🔴⚪🔵 Is Harming Americans Because of Faith Wrong? 🔴⚪🔵

 

490W near Mount Read Boulevard in Rochester NY

Is harming Americans because of faith wrong?  Should kids be afraid because of the family they were born into?  What about vandalizing places of worship?  Think of what our community will be like in 5 years.  Do we still have freedom of religion?

Our neighborhood is where we work, live, and play.  And how we spend that time is important because that is who we really are.  Do we really act kind, fair, and honest or are they just meaningless values?  What did we do today to express our moral beliefs?

Together, we can enjoy each other's company and be happy.  We can care for our friends, family, and neighbors.  And that kindness is reciprocated in many countless ways.  So, let's do something nice for someone today.  Because, what we do is who we are.

Where To Start a Creative Art Business

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

I didn't know how to start an art business.  Or even where to begin.  At my "real jobs," I did have experience with creating and implementing programs.  So, I began with a very simple business plan that was only a few pages long.  Almost every assumption, plan and idea didn't end up working except for one tiny detail.  It said, "Create as much as possible."

Seems obvious, right?  But, this is where I see many of my colleagues fail.  Why do we need to keep making new pieces?  Because we can only sell what is available to purchase.  And when I worked a very brief stint at a very successful retailer, I learned they only sell 10% of their inventory.  This means, if you want to earn $10,000, you should plan to have $100,000 worth of art to sell.  Whis means we need to know how many pieces we can make in a week, month, and year.  This is where business begins.

It can seem daunting, but we all have to start somewhere.  My business started with $50 of supplies, 10 paintings, and a very inaccurate business plan.  It was a humble start full of experimentation, trial-and-error, mistakes, surprise victories, and so much more.  I was constantly learning.  I'm still learning.  But, the biggest lesson for me is still "create as much as possible."

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞

Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

💣 Does It Matter? 💣:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/does-it-matter-71218e31b858?sk=69bc8bb5e6e85776700c19bcb13bf552

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

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/BrightscapesArt/

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

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

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Tell Me, What Do You See?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

I'm nearly blind.  But, there's nothing wrong with my eyes.  Sometimes, I just don't see things.  There's no attempt to look.  When I wake up, it can be pitch black and I can perform countless mundane tasks to prepare for the day without seeing anything.  And when the sun rises and I flip the switches, it's likely my lazy blindness will continue through the day.  That needs to change.  

What do you see?  Take a moment to close you eyes and clear your mind.  Now, really look at the painting; the subject, colors, shapes, etc.  How does this image make you feel?  Do you think I saw and felt the same things you do when I created the painting? Is this a literal subject or is there a metaphor?  It was 2017 when it was created, does it mean something different now?  Why?

I don't want to be blind by choice.  It's a cold and dark mindset.  We need to break our visual routine to see the world as it is.  And what it could be.  So let's get away from the screens for a moment and look as something; anything.  What is it?  Who made it and why?  Where was it created and how did it end up here?  How old is it and would its maker(s) think of it differently now?  Do you see things a bit differently now?

Vision Quest XXXIX, 

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201710098

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home or office, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/705901646/vision-quest-xxxix-original-acrylic

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞

Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

💣 Does It Matter? 💣:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/does-it-matter-71218e31b858?sk=69bc8bb5e6e85776700c19bcb13bf552

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

🌞😎🌳 You're Invited To the BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

  Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

You're Invited to the

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

The sunlight pierces the grey winter clouds as they give way to the warmth of Spring.  All that was lifeless is reborn as green buds and flower blooms begin to appear.  And we feel happiness with the fresh air and singing birds.

Spring is the time to refresh your home or office. To make a list of all the small projects that need attention. Or to contact a designer to completely update your space. Maybe you're selling your home and you need something unique to stand out. Converting a space to show who you really are is inspiring.

Let's have fun as we emerge from our hibernation.  To find hope in a new season.  And to share in each other's happiness.

Join us at the:

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL! 🌳😎🌞

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

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

18 Years Ago...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 

It was 18 years ago that I went on my first date with Megan.  We met working at the Chicago Architecture Center (https://www.architecture.org/) where she planned events and I was in the tour department.  We had a love of weird bad movies from the start.  Blockbuster didn't have Robocop (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093870/), so we rented Innerspace (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093260/) instead.  And for dinner, we had takeout Chicken Katsu from Aloha Eats (https://www.alohaeats.com/).  Little did we know that it was a start of a wonderful adventure.  I'm very lucky.

And after 18 years with me, Megan has earned a homemade crab cake dinner...

Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞

Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🍺 Dusty’s Saloon 🍺:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/dustys-saloon-09d9328ba48f?sk=4f4257acd925b1d6623148d79897a3a6

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

Spring Sunlight In the Studio

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

It's been a while since the sunlight has poured into the studio like this.  And it may be time for a little Spring cleaning...

🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞

Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun

https://www.facebook.com/events/1060097501884160

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

🍺 Dusty’s Saloon 🍺:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/dustys-saloon-09d9328ba48f?sk=4f4257acd925b1d6623148d79897a3a6

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

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lavender Farm
2016 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1663706970

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1663703494

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

📻 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:

🍺 Dusty’s Saloon 🍺:

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/dustys-saloon-09d9328ba48f?sk=4f4257acd925b1d6623148d79897a3a6

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