Twilight Wilderness

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Twilight Wilderness #545

pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202308054

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/224336473/twilight-wilderness-545-artist-trading

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?

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🍂🍁 AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

Kick off the holiday season with friends and fun.  Meet hundreds of artists and their amazing creations.  How happy are you with your art?

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ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

A Creative Relationship

https://medium.com/p/1f8a0e19eef4

& Interview With Mike Kraus

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Sunset Valley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Sunset Valley #544

pen, ink, and color pencil on Bristol paper

2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202308052

© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232334464/sunset-valley-544-artist-trading-cards

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for the

🍂🍁 AWESOME AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL! 🍁🍂

Kick off the holiday season with friends and fun.  Meet hundreds of artists and their amazing creations.  How happy are you with your art?

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

ARTS o’ MAGAZINE:

Art During Difficulty

https://medium.com/p/7a2e2aeb6802

& Interview With Mike Kraus

https://medium.com/arts-o-magazine/mike-krause-9dd86995d76c

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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Room With a View

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty

Room With a View

acrylic paint on canvas board

8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm) 

202106052

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase print, please visit: https://society6.com/product/room-with-a-view-by-mike-kraus-art-painting-asheville-nc-north-carolina-usa-america-landscape-blue-ridge-mountains-nature-wildflowers-nature-trees-forests-woods-valley-green-clouds-white-sky_stretched-canvas?sku=s6-20991955p16a6v28

or image at: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1034913206/room-with-a-view-original-instant

The coffee percolates noisily as I take care of our zooming dog.  She's always excited as I sleepily change into my t-shirt and jeans.  I throw a ball down the hall, pour a cup of coffee, and drag my feet to my work-from-home office full of unfinished tasks and dinging alarms.  In a few minutes, we'll be starting our work day with a contentious virtual meeting about a project unrelated to my work.  I take a deep breath, a big sip, and a quiet moment to appreciate the vast expanse outside my window.  

Having Fun During COVID-19

https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.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 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:

Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog

Peneda-Gerês National Park

Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal , 2014

Acrylic on canvas board

10" x 8"

© copyright Mike Kraus

To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/198169269/peneda-geres-national-park-portugal?

Our little rental car struggles through the mountainous switchbacks in northern Portugal.  Just north of Parque de São Bento da Porta Aberta, the little hatchback pulls over to an overlook of the Cávado River.  A valley filled with unique colorful flora.  Wind and water have carved this land of granite.  Now, if only we can find the trailhead to explore...

This painting would look best in a space that is light yellow, bright red, dark orange, or neutral beige.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MikeKrausArt 

Panorama Valley: Part II

Continued from Panorama Valley: Part I

The Panorama Valley redevelopment creates a traditional Upstate New York neighborhood while preserving and enhancing current green space.

Today, there is abundant open space between the strip mall and Irondequoit Creek that is underutilized.  This area is ignored and neglected as no windows view this space and it is lined with dumpsters, used tires, and other refuse.  New and refurbished buildings will be designed to face both the street and the new Panorama Park.

Current view of open space behind strip malls

New buildings will be designed to face both the street and the park.  Along the park is a promenade to encourage foot traffic and restaurants.  The lawn area provides ample space for personal recreation and community activities with the stage for theater, concerts, etc.

This aeriel view of the Irondequoit Creek area shows its underuse.  The side facing the creek of all the buildings are windowless and used for loading docks and dumpsters.  

Current view of Irondequoit Creek between Panorama Plaza and Panorama Creek Drive

With a few changes, this area could be a great asset.  Rebuilding the dilapidated structures to the north to face the park and street would be valuable spaces for restaurants, boutiques, and a hotel.   A tree-lined promenade would link businesses to the creek and parking.  Existing trails along the creek should be preserved and connected to a community garden in the western portion and a lawn with a stage in the eastern portion.  Inviting gateways along Panorama Trail and an improved connection to the trails that follow the creek toward Linear/Channing Park.

Example of an entrance to Panorama Valley Park from Panorama Trail.

Irondequoit Creek

To see more about the Panorama Valley redevelopment, please visit:
Panorama Valley: Part I

Panorama Valley

The Panorama Valley redevelopment is designed to restore a worn out strip mall into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.  This regional destination will have housing, offices, shops, entertainment, parks, and civic centers within easy walking distance.  A traditional Upstate community with contemporary amenities.

The town center (Panorama Trail and Penfield Road) will be a gathering spot for friends and families to enjoy a meal, relax, and participate in retail activities.  From there, you can go in any direction to visit one of the many fine cafes, restaurants, or boutiques.  Perhaps catch a movie at the theater or find a gift before you leave the hotel. 

Current satellite view of Panorama Plaza and surrounding development

Structure redevelopment for Panorama Valley with green space preserves surrounding the area
to protect Irondequoit and Allens Creeks watershed leading into the Irondequoit Bay.

Panorama Valley will be an inviting place by using quality design, renewable materials, and environmentally sensitive to the nearby creek watersheds.  Pedestrian and bike use will be encouraged to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners.  

Current situation of Panorama Trail

Redevelopment of Panorama Trail

Green space and historic preservation are vital to this area.  Irondequoit Creek and Allens Creek are home to rainbow trout and spawning salmon along with various kinds of amphibians and reptiles.  The old growth forests contain a variety of songbirds, owls, deer, and other woodland creatures.  Wildflowers and several protected classes of flora make this area unique.  This land is of historic significance to the Iroquois Native Americans and site of early industrial development of European settlers.

One of the many unique water features found nearby

Panorama Valley continues the Upstate New York tradition of village living and an entrepreneurial business climate.   Plenty of activities and parks for families to enjoy.  And ways to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage that defines the region.

To see more about the Panorama Valley redevelopment, please visit:
Panorama Valley: Part II