Showing posts with label House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
2018 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

I count my breaths as I enter the woods.  It calms my thoughts and helps me to relax.  The chaos and cravings of the world evaporate with every step.  If you're fortunate enough to find the mysterious pass, then you enter into paradise.  This is the magic of the forest.

Do you feel your life is balanced? Why or why not? And what impact will it have on you next year?

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:
at No comments:

Friday, April 28, 2023

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202304010
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 Noves. 

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


IT'S OFFICIAL!  
I've accepted the role of writer for 
ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:  

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:
at No comments:

Friday, January 13, 2023

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Lavender Farm
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201801021
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/241431471/lavender-farm-original-acrylic-painting

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.

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

Join us for HELLO 2023! A 21-Day Happiness Challenge. We'll start by saying "hi" to each other, tell stories, build relationships, and (most of all) have fun: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10227573232972105&set=gm.537375135077127&idorvanity=305635098251133


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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:


at No comments:

Friday, June 24, 2022

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206021
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/213095501

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 Noves. 

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

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

In Da Moonlight

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


In Da Moonlight
scratchboard
5" x 7" in a vintage frame (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm in a vintage frame)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Nights are longer here. Only shadows dance in the moonlight of the old farm. Howls and secretive footsteps can be heard, but nothing seen, in the nearby fields. The darkness is honest away from civilization. Much like the people that live in this neck of the woods.

Is the night quiet or loud where you live?  Some neighborhoods have lots of traffic and sirens.  Others are only populated by nocturnal animals sneaking around.  Either way, what is the moon like where you are?

This piece would work in almost any small space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, beige or wood.

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:



at No comments:

Monday, April 4, 2022

Lavender In Provence

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710111
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

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 Brunet. 

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

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:







at No comments:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

How Do You Spring Forward?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


How do you make spring beautiful?

The grey days of winter are starting to give way to the warmth of the yellow sun of spring. Green shoots beginning to push through the melting snow. And birds we haven't seen in months return to chirp outside our window. This is when I replace my worn out clothes, plant seedlings for the garden, and rejuvenate my home.

How do you welcome this sunny season? Perhaps there's something you'd like to change to make your home more appealing? It could be as complex as a complete renovation or as simple as new paint. Maybe you want to try something new? To make a habit of reading outside or hiking at nearby parks. And what is it you appreciate the most right now? Something that you will continue to do to bring you joy?

Looking for tips to make your space more charming? Visit: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS - Here are ways you can help Ukraine right now:
Razom For Ukraine: https://razomforukraine.org/
International Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/
AirBNB: Airbnb.org


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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at 1 comment:

Friday, February 18, 2022

Lavender Field

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Field
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202005
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/208577323/lavender-field-original-acrylic-painting

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 Brunet. 

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 small-to-medium space that is dark orange, yellow, green, blue, black, white, grey, or wood.  

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty
We need to accept beauty when it arrives.  To prioritize the value of beauty in all forms.   Beauty isn’t a waste of time, a luxury, or the domain of the educated upper classes.  Beauty is your own authentic personal experience.  True beauty is independent, autonomous, and free of social pressure.  Imposed taste is manipulative and unethical as it takes away an individual’s identity.  Art is not a communal experience.  Yet, sharing your love of beauty can build friendships.  It is up to you to refine and develop your personal tastes and interests.  We must be vulnerable and let down our guard.  To be courageous enough to think and feel our true conclusions.  The sensation of openness, trust, symbiosis, caring, and being loved shows us that “everything is okay.”  Beauty is a way of life.   It is the affirmation of life.  To create is an act of love.  It is the process of intelligence.  It is a way of accessing and communicating with the human mind.

What is something ugly you see every day?  What would it take to make it beautiful?  What is preventing you from making the improvement?  Are there reasonable alternatives?  Go do it!

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Monday, February 7, 2022

How Do We Make Beautiful Art?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Point at Keuka Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
201708079
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
Beautiful art reveals a truth.   It has a purpose for its existence.  It must reveal a “grey area” item like “love,” “justice,” or other virtue.  And art must have an understandable communication structure. A structure that is coherent and not unnecessarily complicated.  While the self can be referenced by the artist, it needs to be greater than just an individual’s personal ego. An honest forgetting of the self.  It’s not the paint that is beautiful; it’s the truth that it reveals to our mind that is. Still, art is more than just truth. And it’s not necessarily about morals, religion, or politics.  Art is a state of mind frozen in time. It’s about living a fuller existence. 

What is your favorite piece of art? Who made it and when? Why did they create it? How does the piece make you feel? Do you think the artist felt the same way or had the same feelings?

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Friday, February 4, 2022

Mind Reading

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202201003
© copyright Mike Kraus
The most successful members of a stable society have a strong sense of empathy.  They can see what others see, feel what they feel, and gauge response with precision.  When to advance and when to retire.  Whom to groom and whom to avoid.  Whom to challenge and when to placate.  During social interactions, our brains go through a three-step process: 1) mentalizing goals and plans to achieve them, 2) empathizing feelings to predict their actions, and 3) mirroring and imitation.

Is there someone you'd like to know better?  Ask them how they are doing and what things are like these days.  Learn something new by asking for someone to teach you.  Reach out to someone with different beliefs or background to find their dreams and what makes them happy.  

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Creating Is Love!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Creating Is Love!

Growing up, west Michigan winters could be harsh and lonely.  Countless hours watching TV between microwaved meals.   Boredom was a gift that forced me to be creative.  Simple doodles lead to elaborate drawings and then to colorful paintings.  Learning new techniques from books and starting the process all over again.  Now, my days are active and enjoyable with a community of friends like you.  

We have so much in common.  Sure, we share similar interests in the arts.  But, it's something deeper than that.  It's wanting a beautiful life by engaging with each other.  To appreciate all we have to be grateful for. 

Let us continue to imagine together.  There are so many wonderful possibilities.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - Thank you for your kindness and support.  Your encouragement has meant so much to me.  I wish you good health and happiness in 2022.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!


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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Monday, January 31, 2022

Beauty Is Empathy

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Near Marseille, France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710104
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

Those who appreciate Beauty are more elastic and adaptable.  Art enhances our empathy. Art is empathetic because it allows us into the mind of the creator.  A creator’s piece doesn’t pull the emotions from your mind; but delivers their feelings into your brain.  It explains the appropriateness and consequences of our decisions. Highlighting these impacts on others fuels empathy.  Our role in those positive and negative behaviors. That creates the sensation of guilt that forces us to right past wrongs and prevent future digressions.  The more types of beauty we appreciate (painting, sculpture, sports, theatre, etc.), the more accepting we are of others. Expanding our tolerance of what is beautiful reduces our fear and insecurity.

What do you appreciate about your hobbies? Do you share your experiences with others? Is it part of a community?

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at No comments:

Friday, January 28, 2022

Looking For Problems

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202201001
© copyright Mike Kraus
Creativity is helped by honest debate and constructive criticism.  Only listening to positive reviews from “yes men” and sycophants reinforces limiting and misguided views on the way to certain failure.   Dissenting opinions are useful even when they are wrong.  It’s important to experiment and test our beliefs in the real world.  To do so, we need to seek “problems;” not “solutions.”  People that come bearing “solutions” are not open-minded and only seek to implement their own opinion.  But people presenting “problems” are willing to try various alternatives to find the best option for an issue.  And finding a true “Devil’s Advocate” will force you to be more effective and truthful.  An truthful opponent can stress test our ideas to separate facts from fiction.  We should welcome this criticism because these people care enough to state their honest views.  What we should fear most is a disinterested audience.

What is a problem you have?  Do you know your options?  Who do you confide in to find answers?  And do you ask "what if the opposite is true?"

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 Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial 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:
at 2 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...