The Majestic Collection
"Increasing the size enables people to have that sense of literally, going through the window. Going through the doorway into another world." –Michael Parkes
"Increasing the size enables people to have that sense of literally, going through the window. Going through the doorway into another world." –Michael Parkes
“Feminine Energy in its purity, is beauty, balance and this sense of harmony.”
When Women Ruled the World
In the captivating artwork titled ‘When Women Ruled the World’ by Michael Parkes, a grand and majestic portrayal unfolds, seamlessly blending elements of magical storytelling and fantasy. The central figure, a strong woman, radiates a dreamlike aura of serenity and power. Poised upon a large horse, she commands attention with a captivating presence that symbolizes both freedom and strength. Her sword that she has by her side is a butterfly sword, which means that she protects the weakest of everything that she has control over. A butterfly can live one day, but that is her purpose. If she can protect the weakest of all things, that means she can protect everything else.
This artwork weaves a symphony of symbolism and enchantment, crafting a timeless tale that celebrates the potential of women as leaders. The harmonious blend of figurative elements paints a romantic and imaginative narrative, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world where empowered women reign with grace and dignity. Parkes’ masterful brushwork weaves a rich tapestry that captures the essence of fantasy and reality, inviting observers into a realm where strong women command with unwavering independence.
This masterpiece is a heartfelt tribute to Michael Parkes’ resilient wife, who serves as the muse behind this beautiful creation. Through the interplay of magical storytelling and majestic imagery, ‘When Women Ruled the World’ stands as an ode to the captivating might of feminine strength. As one gazes upon this artwork, they are transported to a realm where imagination knows no bounds, and the grand narrative of empowered women unfolds in all its splendor. If the feminine energy of the world was in control this is what it would be like.
A word from Michael Parkes on “When Women Ruled the World”
I have a wonderful strong wife and I see her like a warrior. She has been a part of my life for 55 years. This painting is more or less for her. If the feminine energy of the world was in control, this is what it would be like.
She is mounted on a huge black animal, that is the power that she controls. Without strength. The power that she has to control her space is soft energy, not hard energy. The sword that she has by her side is a butterfly sword which means that she protects the weakest of everything that she has control over. A butterfly can live one day- why bother? But that is her purpose. If you can protect the weakest of all things that means that you can protect everything else. So this is my sense of what I try to portray. It’s an energy. It’s powerful, feminine energy, undiluted.
As human beings evolved and came more forward, the mixture of masculine and feminine energy has made it very difficult to see clearly what the world would be like if you had just the one element, the one energy to control. Feminine energy is purity, is beauty, balance and this sense of harmony. The deities, the archetypal deities that were feminine, this is what they brought to our planet. And that is what I was trying to portray.
The reason why I wanted to show it to you up close is because my sense of some of these big paintings can be, let’s say, more intimate. To walk by the painting, to be able to stroke the back of the black animal, as powerful as it is, is a wonderful feeling. For me this is the ultimate pleasure.
I have spent my life painting paintings because of the intricate detail, wanting them to be bigger but always compromising on the size because the large painting takes months to paint. The small painting, I can do in a month if I’m lucky.
Here is an opportunity – because when you look at the small paintings, you’re always coming in because you need to get close to see the details and to feel the atmosphere. The ultimate contradiction which I love- here is a very large image in a small space, so I can actually look and touch all the details and enjoy being literally in the image.
72” x 53.5” Grand Majestic Collection on Canvas
60” x 45” Majestic Collection on Canvas
After the Storm
“After the Storm” unveils a grand and dreamlike tale, interweaving magical realism and fantasy while full of powerful symbolism. The woman, embodying the human spirit, stands strong in the face of life’s trials, as the tempest symbolizes challenges. In contrast, the sun emerges, radiating hope and renewal. The gilded crown and beautiful feathers intertwine, symbolizing her strength and purity. This evocative artwork gently reminds us that facing challenges head-on is possible, and even amid the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope for a better future endures.
This majestic creation emerged during a challenging phase in Michael Parkes’ life. He shared that he aimed to capture the sensation of weathering a storm and witnessing the sun’s emergence from clouds, signaling a fresh start. In today’s tumultuous world, the painting resonates as a symbolic reminder to seek tranquility after turmoil.
“Michael Parkes’ ‘After the Storm’ is a captivating artwork that blends fantasy, symbolism, and peace. It prompts viewers to consider the strength of the human spirit, the potential for change, and the beauty that emerges from difficult times. This dreamlike creation is sure to attract art enthusiasts, sparking their imagination and leaving a lasting impression of calm, hope and strength.”
A word from Michael Parkes on “After the Storm”
“After the Storm was painted during a particularly difficult period in my life. I wanted the feeling of having survived the storm and watching the sun break through the clouds with the feeling of a new beginning. This painting seems particularly relevant today as everywhere one looks the storms are raging. We are all waiting for that time after the storms when Calm and Peace return.”
60” x 38.5” Majestic Collection on Canvas
Summer Garden
Step into the enchanting world of “Summer Garden,” a large and grand artwork crafted by the esteemed artist Michael Parkes. With masterful strokes and a discerning eye, Parkes guides viewers into a realm where reality and fantasy entwine, inviting them to immerse themselves in a narrative of serene beauty and captivating imagination.
At the center of this majestic canvas stands a woman of grace, her cascading red curls framing a face that radiates delicate allure. Draped in flowing, shimmering fabric that complements the stunning art deco, she is a symbol of timeless elegance. Her serene gaze is fixed upon a cluster of delicate pink flowers, their petals seeming to hold secrets of the mystical.
A cheetah, a creature of speed and mystery, rests beside her, its presence adding a layer of symbolism to the composition. The cheetah embodies the figurative embodiment of calm strength, coexisting harmoniously with the woman in a display of majestic tranquility.
Yellow butterflies dance around them, evoking an air of whimsy and vitality. Each butterfly becomes a metaphor for life’s fleeting moments, a reminder of the transient yet beautiful nature of existence.
“Summer Garden” is a masterclass in magical realism, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur into a dreamlike narrative. Parkes weaves a tale that goes beyond the figurative, inviting viewers to embrace the mystical and symbolic elements that define the artwork. As the woman and cheetah find serenity amidst this grand garden, the painting beckons us to experience its calming beauty, offering a timeless escape into a world where imagination flourishes.
60” x 46.5” Majestic Collection on Canvas
The Three Graces
Introducing “The Three Graces” by Michael Parkes, a beautiful artwork that captures elegance, femininity, and natural beauty. This captivating piece portrays three enchanting women gracefully intertwined, their flowing green and cream dresses cascading like gentle waves. Each woman exudes a serene charm, their poses and expressions radiating harmony.
“The Three Graces” stand as a timeless representation of classical mythology, embodying silence, harmony and order. Their intertwined forms symbolize the unity of feminine strength, a figurative display of the power of togetherness. The delicate fabric of their dresses appears alive, moving with an ethereal fluidity that evokes a sense of life.
Intricate vines adorn their hair like crowns, symbolizing nature’s embrace and intertwining with their essence. This reminds us of the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, showcasing the beauty that emerges from their balance.
Michael Parkes’ “The Three Graces” invites viewers into a realm of elegance, femininity, and enduring unity. It serves as a reminder of the inherent beauty within each person and the transformative nature of embracing interconnectedness. This artwork is certain to captivate art enthusiasts and admirers, leaving an indelible impression and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the human spirit.
A word from Michael Parkes on “The Three Graces”
“The Three Graces in Renaissance times were known as the hand maidens of the goddess, Venus. They were normally representing beauty, chastity, and pleasure because Venus was known as the goddess of love. This love is of an earthly or physical love. However, in earlier Platonic times, the Greeks had a more esoteric interpretation of that love that Venus embodied. They believed she was representing the highest form of spiritual love. Therefore the Three Graces were not handmaidens to a Venus of earthly sensuality or love but they were stepping stones for the descent of the highest energies descending through the embodiment of Venus to the earth plane. They are Silence, Harmony and Order.”
60” x 37.5” Majestic Collection on Canvas
The Secret
Introducing “The Secret” by Michael Parkes, a beautiful artwork that captures the essence of mystery, love, and deep connections. This captivating piece of art presents a scene where a majestic cat gazes upon a romantic couple locked in a tender embrace, inviting viewers to uncover its hidden narrative.
The center of attention is the magnificent leopard, exuding regality and wisdom through its piercing gaze. Symbolizing power and grace, the leopard serves as a mystical presence, bearing witness to the unfolding story.
The man and woman, lost in their embrace, exude a timeless love that transcends the physical. Their intertwined bodies reflect unity and affection, embodying the intimacy between two souls and their unspoken connection.
Parkes’ storytelling is evident in every stroke, showcasing his mastery in capturing ethereal qualities and transcendent moments. The perfect balance of light and shadow lends an air of mystique, while the soft color palette enhances the dreamlike quality of the scene.
‘The Secret’ by Michael Parkes will take you on a journey of exploration, prompting you to think about hidden influences that shape life. It celebrates love’s strength, the mystery of existence, and the bonds that connect us all. Through captivating visuals and engaging storytelling, this majestic artwork sparks imagination and leaves a lasting impression.
72” x 53.5” Grand Majestic Collection on Canvas
60” x 45” Majestic Collection on Canvas
Angel Affair
A word from Michael Parkes on “Angel Affair”
“Years ago, while I was trapped in the Zurich airport during a huge snowstorm, I had a rather interesting experience. Because we could not get to hotels, my fellow travelers and I spent the night sleeping on the floor waiting for the storm to pass. These were primarily businessmen from all over Europe trying to make their connections home or to their next meeting. I saw these exhausted men, most in suits, lying like fallen soldiers in some chrome and glass battlefield.
As I fell into a troubled sleep, I dreamed that all these tired business travelers were visited by their angels that held them gently and kissed away their despair and loneliness. But like many innocent beginnings, one kiss led to another, and the “Angel Affair” idea was born.”
Michael Parkes on the Majestic Collection
At my age, nearing 80 years old, I would have thought that the Artistic accomplishments that I have been able to experience would be quite enough. However, in the last two years, something extra ordinary has taken place. I now find a culmination of all the artwork that I have done up until now and it’s quite exciting.
Two years ago my agent, Dianne Borsini-Burr, took on the task with my exclusive printer based in the Netherlands and asked a rather innocent question and that was- “I have two small paintings that I would like to have some enlarged prints. And I was wondering how much larger they can make it and be able to maintain the integrity?” So, Marcel Salome, took on the task of using the new technology available today to enlarge my paintings at the same time keeping the lines sharp, the tones were clean and to my amazement we had a Majestic Size, more than twice the size of the originals while maintaining the integrity of my original painting. Experiments were so exciting and so unique, that it allowed me to see my work in a fabulous new way.
As an artist my whole career has been involved in trying to get people to come through a doorway. Or come through a window to experience a fantasy or another reality that they would not otherwise see. And by increasing the size, because my paintings are very detailed so therefore quite small. Increasing the size enables people to have that sense of literally, going through the window. Going through the doorway into another world.
Now, with the Majestic Size creations you are able to see all the small details I painted just for myself and suddenly the viewer can now see almost all hidden images and experience the art in a totally different way, quite extraordinary.
Many of the little details were not really meant to be seen. In the end, it’s a revelation for me and I hope it’s a revelation for the people that are looking at my Majestic Collection work in a new way.
Learn More about the Majestic Collection
For more information about acquiring artwork from the Majestic Collection, contact Dianne Borsini-Burr at 650-302-2049 or fill out this simple form and we’ll be in touch soon.
