Monday, January 13, 2025

🧡🌳 Should we protect what is important to us? 🌳🧡

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🧡🌳 Vision Quest IV 🌳🧡
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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.

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 10, 2025

💙🧡 Did we take the right path? Where will it take us? 🧡💙

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


💙🧡 Returning to Civilization 🧡💙
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202005033
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/227030092 with FREE shipping within the United States

After a couple of weeks in the forest, it's time to return to the daily grind.  We've packed our tent and equipment into our small car.  The last of the food has been cooked and the leftovers will be snacks on the long trek home.  A pot of coffee ready to perk us up for our early departure.  We drive at a leisurely pace as the deer and other creatures are actively beginning their day as well.  The birds playing in the wind that makes the trees dance.  And over one final hill, the road leads us out of the wilderness and back into civilization.

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

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Thursday, January 9, 2025

☕🐶 GOOD MORNING! 🐶☕

 

Good morning!  Scout and I need to wake up a little bit before we start our work day.  January is always a difficult return to "reality" after the holidays.  There's so much stress and food during December with then the consequences afterwards.  And I've been struggling with managing my anxiety for the last couple of years.  Which is why I was excited to discover Ryze Coffee (https://www.ryzesuperfoods.com/).  It gives me the energy I need without the jitters and afternoon crash.  And having half the caffeine helps keep my stress in check.  It also has the extra perk of keeping my gut happy after eating too many treats.  It's been a great way to start the New Year.  HAPPY 2025!

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

🍁 Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Are Deliberate Lies "Free Speech" At All? 🍁


🍁 Oval Mirror with Mosaic Frame 🍁
Noelle Fran
Mixed Media
To purchase for your walls, please visit:

When I look into the mirror, what do I see?  Am I really a good person?  Am I listening when others speak?  Do I feel sad when others are struggling?  Or am I greedy and manipulate others for my selfish benefit?  What is the appearance and what is the reality?

About Noelle Fran:
Creating allows my imagination to express itself.  And is also very soothing. I have always liked to create.  First to transform everyday life and my environment.  Then to share my creations with others

Connect With Noelle Fran at:

Monday, January 6, 2025

💙🌳 Is Violence a Sign of Cowardice? 🌳💙

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💙🌳 Twilight Woods 🌳💙
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

Where this path will end is a mystery. 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.

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?

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

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 3, 2025

❄⛄ What Do I Like To Do On Winter Days? ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


❄⛄ Winter On Skaneateles Lake ⛄❄
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202004029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/193600478

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, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood. 

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

🍾🥂 Together We Will Make 2025 Beautiful! 🥂🍾

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🍾🥂 Together we will make 2025 beautiful! 🥂🍾

We will oppose ugliness in all of its forms.  To focus on our needs and reduce stress.  We'll be courageous.  And we will be our best selves.

What is ugly to me?  Does something cause me anxiety?  What is my community and who are they really?  What do I avoid?  And who do I want to be by 2026?


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus



My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.


For more information or custom order, please visit:

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