Michael Parkes
About Michael Parkes
Earlier on, Michael Parkes had painted in the generally Abstract Expressionist style normal among his professors, but after his pause for reflection, he began to draw and paint in a meticulous style of detailed representation which would enable him to give full expression to his inner world of images.
Michael Parkes is the world’s leading magical realism painter, sculptor and stone lithographer. His decades of success as a fine artist stand out in the art world where few artists thrive. Michael Parkes’ works are collected by celebrities, prominent private collectors and galleries around the world and his body of work stands for all ages.
His first one man show was in Amsterdam back in 1977. Additional one-man exhibitions of Michael Parkes have taken place at Basel in Switzerland, Art Chicago, Art fair NY, Frankfurt Book fair, Amsterdam Art Fair, Tefaf Art and Antiques Fair Maastricht and numerous exhibitions in their galleries in Amsterdam and New York 1977 onwards.
Though he studied graphic art and painting at the University of Kansas, his unique style evolved very much in isolation, after a period in which he gave up the practice of art all together and went off to India in search of philosophical illumination.
The style was in principle realistic, the subject matter magical, and Magic Realism, has characterized his work ever since. Michael Parkes has studied deeply in esoteric doctrine of the East and the West and his imagery is drawn from a range of wisdoms including the cabalistic and tantric, but embodied in forms from his own imagination nowhere immediately accessible. Here strange beasts encounter mysterious winged women, good and evil fight out their immemorial conflict (though who can be perfectly sure which is which?) and in this weightless environment worlds are unmade and remade nearer to the heart’s desire.
Questions Answered
Magical realism traditionally used when referring to literature, is the concept of fictional or mythological elements introduced into reality. The contradiction creates a dramatic effect within the works. Parks is particularly inspired by literature and his art usually consists of mythological creatures comfortably interacting with mundane items of reality in a unique way.
Michael Parkes is a master of stone lithography and also creates in a variety of mediums such as oil paintings on canvas, sketches on paper or vellum, and bronze. Michael’s work is also available in a wide range of giclee prints on canvas.
Yes! Many Michael Parkes originals have been made available as limited-edition prints. These editions may be available as giclee prints on canvas or drawing on vellum and paper.
Michael uses the Lost-wax process, also called cire-perdue. This is a method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a wax mold model. Once the mold of metal has set, the wax model is melted from the metal sculpture and drained away.
Michael has spent years studying metaphysics and philosophy, he also has a passion for mythology and history. He takes common themes and ideas and represents them with iconic forms.
Michael Parkes exclusively visits our 4400 square foot showroom annually to meet his clients and fans as well as paint live. Please visit our events and calendar page for the next available show times! Dates may be tentative over the next few months due to COVID.
Stone lithography is a manual printing process that was made popular by Picasso, Giacometti, and Toulouse Lautrec in the 19th and 20th century. The artist will use stone to create an image then transferred to paper. Each color of ink is laid onto the paper separately, Parks uses up to ten colors per piece! This is a laborious task; He spent many years working with masters of stone lithography to develop a seamless creative process.
Michael Parkes’ mastery of the magical realism style transcends beyond a single medium. Our comprehensive collection of Michael Parkes artwork features paintings, vellum sketches, bronze sculptures, stone lithographs, and jewelry. Parkes’ incomparable creativity and skill shine through every medium he has mastered.
At Marcus Ashley Gallery, we are honored to be able to bring you a collection of Michael Parkes prints that you can Enter a world of fantastical surreality in this astounding collection of Michael Parkes artwork.
- 2Wild
- Aleksandra Rozenvain
- Alexander Volkov
- Barak Rozenvain
- Boris Kramer
- Charles Pabst
- Dr. Seuss
- Eric Christensen
- Frogman
- Ira Reines
- Jack Storms
- John Mark Gleadow
- Jon Paul
- Loet Vanderveen
- Lyman Whitaker
- Mackenzie Thorpe
- Malcolm Tibbetts
- Mario Jung
- Markus Pierson
- Maya Eventov
- Merchandise
- Michael Flohr
- Michael Parkes
- Michael Rozenvain
- Michelangelo
- Miri Rozenvain
- Rob Gonsalves
- Rolinda Stotts
- Sally Maxwell
- Steve Barton
- Thomas Easley
- Todd White
Master Works on Vellum
Vellum is an ancient material used for thousands of years, treasured by artists for its stability and rich texture. Michael Parkes’ delicate artwork style blends seamlessly with the organic look of vellum, available for print in limited edition online here or at our South Lake Tahoe gallery.
Become Inspired By Our Collection of Rare Michael Parkes Artwork
Michael Parkes’ unique style has captured the imaginations of young and old for decades. We’re thrilled to be able to offer fine Michael Parkes artwork online, but we also invite you to come see it in person at our South Lake Tahoe location. Be sure to explore our events and gallery services to best plan your visit.
From our family to yours, welcome to the gallery!
