Vision Quest V

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Vision Quest V
2014 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1644991562

There's a valley between the dunes with a cluster of birches.  Their white bark clinging to the trunks of the unusual trees.  A gentle breeze wrestles the leaves to mimic the waves on the sea.  This is where I go when my heart beats too fast and my breathing is labored.  It is a place of calm.

How do you relax?  Is it making a nice meal after a long day?  Maybe it's setting aside some time for exercise or yoga?  Or quietly cuddling with your dog on the sofa.  We all need time to take care of ourselves.

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🤵 Fake It ’Til Ya Make It 🤵:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/fake-it-til-ya-make-it-f82ade21a44d?sk=fc962f57251308ae4e4a57ce0afbcb76

Vision Quest V
2014 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1659187773

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Mackinac Memories

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Mackinac Memories

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202308055

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

Framed Print: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679733941

Print: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679731217

Digital: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1679748211

Days start early on the dock.  We're still preparing for a long day of ferrying and the passengers are already lining up.  Back-and-forth passing the Round Island Passage Light countless times.  Always in awe of the Grand Hotel.  A part of a shipping tradition that has lasted 138+ years.  And I'm proud to be a part of that heritage.

Is there a place you go to relax? Is it wide-open or cozy? What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there? Is it a place where you can be by yourself? What about it makes you feel good?

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🤵 Fake It ’Til Ya Make It 🤵:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/fake-it-til-ya-make-it-f82ade21a44d?sk=fc962f57251308ae4e4a57ce0afbcb76

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Bluff Point From the East Side of Keuka Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Bluff Point From the East Side of Keuka Lake

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202402001

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/209759699

Sometimes, living in Upstate New York is like living in a postcard. Every trail we hike reveals the beauty of nature. Dense forests give way to open fields. We find a comfortable spot to snack and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the lake. "If this isn't nice, what is?"

Where is your favorite place? Who do you go there with? Why is it so special to you? How does it make you feel?

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

✋ Handsy Hubert 🤚:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/handsy-hubert-d7151e07870b?sk=460f0f46d7338a2c97dd74c4aba416b5

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lavender Farm

© copyright 2015 Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1673520849

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

Lavender Farm

© copyright 2015 Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1673499643

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: 

https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

 ✋ Handsy Hubert 🤚:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/handsy-hubert-d7151e07870b?sk=460f0f46d7338a2c97dd74c4aba416b5

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Jazz Martini

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Jazz Martini

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

202310069

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

Framed Poster: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1676485003

Poster: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1676483113

Digital: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1676996241

Weekends are for relaxing after a difficult week.  All the mundane burdens are to be forgotten for a couple days.  The sounds of The George Shearing Quintet spinning on the record player.  A shaker of gin and vermouth rattles into a glass.  A perfect moment.

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: 

https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

💚☕🚚 An Enchanting Evening At the Golden Ticket 🚚☕💚:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/an-enchanting-evening-at-the-golden-ticket-2f8284be509f?sk=33b86cc2f2c6a46b4b1f3d226312a74c

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201911110

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/234446654/sunset-sherbert-birch-forest-original

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?

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark blue, purple, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

💚☕🚚 An Enchanting Evening At the Golden Ticket 🚚☕💚:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/an-enchanting-evening-at-the-golden-ticket-2f8284be509f?sk=33b86cc2f2c6a46b4b1f3d226312a74c

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:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

University of Kansas (KU) Campus

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

University of Kansas (KU) Campus

202305025

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home or office, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1673463459

The University of Kansas (KU) (https://ku.edu/) has another proud graduate.  While most days were used to study mechanical engineering and business, there was always time to watch a game at the David Booth Memorial Stadium or the Allen Fieldhouse.  Understandably, mom is overjoyed for their quick progress at adulthood.  With three sons that are very well-educated college+ graduates, she knew what she was doing.  And success leads to more success.  

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, navy blue, purple, black, white, beige, or wood

University of Kansas (KU) Campus

acrylic paint on canvas board

16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 

202305025

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your project, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1659820478

📻 Listen to my interview on NPR's Marketplace at 📻: https://www.marketplace.org/2023/12/19/alternative-investments-went-on-a-wild-ride-during-the-pandemic/

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🌭 Gotta Have Some Fun Before Ya Go 🌭: 

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/gotta-have-some-fun-before-ya-go-2ca6412ca654?sk=32ce425de9bd7d47852db16bc175e9c5

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus