Thursday, March 12, 2020

Erin's Peonies

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Erin's Peonies
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201912121
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/610898708/erins-peonies-original-instant-download
or for accessories and home decor, please visit: https://society6.com/product/erins-peonies-by-mike-kraus-art-peony-flowers-gardens-flora-pink-grey-yellow-blue-beautiful-still_print?sku=s6-13521825p4a1v45

In the summer, she'd play in the garden while her grandmother pruned and weeded.  The vegetable patch would provide some extras for dinner.  The small orchard would have some sweet fruits.  And the herb garden would give everything a bit more flavor.  But, it was the beauty of the peonies she fell in love with.  Now, with a home and garden of her own, it's a little reminder of summer's with her grandma.

This piece would look best is a space that is red, orange, light yellow, green, dark or light blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
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Monday, March 9, 2020

Café Bliss

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Café Bliss
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) in a frame
201909079
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/211104389/cafe-bliss-original-acrylic-painting-8-x

Beauty is a way of life. As others are distracted by their smartphones, tedious jobs, and wasteful chores, I relax and contemplate my gratitude in the warm sunlight.... I'm thankful for this moment, which is aided by slowly sipping my morning coffee.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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 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, March 6, 2020

Skaneateles Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Skaneateles Lake
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202003009
© copyright Mike Kraus

We came to here to be spoiled.  A day at Mirbeau Inn rotating between massages, the spa, and cocktails in the lounge.  Now, we lazily explore Skaneateles Lake's waters barely making a noise in the crisp winter air.  Lingering in Clift Park, the setting sun gently paints the landscape in pinks and yellows before near complete darkness.  At peace, our boots crunch in the snow as we make our way to The Krebs for an exception dinner to finish the perfect day.

This painting would look best in a medium-to-large space that is dark red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, dark 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 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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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Mom's Texas House

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Mom's Texas House
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201911102
© copyright Mike Kraus
Finding the perfect gift is always difficult.  But what do you get someone who's moving to a new home?  Well, she had a great idea for her family, which was also appropriate since she's an architect.  Her vision was to create paintings of their homes that were true to life; but dreamlike.  To capture their essence and memories.  If it's "the thought that counts" in gift giving, she won Christmas this year.  And, I'm honored to have been a small part of it.


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

Boston Voyager Magazine interview 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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Monday, March 2, 2020

What Are Your Plans For Spring?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



 What are your plans for spring?  For your home, now is the time to start thinking about the changes you'd like to make.  Here are some ideas:

1) Make a design journal or Pinterest board - Save photos of rooms you admire.  And take notes about the things you like about a space.
2) Make a priority list - Does that broken chair need to be replaced now?  Are your relatives coming for a long-term stay?
3) Make a budget - Avoid stress by knowing what you can afford.  This can also be useful for determining your true priorities.
4) Designing - Take your ideas from your design journal or Pinterest and put your best ideas together. (ie - The wall color from one, furniture from another, and your heirloom painting frames).
5) Make a  Decision - Use painter's tape to see your space.  Outline where you'd put the furniture, shelves, and artwork.  Adjust what doesn't work and build around what you think is great.
6) Implement your plan - Go ahead and buy the paint, hire the carpenter, order the furniture, and commission the artist.  Put it all together. 

For more suggestions and ideas, please visit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com



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, February 28, 2020

On the Shores of Toulon, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shores of Toulon, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803046
© copyright Mike Kraus
We toured the Musée du vieux Toulon et de sa région and strolled the nearby neighborhoods until the streets began to fill up with tourists.  We hurried to the Cours Lafayette for the Provençal market to get some fresh food for the day.  There was a cool breeze coming off the Mediterranean that we wanted to take advantage of because of the heat.  In the early afternoon, we found a secluded harbor all our own.  The rest of the day was spend alternating between eating and cooling off in the refreshing sea.

This painting would great in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, light 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 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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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/237257008/the-morning-cup-of-coffee-original

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 to keep me awake during the day.

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