Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decor. Show all posts

Friday, March 19, 2021

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202103019
© copyright Mike Kraus

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, orange, dark yellow, green, blue, purple, 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 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, January 13, 2021

Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Purple and Grey Chevron Squirrel
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (cm x cm) 
202004023
© copyright Mike Kraus
or merchandise at

I only fed him one time.  Now, I can't get rid of him.  He hangs on my screen door begging me for more peanut butter.  I'm no longer able to go in the backyard.  Yet, I find the whole thing entertaining.


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 20, 2020

Rows of Lavender In Provence

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Rows of Lavender In Provence
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10"  (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 
202011109
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

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 dark red, yellow, blue, green, dark purple, black, white, beige or wood

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
Have A Picnic:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/2020/11/vote-vote-vote-having-fun-during-covid.html
New Thanksgiving Traditions:
I'm Thankful You're In My 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.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, October 30, 2020

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202010101
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Art Project: 
Building a Fire Pit:
Share Heart of Hope:
Hiking:
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Parlor Game:
Celebrating Women:
You Haven't Seen That?!? Game:
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:
Honor and Remembrance:
Apple Picking and Other Farms:
Halloween Gravedigger Flashlight Game:
Spook Your Friends and Neighbors:

Friday, September 25, 2020

Cactus In the West

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Cactus In the West
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009085
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

The isolation is unimaginable.  Only distant mountains in every direction filled in with sand, scrub brush and cacti.  The whispers of unknown animals hiding from the hot sun.  It's a dry heat and the gentle breeze feels like it's taking all the moisture from my body.  We take turns sipping our rationed water and pondering the landscape.  We're all in this together.  And that's only way to survive in these situations.

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.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:
Working For the Weekend:

Friday, November 23, 2018

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201811126
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/516194540/a-view-of-the-blue-mountains-of-the


It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

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

More About Mike Kraus Art


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.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Beach In Albufeira, Portugal

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Beach In Albufeira, Portugal
Acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Not too far from Faro on the Algarve coast is the town of Albufeira.  An old fisherman's village turned tourist destination.  Travelers are attracted to the burning sun above the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  It's rare to find an empty beach nestled against the golden sandstone cliffs.  A place to rejuvenate under the rays with a little vinho verde.  

This painting would look best in a space that is blue, light green, light pink, orange, light purple, grey, or sand beige.



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, June 8, 2018

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

A View of the Blue Mountains of the Adirondacks
acrylic paint on canvas
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
201805075
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/619698233/a-view-of-the-blue-mountains-of-the

It was a steep and treacherous hike up the mountain in the Adirondacks.  A wild region full of deer, herons, and chipmunks.  You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails.  The dense pine forest opens up to a meadow full of brisk autumn air.  There is a startling calmness.  And from this view, it's as if we can see all six million acres of this park.

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

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.


Thursday, April 12, 2018

Flowers For the Home


Our guest bedroom has a small window on the north side of our house and receives very, very little sunlight.  My wife, Megan, and I have been trying to find ways to make the space more useful and inviting.  As most of you know, it's something I'm frequently involved with for my art career: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html.  While we have the light colored walls, bright bedding, and mirrors, we needed something that would "pop."


We selected this arrangement of peonies from plantscapeinc.com (https://www.silkplantsdirect.com/silk-flowers/flower-variety/peony/peony-assorted-pack-of-1-c9864s.html).   As you can see, it explodes with color.  And they are surprisingly realistic.  Even more impressive was the quick shipping, which arrived only 3 days after the order.  Overall, these were a great choice for our guest room.  They are sculptural, bright, and require no sunlight.  


For more information about flowers for your home or business, please visit:  
interior landscape design - http://www.plantscapeinc.com/services/interior-landscaping
interior plant service - http://www.plantscapeinc.com/


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, April 6, 2018

Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Birch Forest, 2018
acrylic paint on canvas
36" x 48" (91.4 cm x 121.9 cm) 
201803055
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/225529342/birch-forest-original-acrylic-painting

A way can be a guide, but not a fixed path;
names can be given, but not permanent labels.
Nonbeing is called the beginning of heaven and earth;
being is called the mother of all things.
Always passionless, thereby observe the subtle;
ever intent, thereby observe the apparent.
These two come from the same source but differ in name;
both are considered mysteries.
The mystery of mysteries
is the gateway of marvels.

-Tao Te Ching - Lao-Tzu - Chapter 1

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

(detail)

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.


Monday, October 16, 2017

Cactus In the West

Cactus In the West, 2017
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710102
© copyright Michael Kraus


What are the benefits of buying original art?  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

Fun - The most important thing about investing in art is that it's "fun."  If you enjoy visiting museums, art galleries, studios, garage sales, art fairs, thrift stores, and making your own pieces, then this may be a great option for you.  Know who you are and what you like.  Chances are there are lots of other people who love the same things you do and will want the sames things you want.  

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

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:



See my work in person at these locations:
Havana Night Gala - Baden Street Settlement Holiday Inn Rochester, NY-Downtown 70 State St, Rochester, NY 14614 http://badenstreet.org/2017-annual-gala/

Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/







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