HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Twilight Woods

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

201801001

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232094915/twilight-woods-original-acrylic-painting

Where this path will end is a mystery. The trees rustle in the breeze stirring up the aromas of the forest. A freshness one always has to remind themselves of in civilization. The light refracts in strange ways at this time. It's when the surreal becomes the real.

Is there a place you go to relax? Is it wide-open or cozy? What do you see, hear, smell, and feel when you are there? Is it a place where you can be by yourself? What about it makes you feel good?

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, green, blue, black, white, grey, beige, or wood.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, February 24, 2023

On the Shores of Toulon, France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

On the Shores of Toulon, France

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201803046

To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/189688164/on-the-shores-of-toulon-france-original

It's the perfect day at the beach. A hot sun overhead as we wade in the warm water. The breeze gently pushing the sailboats around the harbor. We refill our adult sippy cups with rosé and enjoy floating around in the blue waters. There's an alternating scent of sweet flora and the salty sea. We've found our paradise.

What is your happiest memory?

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

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 27, 2023

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

To purchase for your home, 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, heron, and chipmunks. You may even find a moose, coyote, or black bear on these trails. The dense pine forest opens up to an overlook 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.

What can I do to bond with nature? My food comes from its soil and pastures. Everything I touch is harvested and mined from the land. I exist because it allows me to breathe. While it asks for nothing in return, I wonder about the consequences of losing it.

This piece would look best in a medium space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, dark 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 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:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratefulworkshop

Sunday, January 1, 2023

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We've accomplished so much together in 2022. And that's a great reason to celebrate. It's good to acknowledge all we've learned from our obstacles too. These stumbling blocks are opportunities for growth in 2023. I expect it to be a great adventure for us.

Thank you for being you. I'm so grateful to have you in my life.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - 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.

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, November 14, 2022

Night Watch

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Night Watch #505

color pencil and pen on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202211071

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235534363/night-watch-505-artist-trading-cards-by

An owl hoots in the dim moonlight of the forest. A slight breeze carries the sweet scent of trees in full bloom through the darkness. The nocturnal birch guards the woods while it slumbers. Watching each leaf tumble and every mouse burrow. It remains still in the face of danger and will always see what is happening.

The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL is coming!!! Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, wearable art, digital art, paintings, prints and so much more! Join us at:

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

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:

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Vision Quest XLVIII

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Vision Quest XLVIII #504

color pencil and pen on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202211070

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/197718982/vision-quest-xlviii-504-artist-trading

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.

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

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:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Monday, November 7, 2022

Whatever Cactus

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Whatever Cactus #503

color pencil and pen on Bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
202211069

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235877290/whatever-cactus-503-artist-trading-cards

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.

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

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, August 1, 2022

Let's Enjoy the Last Days of Summer!

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

August is for roasting s'mores on brisk nights at the backyard fire pit. Sharing stories while your furry family member snores under your chair. Appreciating the peaceful hooting of an owl and the sparks of the fireflies.

Home is a special place. It's where you make memories with the people you love. A place that reveals who you really are and how you'd like the world to be. So surround yourself with joy and happiness.

Your Friend,

Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival opens August 8th:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2546314848837846/?active_tab=discussion

Artist sign up for the Awesome Autumn Art Festival has begun at: https://www.facebook.com/events/594136385689883/?active_tab=discussion

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, July 11, 2022

Rachel and Ben's Canandaigua Sunflowers

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Rachel and Ben's Canandaigua Sunflowers

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202106046

For image, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1266297363/rachel-and-bens-canandaigua-sunflowers

or reproductions at: https://society6.com/product/rachel-and-bens-canandaigua-sunflowers-original-digital-download-by-mike-kraus-art-new-york-upstate-ny-finger-lakes-flx-summer-cottages_recessed-framed-print?sku=s6-24569173p135a294v1004a295v1005

The warm breeze rushes through the car as we drive down country roads with our windows down. Every bend reveals new sights. Every hill a new perspective on the panorama. It's a yearly ritual for us to visit sunflower fields as they bloom. A day full of hiking and picnics among the waves of petals. It's the little things in life that make us grateful.

Let's start being kinder to others and ourselves with the Kindness Challenge at: https://www.kindspring.org/challenge/?op=nletter&cid=2153&id=59060

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:

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

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?

JOIN US AT:
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/305635098251133
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/mikekraus/the-way-to-beauty/
REDDIT: http://reddit.com/r/TheWayToBeauty/

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:

Friday, June 17, 2022

This Land Is...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

This Land Is...

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206020

Find Understanding

We've all hurt people. And that hurts us. After causing that pain, it is our duty to correct that wrong. Our ego must not get in the way. Ignoring and rationalizing only hides our fear that we are weak. True strength comes from humility, kindness, and admitting our mistakes.

1) Express Regret: Talk directly with those you've wronged by expressly stating what you did. For example: "I'm sorry that I (wrongful action). It was not my intention to hurt you."

2) Very Short Explanation: Without excuses, let them know why the incident occurred in 1-2 sentences. For example: "I did (wrongful action) from thoughtless habit; not to attack you."

3) Take Responsibility: Say "I was wrong," "It's was my mistake," or other appropriate variation.

4) Offer Remorse: Let them know explicitly this will not happen again. For example: "I will not do (wrongful action) again because I don't want to cause you pain."

5) Fix or Compensate Error: If you broke something; replace it. If you took something; give it back (in better condition than you found it). Was it something emotional or unable to be restored? Find a way to make amends that is equal to or greater than the misdeed.

6) Ask To Be Forgiven: Be straightforward and say "Will you forgive me?"

Benefits:

1) Saying sorry makes it possible to have a good long term relationship with others.

2) You acknowledge bad behavior and can be trusted again

3) The victim gets their dignity returned.

4) It lets other know that you're still a good person who just made a mistake.

5) Reduces stress that impacts heart health.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, light green, blue, purple, black, 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:

Friday, June 10, 2022

Los Angeles Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Los Angeles Alley (Venice Beach)

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202206019

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/246241892/los-angeles-alley-original-acrylic

Los Angeles is an attractive beacon of optimism. What started as a Spanish colony of 11 people has exploded into a population of 18.7 million people. The Chinese came to build the railroads, African Americans seeking better opportunities after World War II, Koreans to be entrepreneurial shopkeepers, Latinos who founded and built the city, along with countless other people from around the globe. Los Angeles' diversity and openness to the world has made it the 3rd largest metropolitan economy. Behind the thin veneer of glamour is the hard work of millions of good people.

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

YOU'RE INVITED

to the

Summer Art Party at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/577688133649379

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, June 6, 2022

Belgian Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Belgian Farm #250

gouache on bristol paper

NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)

201709093

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/546148994/artist-trading-card-belgian-farm-250-by

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectable, 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.

YOU'RE INVITED

to the

Summer Art Party at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/577688133649379

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:

Friday, June 3, 2022

Lavender Farm

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Lavender Farm

acrylic paint on canvas board

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

202206018

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/222100999/lavender-farm-original-acrylic-painting

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

YOU'RE INVITED

to the

Summer Art Party at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/577688133649379

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: