Friday, June 3, 2022

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206018
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 painting would look best in a space that is light red, yellow, orange, dark green, blue, dark purple,  black, white, beige, or wood

YOU'RE INVITED
to the
Summer Art Party 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 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:

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Dad Joke #94: My Doctor Says I Need Glasses...  🍷🍷🍷

  Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


DAD LOVES SUMMER!

There were always tough days, but dad said "never give up."  After a few bumps and bruises, it did get better.  Now I can face challenges with a smile on my face.  How did your father impact your life?  What can we do to show him our gratitude for all the years of affection?  THANKS DAD!  Now let's make him happy with some grilled food and cold drinks.

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - YOU'RE INVITED
to the
SUMMER ART PARTY!!!
This is a fun way to find and buy amazing art.  Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more!


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:

Friday, May 27, 2022

The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Roaring Factory In Ruins Waiting To Be Demolished
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (17.8 cm x 22.9 cm)
202205017
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The oldest part of the factory was opened along the lakeshore by a German immigrant in 1899.  Raw materials flowed in from the many tributaries to feed its machinery.  Not only did it ship its products worldwide, but it was the center of a community that was built around it.  What happens to us now that it is gone?

We don't mourn the loss of the foul and horrid structure.  But it was the glue that bound friends and neighbors to a common interior life.  It overwhelmed all of our senses and its success became our success.  How do we keep a community that is no longer working together?  We can still be friends and neighbors even if we disagree on what to do next. 

This piece would work in a small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, light 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:

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
 

Twilight Woods #212
Gouache on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus 

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest.  A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization.  The light refracts in strange ways at this time.  It's when the surreal becomes the real. 

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.


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:

Monday, May 23, 2022

The Daily Grind

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
 

The Daily Grind #204
Gouache and Ink on Bristol Paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.


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:

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Otisco Lake

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Otisco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708087
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc

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

Originality -  How many times have you walked up to a car in the grocery lot parking lot only to discover that someone else has the same exact car as you?  Do you remember a time visiting a friend's house and seeing the same big box store artwork and furniture that you have in your home?  A one-of-a-kind artwork will make your space uniquely you.  Even better, commission an artist to make a piece specifically for you that will compliment your decor.  An original piece of art greatly increases the status and charm of a living space.

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

This painting would look best in a space that is red, green, dark yellow, orange, 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:

Monday, May 16, 2022

Sun Setting From the Hilltop

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sun Setting From the Hilltop
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710103
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Are there any reasons to buy reproductions?  Of course!  For example, when I moved out of my small apartment into my first house there were so many empty walls.  And I'm an artist.  I hung some of my work and filled in the rest of the void with reproductions because I was on a budget.  But, over time, I've collected and made new pieces to replace tattered posters.

Let's say you love a piece and there's no way you can afford it.  The Sistine Chapel inspires you, the Pope refuses to sell it to you, and Michelangelo is permanently retired from making art.  A reproduction is your best option.

Temporary spaces demand temporary art.  You know you won't be living in a college dorm next year.  You're planning on looking for a new job and a cubicle isn't a safe place for valuables.  Maybe you're just staging a house to sell.  Whatever the reason, you're not going to be there long.

Valuables shouldn't be here.  A factory floor with forklifts and other heavy equipment might not be the safest place for your investment.  Maybe you plan on using the space as a kid's playroom full of markers, crayons, and toys that could be thrown at delicate objects?  It could be that you smoke, the air is dirty, or constant high humidity in your basement.  There's nothing wrong with posters in these situations. 

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

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:

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...