Friday, April 11, 2025

🌊😎 Gulf of Mexico Escape 😎🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


🌊😎 Isla Holbox In the Gulf of Mexico 😎🌊
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202504016
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/555810485

The warm water of the Gulf of Mexico submerge our feet walking on the hot beach sand.  The sea birds and rustling of palm leaves are the only sound on the quiet shore.  We find a shady spot to relax and enjoy some snacks before heading back into the water.  We bob and wade through the salty sea with nearby colorful fish and sea turtles further away.  The perfect escape is the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

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

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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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Monday, April 7, 2025

🌸 Spring Has Sprung! 🌸

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Are you having an exciting Spring?

JOIN US TODAY at the Bring Spring Art Festival . This is a celebration of a refreshing Spring. There are hundreds of artisans sharing their works in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more! And you can see it all at:

Bring Spring Art Festival
NOW OPEN! Monday, April 7th - 9th

What we surround ourselves with says who we really are. So, shouldn't it be special? If we're unique, shouldn't we have one-of-a-kind items? It should make us feel better that we're creating jobs, authenticity, and environmental sustainability. And real communities are supported by small businesses. We're so excited to see you!

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.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:

Friday, April 4, 2025

🌞 Barcelona streets are a celebration of Freedom and Democracy 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌞Barri Gòtic Barcelona ðŸŒž
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202411038
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

People have been walking these streets since the Romans built them in 15 BCE and it grew into a Medieval maritime power. It earned it's name Gòtic (Gothic) because their wealth from the 13th-15th century lead to a building boom in the Gothic architectural style. It was a center of Republicans (Loyalists) against the Fascist Franco regime, which lead to resistance, suppression of Free Speech, civilian targeted bombing raids, mass arrests, and political murders. And that cruel dictatorship died with Franco. Catalans reclaimed these streets for Freedom and Democracy. And their courage and strength has made Barcelona a world-class city.

La gent ha estat caminant per aquests carrers des que els romans els van construir l'any 15 aC i es va convertir en una potència marítima medieval. Va guanyar el seu nom de Gòtic perquè la seva riquesa dels segles XIII-XV va provocar un auge constructiu d'estil arquitectònic gòtic. Va ser un centre de republicans (lleials) contra el franquisme feixista, que va conduir a la resistència, la supressió de la llibertat d'expressió, bombardeigs dirigits a civils, detencions massives i assassinats polítics. I aquella cruel dictadura va morir amb Franco. Els catalans van recuperar aquests carrers per a la Llibertat i la Democràcia. I la seva valentia i força ha fet de Barcelona una ciutat de primer nivell.

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

YOU'RE INIVITED TO THE
🌸 Bring Spring Art Festival 🌸
Let's celebrate warmer weather and the Arts together!


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.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:

Monday, March 31, 2025

📺 Turn It Off 📺

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


📺 Turn It Off #597 ðŸ“º
pen and colored pencils on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202503013
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/232095149

Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories (including social media posts).  Limit news to 15-minutes per day to stay informed; not overwhelmed.  It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.  Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible.

Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

YOU'RE INIVITED TO THE
🌸 Bring Spring Art Festival 🌸
Let's celebrate warmer weather and the Arts together!

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.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:

Friday, March 28, 2025

🌞 What boundaries should we set with someone who's a narcissist or antisocial? 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌞 Otisco Lake Preserve 🌞
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202502009
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/696128102

We hike this land that took care of the Haudenosaunee for countless generations.  The settlers arrived and ripped out the living forest and it still nurtured their farms.  And now we preserve this land so it can heal.  A place for bald eagles and other water fowl to nest.  To improve access and water quality of the lake.  It is a gift that gives back to us.

Do you love nature?  What has it given you?  What do we lose if it's gone?  Can you imagine if nature loved you back and what that would look like?

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

YOU'RE INIVITED TO THE
🌸 Bring Spring Art Festival 🌸
Let's celebrate warmer weather and the Arts together!


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.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:

Monday, March 24, 2025

💩🔥 Washington DC Alley 🔥💩

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



💩🔥 Washington DC Alley #577 ðŸ”¥ðŸ’©
pen and colored pencils on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202503015
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/631495172

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.

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.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:

Friday, March 21, 2025

🦉 Can I see things from their point of view? 🦉

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🦉 Can I See Things From Their Point of View 🦉
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202502007
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your nest, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/198949942

The clouds hide the setting sun, diffusing the light on the fresh snow.  On a branch of the old, leafless maple tree sits an owl.  Watching and waiting.  Listening to every sound.  A gentle "hoo, hoo" floats through the air telling me they are there.

Can I verbalize what I'm hearing?  Do I understand why they feel that way?  What do I believe about them?  I want to know more.

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

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, 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.

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:
at No comments:
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