces the grey winter clouds as they give way to the warmth of Spring.  All that was lifeless is reborn as green buds and flower blooms begin to appear.  And we feel happiness with the fresh air and singing birds.

Spring is the time to refresh your home or office. To make a list of all the small projects that need attention. Or to contact a designer to completely update your space. Maybe you're selling your home and you need something unique to stand out. Converting a space to show who you really are is inspiring.

Let's have fun as we emerge from our hibernation.  To find hope in a new season.  And to share in each other's happiness.

Join us at the:
🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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.
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Friday, March 15, 2024

18 Years Ago...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


It was 18 years ago that I went on my first date with Megan.  We met working at the Chicago Architecture Center (https://www.architecture.org/) where she planned events and I was in the tour department.  We had a love of weird bad movies from the start.  Blockbuster didn't have Robocop (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093870/), so we rented Innerspace (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093260/) instead.  And for dinner, we had takeout Chicken Katsu from Aloha Eats (https://www.alohaeats.com/).  Little did we know that it was a start of a wonderful adventure.  I'm very lucky.

And after 18 years with me, Megan has earned a homemade crab cake dinner...

Mike Kraus


🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Spring Sunlight In the Studio

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


It's been a while since the sunlight has poured into the studio like this.  And it may be time for a little Spring cleaning...

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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.
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Monday, March 11, 2024

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm
2016 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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.

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 space that is light red, yellow, orange, dark green, blue, dark purple, black, white, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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, March 8, 2024

Americans Should Feel Safe

 
On E 490 in Rochester as seen from S. Clinton Ave. near Gregory St.

Americans should feel safe. My child should be able to go to school without any fear.  Why does my family have to worry about being attacked because of our culture?  And my place of worship shouldn't be covered in hateful graffiti.  All of us Americans came here for personal and religious freedom, right?

What do we value?  How do we spend our time: at work, on hobbies, with family?  What does our actions tell us about our real values?  Our acts show our generosity, kindness, fairness, and honesty.  These are meaningful and we should think how we show our values to others.  Does what we believe truly show up in our thoughts and actions?

All I want is to be comfortable and happy.  And it can feel lonely in a world of cruelty and abuse.  But, I know so many kind and caring people too.  And I choose to focus on supporting and loving them.  People like you.  Because, what we do is who we are.
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Maritime Alerts: Distress Signal Received

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Maritime Alerts: Distress Signal Received
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202403004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/227527508

NAVAREA IV 266/2020 (14)

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC. 
DISTRESS SIGNAL RECEIVED ON 406 MHZ 
IN 37-15.5N 051-07.7W. 
VESSELS IN VICINITY REQUESTED TO KEEP A SHARP 
LOOKOUT, ASSIST IF POSSIBLE. 
REPORTS TO RCC BOSTON, 
PHONE: 617 223 8555, 
E-MAIL: RCCBOSTON@USCG.MIL.
 
210457Z MAR 2020 RCC BOSTON 210449Z MAR 20.

This painting would look great in a space that is dark red, yellow, green, light blue, purple, 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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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, March 6, 2024

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
2018 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

I count my breaths as I enter the woods.  It calms my thoughts and helps me to relax.  The chaos and cravings of the world evaporate with every step.  If you're fortunate enough to find the mysterious pass, then you enter into paradise.  This is the magic of the forest.

Do you feel your life is balanced? Why or why not? And what impact will it have on you next year?

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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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:
at No comments:

Monday, March 4, 2024

😎 Could Your Home Be More Beautiful? 😎

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Could your home be more beautiful?

March is the perfect time to plan refreshing your home or office. To make a list of all the small projects that need attention. Or to contact a designer to completely update your space. Maybe you're selling your home and you need something unique to stand out. Converting a space to show who you really are is inspiring.

What makes you happy? Is there a place that is important to you? What do you believe and how is it reflected on your walls? One-of-a-kind art shows the world that you are a special individual.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS - Looking for tips to make your space more inviting. Visit: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html


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 Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Lurie Children's 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, March 1, 2024

End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
202402003
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/708800293

Hiking down the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail is easy. The switchbacks bounce between cascading waterfall creeks. A strong scent of pine as we startle unsuspecting deer around the bend. On the stony beach we enjoy a picnic of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate. The fish jump as we soak our feet in the water. The hill isn't the only reason it's a difficult hike back.

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.

This piece would best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark blue, purple, 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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By Record Archive At the 490/590 "Can of Worms" Interchange In Rochester, New York


Am I happy?  Why am I so worried?  Maybe something has to change.

We are all born with kindness and goodness.  All we want is to find happiness.  And this means we are more alike than we realize.

Our upbringing, thoughts, and beliefs may be different.  But, we all want what is best for ourselves and our loved ones.  We are not a billboard.  But, our caring for one another can make living easier for everyone.

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