Showing posts with label present. Show all posts
Showing posts with label present. Show all posts

Monday, November 28, 2022

Homemade French Toast

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Homemade French Toast #508
color pencil and pen on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
202211076
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

The sun is trying to break through the clouds on an early Sunday morning.  Our feet crunch on the loose gravel on the road to back to our house.  Our mouths salivate as we talk excitedly about breakfast.  The French Toast made with homemade bread, the perfect amount of cinnamon, and Kettle Ridge maple syrup.  All of it coming together beautifully with a little honey butter. 

STARTS TODAY! 
The GRATEFUL ART FESTIVAL!!!  
We're going to have a lot of fun 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 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, 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:

Friday, August 20, 2021

French Press

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


French Press
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202108071
© copyright Mike Kraus

Weekends start off slow and early.  Linger in bed while the dog snores with intense delight.  Eventually, I shuffle to the kitchen to put some grounds and water into the French press.  The dog and I will go outside and watch the deer graze in the backyard as it brews.  Back inside, I'll fill a couple for travel mugs and we make our way to our hiking destination.  I wish every morning was like this.

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


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, April 30, 2021

French Press

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


 French Press
acrylic painting on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202104030
© copyright Mike Kraus

Weekends start off slow and early.  Linger in bed while the dog snores with intense delight.  Eventually, I shuffle to the kitchen to put some grounds and water into the French press.  The dog and I will go outside and watch the deer graze in the backyard as it brews.  Back inside, I'll fill a couple for travel mugs and we make our way to our hiking destination.  I wish every morning was like this.

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


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.

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:

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201911110
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/234446654/sunset-sherbert-birch-forest-original

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.

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


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, 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:

Friday, July 19, 2019

Kent Hall at the University of Chicago

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Kent Hall at University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (cm x cm)
201907062
© copyright Mike Kraus
For more information, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/186507940/custom-commission-original-artwork-by
Many days and nights were spent at Kent Hall on the University of Chicago campus (https://www.uchicago.edu/).  He's passionate about "organic chemistry total synthesis" and just received his Masters Degree.  A devotion that will continue at Scripps Research Institute (https://www.scripps.edu/campuses/florida/) working toward his Ph.D.  While on a journey it's important to commemorate milestones and the friends, colleagues, and mentors we've made on the way.  To remember where we came from when we eventually find our success.



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.

Friday, June 28, 2019

Elephants of Tanzania

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Elephants of Tanzania
acrylic paint on canvas
12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
201906055
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://society6.com/product/elephants-of-tanzania_print?sku=s6-9012384p4a1v45

For years, she's been planning to turn this room into a library.  There's been lots of discussions and ideas.  Shelves have been built.  Molding has been added.  There's been a lot of carpentry and even a new chair to be cozy in while reading.  But, there was a spot that just seemed to be missing something.  And she created something perfect for that space by commissioning the Elephant of Tanzania.



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, June 21, 2019

Eckhart Hall

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Eckhart Hall at the University of Chicago
acrylic paint on canvas board
201906051
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

And just like that, her son is a UChicago (https://www.uchicago.edu/) college graduate.  Goodbye UChicago and hello Cornell (https://www.cornell.edu/)!  She raised him right and shares in his early successes.  And she wanted a piece to commemorate this impressive milestone.  What an exciting time for this young man. 



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.

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