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.
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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:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363843977488486/

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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Wednesday, September 5, 2018

YAY! "Check Out Mike Kraus' Artwork" In Boston Voyager Magazine!


YAY!  Please check out my Boston Voyager article at:


More About Mike Kraus Art
See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363843977488486/

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist
https://www.facebook.com/events/308616739898516

Please support my friend Jen Lunsford for Senate
https://www.facebook.com/VoteJenLunsford

My work featured in The Boston Arts and Culture Weekly Review of Boston Voyager Magazine
http://bostonvoyager.com/2018/08/17/boston-arts-culture-weekly-review-2/#comment-51434

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


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.
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Tuesday, September 4, 2018

An Exciting Autumn

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



As summer winds down, I hope you're able to look back and reminisce about good times with friends and family at beaches and BBQs.  For me, it's been a busy and inspirational season.  When I've not been in my studio, I've been traveling, being interviewed for various media, and looking for pools to cool down in from the unusual heat we've had this year.  As we transition to autumn, I'm looking forward to the changing scenery and festivals at places like Kettle Ridge Farm.  Still, I'm going to look for ways to absorb every last bit of that summer sun.


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus


More About Mike Kraus Art
See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363843977488486/

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist
https://www.facebook.com/events/308616739898516

Please support my friend Jen Lunsford for Senate
https://www.facebook.com/VoteJenLunsford

My work featured in The Boston Arts and Culture Weekly Review of Boston Voyager Magazine
http://bostonvoyager.com/2018/08/17/boston-arts-culture-weekly-review-2/#comment-51434

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



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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Monday, September 3, 2018

Taco 'Bout Awesome

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Taco 'Bout Awesome
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201809109
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/248187027/taco-bout-awesome-original-acrylic

Many Mexicans remained in the southwest after the invasion of the Mexican-American War.  While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised Mexicans and Native Americans in the captured territory US citizenship, they lost their civil and political rights for at least 120 years .  From this came a group of women entrepreneurs called "Chili Queens" that sold tacos as street vendors, an easy to make meal for the silver miners of 18th century Mexico.  When the railroads came in the 1880s, the tourist sought out the Chili Queen's tacos just as much as any other attraction.  From there, tacos evolved to use ingredients available in the United State and the development of food processing; including iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.  This culinary delight is a tribute to our turbulent shared American history.  And something to remember every time we celebrate Taco Tuesday.
More About Mike Kraus Art
See me at KettleFest at Kettle Ridge Farm on September 15th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/363843977488486/

Join my 540WMain Community Learning Academy workshop "How To Become A Professional Artist
Please support my friend Jen Lunsford for Senate

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


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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Friday, August 31, 2018

Owasco Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711112
© copyright Michael Kraus


The waning days of summer.  A time to reflect on the memories we've made.  All the trips to the lake for boating and swimming.  Also a time to absorb every last bit of the warm sun the summer has to offer.  To remind ourselves to be grateful for what we have.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige, or wood.
Please listen to my 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:
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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
Aurora Borealis Over Lake Michigan
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201711120
© copyright Michael Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/626210526/aurora-borealis-over-lake-michigan
The lights of the city are far from the gently waves splashing on the fine sand beach.  That darkness allows me a brief glimpse of the magic of the skies our ancestors saw before industrialization.  All the greens, pinks, and blues swirling around as if propelled by the soft breeze.  My thoughts evaporate and my eyes absorb this obscured enchantment of the heavens.  Everything is right as my body sinks into the sand and takes in the celestial.

Please listen to my 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:
at No comments:
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