Showing posts with label commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commission. Show all posts

Friday, November 5, 2021

William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


William Rainey Harper Memorial Library at The University of Chicago (UChicago)
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202110091
© copyright Mike Kraus
We'd meet here in the morning before class.  The morning sun beaming as we'd prepare to study.  Learning more about each other than our scholarly topics.  Architecture like this is designed to make you believe in truth and things greater than ourselves.  We see that the possibilities are endless.

This piece would look best in a space that is dark red, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, grey, 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:

Monday, March 29, 2021

Blue Elephant

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Blue Elephant #421
ink, pen, and marker on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202103022
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.


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 hundreds 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.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Vita Dream

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Vita Dream
acrylic painting on canvas
14" x 18" (35.6cm x 45.7cm)
202012123
© copyright Mike Kraus

LET'S CREATE YOUR VERY OWN PAINTING TOGETHER!  Your cherished memory or idea can be made into a work of art.  Whether you want to remember a special day or give something to a caring friend; we can work together to create something unique.  Invest in yourself and the arts with a special vision to color your walls.  

This will be a positive, fun experience.  I would be happy to chat with you, with no obligation, about what you have in mind. It’s important to me that you’re thrilled with the final piece.  
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 hundreds 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.

Friday, January 8, 2021

Campanile At Iowa State University

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Campanile At Iowa State University
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20 (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202010102
© copyright Mike Kraus

A remote-learning final semester and virtual graduation seems like an appropriate situation for an independent, easy-going, software engineer.  Yet, days on the  Iowa State University (https://www.iastate.edu/) campus are full of experiences and a lifetime of memories.  Recollections that seem both forever ago and all too recent.  Now, there are new adventures with a great career opportunity at Capital One (capitalone.com) in the exciting city of Washington DC.  With the support of his family, he's taken the first step toward a successful life.





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 hundreds 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.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Pink Elephant

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Pink Elephant #399
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202010098
© copyright Mike Kraus

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/07/art-project-having-fun-during.html
Building a Fire Pit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/building-fire-pit-having-fun-during.html
Share Heart of Hope:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/coronaviruscovid-19-heart-of-hope.html
Hiking:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/hiking-having-fun-during-coronavirus.html
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/mary-wollstonecraft-shelley-parlor-game.html
Celebrating Women:
 https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/08/celebrating-women-having-fun-during.html
Have A Picnic:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-picnic-having-fun-during.html
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/you-havent-seen-that-game-having-fun.html
Have Some Theme Spirit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/have-some-theme-spirit-having-fun.html
Working For the Weekend:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/working-for-weekend-having-fun-during.html
Honor and Remembrance:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/09/honor-and-remembrance-having-fun-during.html
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:

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 hundreds 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.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Winter Glow

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Winter Glow
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202001005
© copyright Mike Kraus

Winter isn't always gloomy.  The grey clouds do break in the morning sun.  The crisp air snaps in the warmth of the sunlight.  The snow and ice on branches sparkle.  You find what you look for.



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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 hundreds 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:

Monday, January 27, 2020

Single Birch Tree

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Single Birch Tree
acrylic paint on canvas
12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) 
201912119
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase a reproduction, please visit: https://society6.com/product/single-birch-tree-by-mike-kraus-art-birch-aspen-trees-forest-woods-nature-butterfly-flowers-garden_print?sku=s6-13271294p4a1v45

As a young child, I use to sit at my adult-sized knotty pine desk and look out the window.  Sometimes I'd have a book.  Most of the time it was multiple sheets of copy paper covered with doodles.  I'd squirm on my vinyl chair and daydream looking at the birch tree outside.  There was always a bird, squirrel, or butterfly taking advantage of it's barks and branches.  Or the wind would blow making the trunk bend and peel away its layers.  



More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Michael 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 hundreds 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:

Friday, January 10, 2020

Our New York City

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Our New York City
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201912114
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

It's not everyday that someone special has their Bat Mitzvah.  They had a vision of the perfect gift for the young art lover.  After researching many, many artists, they found a few pieces of my work that was similar to their vision of the perfect gift.  With a phone call and inspiration, a few sketches were created (below).  We refined the idea by moving the subject near their Upper West Side neighborhood.  Some more sky and depth was added with the buildings.  A bit of greenery and more details of symbolic importance.  Once the vision was sketched, I created the painting.  I regularly updated them on my progress and we made minor changes to buildings, graffiti, and other features along the way.  We met our deadline and the finished piece arrived quickly in NYC with some time to spare.  This piece is full of love.  Every square inch and detail is about affection and friendship.  It was a very special project and I'm so grateful to have been included in its creation.











Whitman Works
gallery is closing...

But, you won't find better deals on original. Get 25% OFF everything in the gallery. Also, January 18th is a special open house sale with more in-house incentives and giveaways. Come and join us as we celebrate 3+ years of working with area artists.

More information at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2936079256454188/


Michael 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 hundreds 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:

Monday, January 6, 2020

Relaxing on Canandaigua Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Relaxing on Canandaigua Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201911109
© copyright Mike Kraus

As I walk to the dock, a cool brisk breeze comes off the calm waters of Canandaigua Lake.  The steam rises from my cocoa thermos mug as I open it for every sip.  My every step is the crunching of dried autumn leaves.  We're very fortunate and grateful to live in a place like this.  And the Adirondack chairs are lined up to see the finale of this autumn sunset.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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 hundreds 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:

Friday, November 15, 2019

Elephants in Tanzania

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 




Elephants of Tanzania
acrylic paint on canvas board
12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
201910100
© copyright Michael Kraus

It was a flash of inspiration.  Her niece's birthday was soon and she loves elephants.  We worked on the piece and had it gift wrapped.  After a loquacious dinner and heavenly cake, it was time to open gifts.  At first, she looked a bit confused by the yellow and brown pattern she saw.  As she pulled off more paper, she saw the first elephant and became very excited.  This original painting is now a symbol of their unique and beautiful relationship.

More About Mike Kraus Art
My NPR Marketplace Business News interview about art as an alternative investment

Graphic Ear Interview on WAYO 104.3 FM

Boston Voyager Magazine interview at:

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 hundreds 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:

Monday, September 16, 2019

Summer's Delivery Service

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Summer's Delivery Service
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201908074
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by

He has lots of wonderful memories and people in his life.  And he wanted something to symbolize that in his home.  After some thought, he was inspired.  He and his girlfriend shared a favorite childhood movie.  What if he had a painting made with his girlfriend as the main character?  And their cat could be added as well!  It's a fun piece that turns a house into a home.


Please visit my Brightscapes art show at Mendon 64. Along with my artwork, there's pieces by Kim Lester, guest chef Chris Hobaica , music by: Jaunt UPstate MA'AMD.B. RiellyNick LeDucRyan Barski, Tuesday extended happy hours, Wednesday $1 oysters, Thursday no corkage, and so much more.

1369 Pittsford Mendon Rd
Mendon, New York 14506
(585) 433-9464
dining@mendon64.com

For up to date information, please visit:
Michael 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 hundreds 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.

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