Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2024

Lavender Farm

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Lavender Farm
2016 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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.

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

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunset Sherbert Birch Forest
2018 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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.

Do you feel your life is balanced? Why or why not? And what impact will it have on you next year?

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:

Monday, March 4, 2024

😎 Could Your Home Be More Beautiful? 😎

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Could your home be more beautiful?

March is the perfect time to plan refreshing your home or office. To make a list of all the small projects that need attention. Or to contact a designer to completely update your space. Maybe you're selling your home and you need something unique to stand out. Converting a space to show who you really are is inspiring.

What makes you happy? Is there a place that is important to you? What do you believe and how is it reflected on your walls? One-of-a-kind art shows the world that you are a special individual.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS - Looking for tips to make your space more inviting. Visit: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html


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, 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:

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

A Dog Named Broccoli

 Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


A Dog Named Broccoli #1
pen and ink on Bristol paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To commission your own piece, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

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.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
🐴📦 Funny Little Box 📦🐴:


A Dog Named Broccoli #2
pen and ink on Bristol paper
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202307037
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To commission your own piece, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/186507940

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:

Monday, February 26, 2024

Canandaigua Lake

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Canandaigua Lake
2016 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://mikekrausart.etsy.com/listing/1654043578

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.  Always searching for our favorite vistas.  A day full of hiking and picnics among the waves of petals.  It's the little things in life that make us grateful.

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.

Canandaigua Lake
2016 © copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: 

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:

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Red Tulips

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Red Tulips
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
202305015
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your walls or other items, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1498379119/red-tulips-original-digital-download-by

Summer has arrived.  The coolness of Spring has given way to the heat of the sun.  The chilly frost has given way and been absorbed and life bursts from the earth.  The tulips flood the hillside with color.  A joyous start to the season.

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:
How Are We To Add Beauty To Our Lives 
https://medium.com/p/d3054916f8e0

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:

Monday, April 17, 2023

Georges Rouault Tulips

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Georges Rouault Tulips
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201806082
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/236577772/georges-rouault-tulips-original-acrylic

Spring has arrived.  The cold of Winter has given way to the heat of the sun.  The snow has melted and been absorbed and life bursts from the earth.  The tulips flood the hillside with color.  A joyous start to the season.

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

Monday, April 3, 2023

☀😎 Make Your Home Beautiful This Spring 😎☀

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Spring has Sprung

After so many months of cold and dust, it's time to refresh our homes.  What are some ways to make our home more beautiful?

Many changes are simple: Add color to a room with a new pillow, flowers, or a lampshade.  Updating your art is another way to add joy to your space.  It could be as easy as switching out a few darker pieces with more energetic colorful pieces.  And, if you're very ambitious, create a gallery wall of works that reflect who you are.

Sometimes, we need help making our house a real home.  And an interior designer can help.  How do you find one?  Love your friend's living room; ask who designed it.  Or scroll the social media portfolios of local firms to find what you like.  Consult with a few to ask about budget, special requirements, your process participation, and schedule.  How well do they communicate?  Good communication can relieve a lot of stress during renovation.

How our home looks directly impacts how we feel.  And we deserve to live somewhere that is safe, comfortable, and happy.


Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

PS - The Bring Spring Art Festival Starts Today!

It's the place to find and buy amazing art for your home. Browse unique, hand-crafted items in ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, photography, wood, leather, fiber, metal, fashion, digital, paintings, prints and so much more!
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 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:


Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint of canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
201705049
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your home, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/244169466/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 painting would great in a space that is red, orange, yellow, dark green, blue, purple, black, white, 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 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:

Monday, March 6, 2023

☀😎🌳 How Are You Preparing For Spring? 🌳😎☀

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Imagine your beautiful home


Spring is almost here!  The perfect time to plan sprucing up your home.  Do you have lots of small projects or does a room need to be completely refreshed?  Maybe you've moved into a new place and need to make it your own.  Or you've grown and changed over the years and it's time for your walls to reflect who you are.  Whatever the reason, it is exciting.

What puts you in a good mood?  Is it something you're grateful for?  Maybe a memory of someone you're close to?  Is there a place that is special to you?  What are your values and how are they reflected in your space?  Let's find a way to truly make it your home.

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com


PS - Looking for tips to make your space more charming Visit: 

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html



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:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

How Do You Spring Forward?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


How do you make spring beautiful?

The grey days of winter are starting to give way to the warmth of the yellow sun of spring. Green shoots beginning to push through the melting snow. And birds we haven't seen in months return to chirp outside our window. This is when I replace my worn out clothes, plant seedlings for the garden, and rejuvenate my home.

How do you welcome this sunny season? Perhaps there's something you'd like to change to make your home more appealing? It could be as complex as a complete renovation or as simple as new paint. Maybe you want to try something new? To make a habit of reading outside or hiking at nearby parks. And what is it you appreciate the most right now? Something that you will continue to do to bring you joy?

Looking for tips to make your space more charming? Visit: https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus

PS - Here are ways you can help Ukraine right now:
Razom For Ukraine: https://razomforukraine.org/
International Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/
AirBNB: Airbnb.org


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, May 12, 2021

Purple Iris

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Purple Iris
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 6" (20.3 cm x 15.2 cm) 
202004027
© copyright Mike Kraus


Spring gardening is a lot of work with little instant gratification.  There's a lot of weeding, pruning, sowing, tilling, and other activities that look like you've done less than when you started.  Little by little, some seedlings appear and other greenery.  The nightly concern of frost and expectations of deer.  One morning you wake up to unseasonable warm weather and you are surprised a burst of purple miraculously appears in your yard.  Summer must be near.

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

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