❤️ How do you feel with that quiet space between you and someone else? ❤️

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

❤️ The Moment Between ❤️

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202511059

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit:

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/200213111

There are moments in life when the space between people feels almost tangible, as if silence itself has weight. I am fascinated by that pause: the instant before connection or withdrawal, when everything we might share or withhold exists at once. It’s in those fragile intervals that I sense the truth of being human, where hope exists. What separates us is often the same thing that might bring us closer, if only we stayed still long enough to see it.

When was the last time you truly noticed that quiet distance between yourself and another?

Step into the holiday season with joy, creativity, and gratitude at the

🦃 Grateful Art Festival 🦃

Right after Thanksgiving we gather to celebrate the best time of the year for artists, makers, and collectors. This festival is your chance to discover treasures for yourself and meaningful gifts for the people you love.

Explore a dazzling variety of hand crafted creations in ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, wood, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital works, paintings, prints and so much more. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artist Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday all in one week, the Grateful Art Festival is the perfect way to shop with purpose, support creativity, and fill your holidays with beauty.

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1461556485171523

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🍂 Let’s Celebrate Fall Together! 🍁

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

There is something magical about this time of year. The air feels crisp, the colors glow brighter, and every moment feels like a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

This month, I would love for you to join me at the 🍂 Fabulous Fall Art Festival 🍂, where artists and makers from all over are sharing their most heartfelt creations. It is more than an art show: it is a celebration of creativity, connection, and community.

The 🍂 Fabulous Fall Art Festival 🍂 is now open at:

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1934458910278595

As you explore, you will find art that feels like a reflection of who you are and what you love. Every piece tells a story and supports real people who pour their hearts into their craft.

Let’s make this season about joy, friendship, and surrounding ourselves with beauty that truly matters.

Questions?

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

P.S. I’m grateful we get to share this creative space together. Every message, like, or quiet visit means more than you know. Here’s to a month filled with calm moments and small joys.

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🍁 When was the last weekend you had that was completely unhurried? 🍁

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🍂 Autumn Forest 🍂

Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home or office, please visit: 

FRAMED: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1853358704

PRINT: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1867554409

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/941229199

There’s a crisp sparkle to the air as I walk beneath the bright canopy, each step stirring up the earthy scent of fallen leaves. Sunlight filters through the branches and turns the yellows, oranges, and reds into glowing embers. The path feels alive, crunching softly underfoot, guiding me toward the river where the sound of rushing water blends with the whisper of the trees. It’s the kind of day that makes me breathe a little deeper and smile a little easier.

What do you love most about autumn, the bright colors, the brisk air, or the quiet peace it brings?

This painting would look best in a space that is dark red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, gray, or wood.

🍂✨ The Fabulous Fall Art Festival is coming! ✨🍂

Join us online starting November 3rd for a cozy celebration of creativity, color, and community! Meet amazing artists, explore handmade treasures, and fill your home with beauty all from the comfort of your couch.

Artists and art lovers, this is your space to connect, share, and be inspired. Come join the fun! 

👉 RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418446459249700

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

☕️ Do you drink coffee for energy or for emotional support? ☕️

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

☕️ The Morning Cup of Coffee #596 ☕️

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

202510058

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit:

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/228727517

With sunrise sneaking in at 5:29 AM, how is anyone supposed to sleep? I shuffle out of bed, let the dog out, and move through my slow morning rhythm. My bones creak their usual protest as I fill the coffeemaker with fresh grounds and water. It sputters and sighs to life, filling the air with that rich, earthy scent that feels like comfort itself.

That first mug gets me started, steadying the mind before the day begins: emails, paperwork, and endless to-dos. A refill or two keeps me company through the afternoon while I dive into the creative work that truly wakes me up. By the afternoon, maybe a final pour to toast another day well spent.

So tell me, what’s in your mug today? Do you take it black, sweet, creamy, or with a little weekend “kick”? What small ritual starts your day on the right note?.

🍂✨ The Fabulous Fall Art Festival is coming! ✨🍂

Join us online starting November 3rd for a cozy celebration of creativity, color, and community! Meet amazing artists, explore handmade treasures, and fill your home with beauty all from the comfort of your couch.

Artists and art lovers, this is your space to connect, share, and be inspired. Come join the fun! 

👉 RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418446459249700

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🍁 When Autumn Danced Through the Vineyard 🍁

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🍁 Autumn on Keuka Lake 🍁 

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202510054

© 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?

This painting would look best in a space that is yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, white, beige, gray, or wood.

🍂✨ The Fabulous Fall Art Festival is coming! ✨🍂

Join us online starting November 3rd for a cozy celebration of creativity, color, and community! Meet amazing artists, explore handmade treasures, and fill your home with beauty all from the comfort of your couch.

Artists and art lovers, this is your space to connect, share, and be inspired. Come join the fun! 

👉 RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418446459249700

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social

🐶 HAPPY 12TH SCOUT-IVERSARY! 🐶

 🐶 HAPPY 12TH SCOUT-IVERSARY! 🐶

🐶 Previous Scout-iversarys! 🐶

Year11) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2024/10/happy-11th-scout-iversary.html

Year 10) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2023/11/happy-10th-scout-iversary.html

Year 9) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2022/10/happy-9th-scout-iversary.html

Year 8) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2021/10/happy-8th-scout-iversary.html

Year 7) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/10/happy-7th-scout-iversary.html

Year 6) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2019/10/happy-6th-scout-iversary.html

Year 5) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2018/10/happy-5th-scout-iversary.html

Year 4) https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2017/10/happy-4th-scout-iversary.html

Year 3) http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2016/10/happy-3rd-scout-iversary.html

Year 2) http://mikekraus.blogspot.mk/2015/11/happy-scout-iversary.html

Year 1) http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2014/10/celebrations.html

In The Beginning) http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-new-dog-scout.html

🍂 A Gentle Start to the Season 🍂

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Are you ready for sweater weather?

The air has that soft edge again. The one that whispers change without saying a word. The trees turn from their summer greens into shades of honey, amber, and russet, and suddenly the light feels warmer, even as the days grow cooler. Autumn arrives quietly but confidently, reminding us to slow down and look around.

Lately, I’ve noticed how the shift into fall feels like a tug between two moods. Part of us wants to keep the ease of summer: bare feet, open windows, long sunsets. And the other part starts to plan. Holidays. Gatherings. Gifts. To-do lists. The cozy side of the season can get tangled with the pressure to get it “right.”

So here’s a small idea for this in-between time: take a pause before the rush. Find one simple ritual that feels like autumn to you. Maybe it’s a walk through crunchy leaves with a mug of something warm. Maybe it’s lighting a candle that smells like cinnamon or baking a batch of cookies just because. Let that tiny moment be your anchor before the season sweeps you along.

What I’ve learned from painting and from life is that slowing down is not the same as falling behind. It’s the moment you notice the texture in the details: the brushstrokes in a leaf, the way light hits the corner of your kitchen, the sound of laughter when everyone’s finally together again. Those small things are what make the holidays meaningful when they do arrive.

So here’s your gentle step for today: before you start planning, do something that makes you feel rooted in this very moment. Breathe it in. Let it fill you up. The rest can wait.

Here’s to a season of connection, calm, and color: where we remember that life, like art, is about savoring the layers.

Questions! 

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus

MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

P.S. I’d love for you to join me at the 🍂 Fabulous Fall Art Festival 🍂 online starting November 3. It is one of my favorite ways to welcome the season and connect with friends who love creativity and color as much as I do. Imagine curling up with your favorite drink, discovering new art, chatting with makers, and filling your home with pieces that make you smile; all without having to leave your cozy spot. Come be part of the fun and warmth.

RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1418446459249700

🍁 Autumn Forest 🍁

202010096

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your home, please visit: 

https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1853358704

My Story

Hi, I’m Mike the artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I could hold a crayon. As a kid, I’d fill every notebook, homework margin, and scrap of paper with doodles. I sold my first artwork in junior high, sketching in class and handing off pieces between periods. That early love for making things never faded. I followed it all the way to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and eventually, I decided to stop treating art as a side hustle and make it my life’s work.

My paintings are full of energy, motion, and saturated color. I’m drawn to bold shapes and organic lines—forms that feel alive. I create with the hope that my work brings something beautiful and uplifting into someone’s day. Whether it’s a spark of joy, a moment of calm, or just a splash of color that makes you pause—I want my art to connect with something real.

Now, I’m lucky enough to paint full-time, with collectors across the U.S. and in dozens of countries around the world. But more than anything, I still feel like that kid with a crayon, excited to create. I’m grateful to share this journey with you—and I hope you find something in my work that makes your world a little brighter.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Store: http://MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

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

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

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mikekraus.bsky.social