Mike Kraus

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

On a Chicago Street Corner

On a Chicago Street Corner, 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

6" x 4" in a 7 1/4" x 5 1/4" frame

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/200597940/on-a-chicago-street-corner-original-ink?

Crossing Congress Parkway after I had some errands to run in Printer's Row. Just trying to enjoy the summer heat and scenery while I wait to cross the busy highway that slashes through the heart of Chicago. To the left is Modern Brutalist buildings. Their fortress like design used in structures ranging from office buildings, parking garages, and gas stations. The only exception is the southern addition of the Monadnock Building from 1891. In the distance to the right is Mies van der Rohe's Federal Plaza. It is the physical embodiment of "less is more." As my eye moves closer I see the Fisher Building (an early curtain wall structure by Daniel Burnham), the Old Colony Building (a skyscraper using early wind bracing techniques), and the Manhattan Building (the oldest surviving skyscraper in the world). The light changes and I head to the 'L' so I can go home for dinner.

This drawing would look great in almost any because of its neutral tones and warm frame

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Wilder Building

Wilder Building, 2014

pen, ink, and graphite

3" x 4 1/2" in a 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" frame

To Purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/200213111/wilder-building-original-ink-drawing-3-x?

Buildings do more than shelter us from the rain. They reveal human intelligence and purpose. What kind of technology did it require in 1887 to construct Rochester's first modern skyscraper? What was the architect trying to tell us using the Romanesque style? It's on the National Register of Historic Places, so what does the Wilder Building mean to us today? Something that is difficult to think about when speeding by the structure in a car.

This drawing would look great in almost any because of its neutral tones and warm mahogany frame

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Bright Red Birch Forest

Bright Red Birch Forest, 2014

Acrylic on canvas board

16" x 20"

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199896299/bright-red-birch-forest-original-acrylic?

What’s black and white and red all over? A birch forest of course. 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 light green, light yellow, blue, dark orange, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Lavender In Provence

Lavender In Provence, 2014

acrylic on canvas

20" x 16"

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199644221/lavender-in-provence-original-acrylic?

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 yellow, orange, blue, white, or beige

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Friday, August 8, 2014

Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

Beach In Albufeira, Portugal, 2014

Acrylic on canvas board

10" x 8"

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199209243/beach-in-albufeira-portugal-original?

Not too far from Faro on the Algarve coast is the town of Albufeira. An old fisherman's village turned tourist destination. Travelers are attracted to the burning sun above the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It's rare to find an empty beach nestled against the golden sandstone cliffs. A place to rejuvenate under the rays with a little vinho verde.

This painting would look best in a space that is blue, light green, light pink, orange, light purple, grey, or sand beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal, 2014

Acrylic on canvas board

10" x 8"

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/198949942/peneda-geres-national-park-portugal

Our little rental car struggles through the mountainous switchbacks in northern Portugal. Just north of the little church Parque de São Bento da Porta Aberta, the small hatchback pulls over to an overlook of the Cávado River. A valley filled with unique colorful flora. Wind and water have carved this land of granite. Now, if only we can find the trailhead to explore...

This painting would look best in a space that is light yellow, bright red, dark orange, or neutral beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt