Showing posts with label rochester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rochester. Show all posts

Monday, April 28, 2025

💛🌊 Who supports us: friends, family, clubs? 🌊💛

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💛🌊 Chimney Bluffs #578 🌊💛
pen, ink, and colored pencil on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202504019
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/513797026

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.

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, March 28, 2025

🌞 What boundaries should we set with someone who's a narcissist or antisocial? 🌞

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


🌞 Otisco Lake Preserve 🌞
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202502009
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/696128102

We hike this land that took care of the Haudenosaunee for countless generations.  The settlers arrived and ripped out the living forest and it still nurtured their farms.  And now we preserve this land so it can heal.  A place for bald eagles and other water fowl to nest.  To improve access and water quality of the lake.  It is a gift that gives back to us.

Do you love nature?  What has it given you?  What do we lose if it's gone?  Can you imagine if nature loved you back and what that would look like?

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

YOU'RE INIVITED TO THE
🌸 Bring Spring Art Festival 🌸
Let's celebrate warmer weather and the Arts together!


My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an “adult…” The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

But, art was always my side hustle. I started selling my artwork in junior high between classes. I’d create original pieces during lectures and commissions instead of homework. Oddly enough, being a poor student is what got me into the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Inspired by my past history, I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, January 3, 2025

❄⛄ What Do I Like To Do On Winter Days? ⛄❄

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


❄⛄ Winter On Skaneateles Lake ⛄❄
acrylic painting on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)
202004029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home or cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/193600478

We came to here to be spoiled.  A day at Mirbeau Inn rotating between massages, the spa, and cocktails in the lounge.  Now, we lazily explore Skaneateles Lake's waters barely making a noise in the crisp winter air.  Lingering in Clift Park, the setting sun gently paints the landscape in pinks and yellows before near complete darkness.  At peace, our boots crunch in the snow as we make our way to The Krebs for an exception dinner to finish the perfect day.

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

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, December 20, 2024

🎁 INSTANT GIFTS! 🎁

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Instant Art To Download!
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

OOPS!!!  While wrapping gifts you realize you forgot someone.  Or their gift was lost or never arrived by delivery.  No problem.  Download one of 300+ options of artwork and print it for an extra frame around your home.  Or make unique gift tags.  Use them as a virtual background for your online holiday party.  Or use for a thoughtful card to say "Happy Holidays!"  It's an instant gift.  And something to let your loves ones know how much you care.  To view options, please visit: 

Sign up for the
⛄ Upstate New York (NY) Last Minute Holiday Art Festival 
 at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/487426817322945
Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. 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!

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, November 18, 2024

🌊😎 This special place is always in my memories 😎🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

🌊😎 Canandaigua Lake 😎🌊
Museum-quality posters made on thick matte paper
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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 drive around the lake when the warm weather returns.  A day full of hiking and picnics among the waves. It's the little things in life that make us grateful.

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

Sign up for the
🦃 5th Annual Grateful Art Festival 🦃
 at:
Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. 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!

My Story
I’m Mike, the Artist of Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’d fill countless sketchbooks with drawings, cover school assignments with doodles, and publish magazines and print flyers for my friend’s bands. And then, I became an adult... The demands of food and rent seemed to require a “serious job.” For years, I languished in a cubicle performing meaningless tasks for a meager salary.

Until one day, my boss insulted me. After years of being yelled at, micromanaged, and “thrown under the bus” for their incompetence; I had enough. I quit my career and took another part-time job as a cashier of a big-box store because it had the least amount of responsibility. The rest of my time I spent painting. After several months, I had to quit this low-wage job too because it was getting in the way of my art business.

I decided to be a full-time professional artist. I needed the time to paint, collaborate with my patrons and galleries, and maintain my studio. Since then, I’ve sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. I’m very fortunate to have a career dedicated to adding more beauty to the world. And I hope to share that experience with you.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Friday, November 1, 2024

💙🌊 Canoe Landing On Canadice Lake 💙🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


💙🌊 Canoe Landing On Canadice Lake 💙🌊
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202409029
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage or cabin, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/241577209

Not too many waters are as pure as Canadice Lake.  The wildness of the wilderness still remains as homes are prohibited from the shoreline and large boats are banned from the waves.  Just the tranquility of fresh water splashing on the embankment surrounded by unspoiled woodlands.  As I silently watch the sky, a Bald Eagle soars in the air before a sudden plunge toward the lake.  It pulls up just before crashing while thrusting its talons into the water grabbing a Lake Trout and flying away.

What is good for nature is good for us.

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

NOW OPEN!!!
🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦
A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

Sign up for the
🦃 5th Annual Grateful Art Festival 🦃
 at:
Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. 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!

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:

Friday, October 11, 2024

🌊 On the Shore Of Lake Ontario 🌊

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


On the Shore Of Lake Ontario
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202409026
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/224822658

“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong." - Lao Tzu

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

NOW OPEN!!!
🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦
A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

Sign up for the
🍂🍁 5th Annual Fabulous Fall Art Festival 🍁🍂
Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. 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!

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:

Friday, October 4, 2024

🌊 Bluff Nature Preserve At Owasco Lake 🌊

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Bluff Nature Preserve At Owasco Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202409025
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/621204953

The days of summer. A time to appreciate all the wonderful moments we're experiencing. The trips to the lake for boating and swimming. And absorbing the light and warmth from the sun. To reflect on how grateful we are for all that we have.

What do you think about the artwork on your walls? How do you capture your memories. Does that make you happy?

This painting would best in a medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, purple, black, white, grey, or wood.
NOW OPEN!!!
🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦
A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

Sign up for the
🍂🍁 5th Annual Fabulous Fall Art Festival 🍁🍂
Do you believe that one-of-a-kind gifts make people feel special?  Then you're invited to find and buy amazing art. 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!

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:

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Lake Park At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lake Park At Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
16" x 20" (40.6 cm x 50.8 cm) 
202405013
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/234446654

Today is a lazy day as we've hiked a lot this week.  But, we still want to enjoy something pure and beautiful.  We scout the shoreline for a few rocks that will make a good picnic table and seats.  Maybe a spot for our pup to lay down and chew on a stick.  On the stony beach we enjoy a spread of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate.  The fish jump as we enjoy our food.  Healing nature is possible.

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels use to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships.  The pollution began to poison the waters.  In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak.  Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity.  Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

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

NOW OPEN!
🟥⬜🟦 ART FOR DEMOCRACY! 🟥⬜🟦
A celebration of everything we love about Freedom!

🃏🎴 5TH ANNUAL Artist Trading Card (& small art) Festival 🎴🃏
Buy, sell, trade unique, hand-made pieces by some of your favorite artists (AT VERY AFFORDABLE PRICES!)

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.

Friday, April 5, 2024

🔴⚪🔵 Is Harming Americans Because of Faith Wrong? 🔴⚪🔵

 
490W near Mount Read Boulevard in Rochester NY

Is harming Americans because of faith wrong?  Should kids be afraid because of the family they were born into?  What about vandalizing places of worship?  Think of what our community will be like in 5 years.  Do we still have freedom of religion?

Our neighborhood is where we work, live, and play.  And how we spend that time is important because that is who we really are.  Do we really act kind, fair, and honest or are they just meaningless values?  What did we do today to express our moral beliefs?

Together, we can enjoy each other's company and be happy.  We can care for our friends, family, and neighbors.  And that kindness is reciprocated in many countless ways.  So, let's do something nice for someone today.  Because, what we do is who we are.

Friday, March 15, 2024

18 Years Ago...

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


It was 18 years ago that I went on my first date with Megan.  We met working at the Chicago Architecture Center (https://www.architecture.org/) where she planned events and I was in the tour department.  We had a love of weird bad movies from the start.  Blockbuster didn't have Robocop (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093870/), so we rented Innerspace (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093260/) instead.  And for dinner, we had takeout Chicken Katsu from Aloha Eats (https://www.alohaeats.com/).  Little did we know that it was a start of a wonderful adventure.  I'm very lucky.

And after 18 years with me, Megan has earned a homemade crab cake dinner...

Mike Kraus


🌞😎🌳 BRING SPRING ART FESTIVAL 🌳😎🌞
Who's ready for Spring?  We can open our windows and redecorate our homes.  And enjoy the happiness of the warm sun


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.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Americans Should Feel Safe

 
On E 490 in Rochester as seen from S. Clinton Ave. near Gregory St.

Americans should feel safe. My child should be able to go to school without any fear.  Why does my family have to worry about being attacked because of our culture?  And my place of worship shouldn't be covered in hateful graffiti.  All of us Americans came here for personal and religious freedom, right?

What do we value?  How do we spend our time: at work, on hobbies, with family?  What does our actions tell us about our real values?  Our acts show our generosity, kindness, fairness, and honesty.  These are meaningful and we should think how we show our values to others.  Does what we believe truly show up in our thoughts and actions?

All I want is to be comfortable and happy.  And it can feel lonely in a world of cruelty and abuse.  But, I know so many kind and caring people too.  And I choose to focus on supporting and loving them.  People like you.  Because, what we do is who we are.

Friday, March 1, 2024

End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


End of Rob's Trail At Hemlock Lake
acrylic paint on canvas board
202402003
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your cottage, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/708800293

Hiking down the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail is easy. The switchbacks bounce between cascading waterfall creeks. A strong scent of pine as we startle unsuspecting deer around the bend. On the stony beach we enjoy a picnic of bacon bread, cheese, crackers, and chocolate. The fish jump as we soak our feet in the water. The hill isn't the only reason it's a difficult hike back.

Over 100 homes and 5 hotels use to ring Hemlock Lake connected by 5 large ships. The pollution began to poison the waters. In 1852, the City of Rochester began to process of improving water quality after contamination lead to a massive disease outbreak. Over 5,000 acres were purchased and all buildings demolished to improve the water's purity. Today, it's the prime example of how to live with these sacred lakes.

This piece would best in a small-to-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:

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