Wednesday, June 4, 2025

🧠 Did you know that June is Dementia Awareness Month? 🧠

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🧠 Broken Brain #581 🧠
pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202505024
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/230945385

🧠 June is Dementia Awareness Month 🧠

With 55 million people worldwide having Dementia, like Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, all of us know someone who's afflicted. Here are some signs:

Cognitive Impairment: 
-Difficulty finding words or using them correctly
-Memory loss, especially for recent events or conversations
-Confusion about time, place, or people
-Problems with planning, organizing, and decision-making

Behavioral Changes: 
-Angry outbursts often stemming from underlying confusion, pain, or fear
-Changes in relationships
-Changes in personality, such as becoming more anxious, apathetic, paranoid, or impulsive

Other Symptoms: 
-Fixation on objects, ideas, or activities like compulsive bad decisions and obsessive golfing.
-Difficulty with spatial orientation, such as problems with sensing own body position
-Short attention span and difficulty concentrating, affecting a person's ability to focus on tasks
-Unusual grooming, posture, and/or walk

Early-Onset Dementia: 
These symptoms may appear earlier in life, typically before the age of 65. Individuals may also experience more rapid cognitive decline.
 
“The disease might hide the person underneath, but there’s still a person in there who needs your love and attention.” - Jamie Calandriello

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

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, June 2, 2025

💜 Victorian Gothic Amethyst Pendant 💜


💜 Victorian Gothic Amethyst Pendant 💜
Noelle Fran
To purchase for your neck, please visit: 

The sound of my heels on the sidewalk is the only noise on this eerily calm night in the city.  An evening of drinks with friends always makes me feel good.  But, tonight is different.  My head aches from some kind of external gloom.  As I look at others around me I only see furrowed brows and tight jaws.  I clutch my amethyst pendant and immediately feel better.  It will shield me from that I cannot see until I am home.

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:
at No comments:

Friday, May 30, 2025

🔵 Portrait of the Abstract Painter: Joan Mitchell 🔵

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🔵 Portrait of the Abstract Painter: Joan Mitchell 🔵
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202501001
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit:
https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/236709241

She knew she was talented and nothing was going to stop her.  Mitchell "approached painting almost like a competitive sport" said one gallery owner.  So, you were wise to not get in her way.  Her whiplash lines revealed emotional memories.  And created spaces where we could understand our world a little better. 

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

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

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:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

⛪ St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


⛪ Saint Jean Baptiste Catholic Church In Muskegon, Michigan ⛪
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202505021
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

They were just putting on the finishing touches to Saint Jean Baptiste Church when my great-great grandparents emmigrated from Quebec to Michigan in 1882.  It was the heart of the French-Canadian neighborhood that embraced them.  Five of their children were baptized there starting a multi-generational tradition.  There are countless photographs of brides and grooms posed on the alter as it changed over the decades.  And all the funerals where we said goodbye to our loved ones for the last time.  When it was torn down in September 2024 after 142 years, our family and community lost a lot of history that made us who we are.

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

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

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, May 23, 2025

🌞 We don't take it personally 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💜🌻 Sunflowers and Lavender in Provence 🌻💜
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202502010
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/534467771

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.

Do you feel your life is unbalanced? Why? And what impact will it have on you next year?

This painting would look best in a medium space that is red, orange, green, blue, white, black, grey, beige, or wood.

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

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, May 19, 2025

🐦 When should we be "gray rocking?" 🐦

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🐦 Spring Robin #580 🐦
pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202505023
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/210023423

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.

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450

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, May 16, 2025

🌳 When do we know to walk away? 🌳

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌳 Vision Quest XLIX 🌳
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202502008
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/235717899

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.

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

HEY ROCHESTER, NEW YORK!
You're invited to:
a WILD, WEIRD, and WOOLY art show
with Lorraine Staunch, Lori Mulligan, and myself!

NOW OPEN AT:
24 N Main St
Fairport, NY 14450


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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