Showing posts with label yellow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yellow. Show all posts

Monday, January 30, 2023

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Twilight Woods #296
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
201806080
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
To purchase for your collection, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/209750260/twilight-woods-296-artist-trading-cards

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?


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, June 22, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods #233
gouache paint on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201705044
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  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. 

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.

Do you want to make the world a more beautiful place?


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, March 16, 2022

Meadow In Bloom

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Meadow In Bloom #225
gouache on bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" in a 4" x 5" frame  (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in a 10.2 cm x 12.7 cm frame) 
201705036
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals) is 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. and it is signed on the back.

This piece would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark purple, brown, beige, black, white, 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 23, 2022

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
201710099
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

What are the benefits of buying original art?  Generally, most reasons fall into one of the categories of Style, Originality, Texture/Depth, History, Emotional, Investment and Fun.

History - What is the provenience or the history of the piece?  Was it hanging in a mansion of a prominent family for the last hundred years?  Maybe it was a gift to the artist's spouse before they passed away  These can add to the value of the piece.  But, what about making your own history?  You don't have to go to a major auction house to build a collection.  Emerging artists can be a very affordable option that can have unlimited growth potential?  To do this, look for artist who is creating artwork as their profession, not as a hobby.  The reason is you want someone who is building a portfolio of work and a market for their pieces.  As the artist career advances from Etsy, to cafe shows, small gallery exhibit, high-end galleries, and museum, the value of your pieces advance too.  If you're fascinated by venture capitalist, this may be for you.  While many of the artists may fail to be recognized, finding that one piece or artist could be life changing. 

Please visit: http://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/art-investing.html for some advice to consider in purchasing original artwork.

This piece would work in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, dark orange, light yellow, light 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, February 11, 2022

The Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Morning Cup of Coffee
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202202004
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.
With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  

A mug full of caffeine will keep me awake during the day.  Start off answering emails, paperwork, and requests.  Get a refill.  Then focus on my real work through the afternoon.  Last refill.  Finish off the day talking with a client about our exciting project.  

What's in your mug?  Do you use a lot of sugar and cream or nothing at all?  Are you like me and add a little bit of "Grandpa's Cough Syrup" to kick off the weekend?  Maybe you have another daily ritual?

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, purple, yellow, green, dark blue, 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:

Monday, July 19, 2021

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee #440
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202107059

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.


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.

Monday, June 7, 2021

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee #431
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202106042

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.


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, 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:

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Drought

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Drought
acrylic paint on canvas board
5" x 7" (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

A fan oscillates near almost every window of the house.  Yet the air remains still and sticky with humidity.  The ice in my drink melts in an instant.  The grass is brown and the flowers all wilt.  The perfect day for a swim.

This piece would look best in a small space that is dark red, light orange, bright yellow, green, dark blue, 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 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, March 17, 2021

Twilight Woods

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 


Twilight Woods
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

I follow the winding path not knowing where I'll end up.  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.

This painting would look best in a space that is light red, dark yellow, green, blue 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 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, March 10, 2021

Morning Apparition On a Summer Daze

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Apparition On a Summer Daze
acrylic on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

Steam races off my coffee in the cool morning air.  My feet wet from the dew balanced on the blades of grass.  The sun slowly climbs the horizon of the lake.  Still and silent enough to allow most of us to sleep.  Bright and intense to allow the animals to start their day's work.

This piece would look best in a space that is bright red, light orange, yellow, green, light 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 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, February 17, 2021

The Loblolly Pine

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Loblolly Pine
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
© copyright Mike Kraus

There's a cool breeze blowing through the humid lowland swamp.  The scent of rosemary mixes with the aroma of the moist acidic clay soil.  The towering Loblolly Pine slightly sways in the wind.  There's a thud of green pine cones at random intervals.  The sun retreats into the hills after another day of blistering heat.  

This piece would look best in a small-to-medium space that is dark red, light orange, yellow, dark green, light blue, light 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 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, February 12, 2021

Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Sunflowers and Lavender In Provence France
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202102008
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235352360/sunflowers-and-lavender-in-provence

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.

This painting would look best in a small-to-medium space that is red, orange, yellow, green, dark 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 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, February 8, 2021

Morning Cup of Coffee

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Morning Cup of Coffee #413
gouache paint on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202102006

With sunrise at 5:29 AM, how am I expected to get any sleep?  Ugh.  I stammer out of bed to perform my usual morning routine of letting the dog out and all.  My bones ache.  I load up the coffeemaker with grounds and water.  It gurgles and puffs.  A steady stream trickling into the pot.  A mug full of caffeine to keep me awake during the day.


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.

If you like this, you might like...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...