Michael S. Parkes

“Night time”
49″ x 39″, acrylic on hardboard. Dec. 09.

This is a recent painting by MedinaParkes, a collaborative work between artists A. D. Medina and M. Parkes. We will be posting more recent work soon.

Also will be listing selected older work here in the coming days as “buy it now” on ebay. (Beginning with the better pieces, three this evening which Emily picked out.) Prices will be very reasonable.

Finally I see where this is all going and it is GLORIOUS! God in his rich favor and blessing upon me has withheld the better wine until the very last.

Everything up to this point has simply been preparation, studies, visually “thinking out loud” until I finally understood myself and the way I see life. It is so obvious, so simple, so elegant and it will be my art, my gift to God and to my fellow man, my beloved fellow citizens of this wonderful ride called “our lives”.

I see every work of art I have ever done in my life from til this day (or maybe tomorrow) as “early work”. » Read the rest of this entry «

I have been doing some drawing, these last few days. (this is a not so good snapshot of  little drawing i am still working on, taken with the little cam in my macbook, while I am sitting here in my truck, writing this entry).

Once again, I embarrass myself on my blog with my ranting and railing at the world. My apologies, but that one I didn’t see coming. But at least I didn’t beg for handouts that time so maybe I am slowly growing up.

Last evening I was just kinda praying and talking to the Lord, looking for any tidbit of understanding about my present situation. And these words came to me, and as I wrote them down in my journal, I was overcome with joy  and tears. I thought that maybe these words might minister to someone else out there so I thought I would share:

“This is a time of reflection. Forget about the world “out there” for a while. Get in touch with your own feelings, and your own beliefs, or your own doubts. Do not be afraid of who you really are. Take a break. Write down your hopes, your fears. I have always been here for you, I said I would never leave you, and I meant just that! I am not an enemy to you, I have only your best interests at heart. Do not fear, trust me. I am good at making crooked paths straight. You will look back on this time as one of the best experiences of your life. I know there is pain, but that pain is but only your heart breaking out of the prisons and the walls that seem so immovable. They are not! Relax, trust in me, be at peace, and you will soar again soon.  I uphold you in ways you do not perceive nor understand. You are on the right track, I will not let you stumble. This is a time for you to find the calm center of your heart, for that is where you find me. I am peace, and my peace no man can take from you. Rejoice! For the treasure you have found in me is of far more value than all the money and gold in all the world. You are most exceedingly blessed my son! (or daughter!)”

So these times are good, I just always feel badly that I don’t present this solid appearance here that I have my act together. Which I really don’t, I am just trying to follow what seems to be my heart, and be as honest as I can. I hope that is of value to someone. We all need to know we are on the right path, and I know that we are.

But I am backing off on trying to sell art for now, I think for a while I just want to show what I am doing and not try to sell it. The Lord will provide, and it has become apparent to me that as long as we try to just do the right thing and follow our heart, we are provided for. That is a wonderful lesson.

I don’t feel as strongly that I am just going to totally abandon painting, but I am very attracted to drawing right now, and perhaps soon back into printmaking (etchings and drypoints). I may even get back to the penny paintings, I was just getting burned out on that process. Maybe after some time along I can get back there, we’ll see.

Anyway, too anyone who chances by here, thank you for your support and prayers and I purpose to press on, through the varied seasons of creativity, but always, we will continue forward in God, by his grace.

Blessings and peace! And have a really nice day!

4 5/8″ x 7 1/2″ image size, with margins about 1″ all around. On 100% cotton rag paper (Arches I think).

Not for sale. Matter of fact, nothing is for sell until further notice (except the few penny paintings that remain on ebay). If anyone cares. I might put this on ebay if I am in a good mood later this week, I will think about it.

I did this drawing over the weekend and thought it very nice, another study of Danielle, another one for my little collection, yippee! Its fun being an artist and getting to keep everything you do! Bring it on! Its called rarity, and scarcity. Are you folks that want to make a bunch of dough off of your investments salivating? There are a few penny paintings left on ebay go for it, LOL. Greed is wonderful when you are on the “supplying” end LOL.

I want to preface my comments forward with a statement to all of my collectors and folks who have purchased from me. YOU ARE BELOVED TO ME and I will seek to always give you first shot at my work in some way that is affordable and accommodates your financial situation. Because you BELIEVED in me when I was a nobody, I will not forget that. I want to put together a little newsletter JUST FOR YOU, no one else. We will sail off on Princess Cruise Lines together, I am looking forward to hosting a nice party there for us all. So, please bear in mind that my words that follow are not directed at you, but rather to the spirits of this world, the principalities and powers of man’s blind ways.

Let me pick up from my journal this morning, hopefully shed a little insight on where I am at in this bizarre journey…

From the handwritten journals, dated 12-14-09 2:30 A.M.

“I am at the end of my fine art for a living venture. (Maybe “painting” for a living venture). Too much pain, too much hopelessness, and I am not strong enough to keep going. So I have put my daily painters account on hold, and don’t think I will be doing any more art blogging. Maybe I am not ‘called’ to be an artist, but if not that, then what? I guess advertising is my calling after all, although I no longer enjoy it. I just don’t know what the hell I was suppossed to have done with my life. Art? Architecture? Advertising? They all look equally ridiculous to me. The world of man is insane, and I don’t want any more to do with it. Will I keep painting? Maybe try to have “fun” with instead of taking it seriously. Cartoons, goofy, stupid stuff for a goofy, self-centered fearful world. I don’t know, I am tired of thinking about it. Tired of God, tired of life, tired of struggling to pay the bills. Every time I look at my paintings I cringe. But I think backing off on the internet piece is healthy.

Fundamentally, I question the need for fine art. Maybe not so much all art, but just painting. They are a puzzle to me, and I would just as soon be done with them. Maybe throw myself more into etchings (which is really what I wanted to do all along I think) and drawing, which I love to do. And I get to do it in a nice warm house instead of freezing my rear off creating what my culture doesn’t want. I may work on some nice handbound books as well, they have always delighted me.

Perhaps this entire painting experience has simply been something I had to do to finally once and for all purge myself of it. I have NEVER liked paintings, I have a few on my wall at home but I would just as soon they be in a box, never to be seen. Paintings try too hard, they are too loud and strong for my tastes, they stand in opposition to life. So why did I paint so many, so often, only to sell them for a penny, or more often lately just give them away if someone showed even the slightest interest in what I had poured my heart into? They never “felt” valuable to me, they felt more like leaves from my own psychological inner drama, some strange therapy that went nowhere. But journeys are good if they go somewhere else. And maybe that somewhere else is opening for me now in ways I never anticipated.

So, did I “fail” at painting? I don’t think so, I have painted more in 2 years than many artists in a lifetime. I have created many wonderful works of which I am quite proud. I have plumbed many depths, and fearlessly stared into every crak and fissure in life. I could have done no better, every painting was PRECISELY what it needed to be. I have intentionally held back from printmaking, only because I knew I would do quite well at it, but I first had to paint my heart out until I had finished that course and was ready to graduate. Now, I graduate, I believe the painting phase is over.

You kind folks who have purchased from me, thank you! You got in while the door was open! Now the door is SHUT.

So, good riddance to painting, thank the LORD for his graciousness to deliver me from that hell. Time to move on, though to what I am not sure, maybe go back to flying RC planes.

I guess as long as I can laugh about it I am okay. Although the tears always seem to be waiting for me after the laughter ends. A strange melancholy mix of happiness and sorrow, optimism and a resignation to death. Not many people dare to face such contradictions, I relish it.”

So that is it in a nutshell. No more painting, no more giving away what I do, what little I place for sell will be at exorbitant prices (that’s the way the world of money works, right? You see HOW MUCH YOU CAN GET FROM YOUR BROTHER), and I don’t give a flip if they ever sell again, ever again. I am DONE with bending over backwards for a world that has turned its back on the fine arts, well fine with me. You didn’t choose to teach our children about sincerity and heartfelt tenderness, now you will be left HUNGRY and WANTING for tenderness, and none will be found. You have recieved DOUBLE for you abandonment of the heart of man, and you will cry out for your heart, and you will not find comfort, you will weap and lament the desolation of your soul and no comfort shall be found.

Oh well, maybe I am just bitter. But who wouldn’t be? The world is totally whacked, the heart of man is a slave to the machines that chew all of us up and spit us out, we are food for THEIR purposes, and they seek only money and power. Well two can play at that little game, tee hee.

Like I said, NO MORE PAINTING as far as I am concerend the little study of the trees yesterday was my last. I am shutting my “online shop for art” down. But who cares, I am probably typing into a vacuum anyway, I don’t see any long lines forming to buy my paintings. So fine, they can sit in boxes forever as far as I am concerned. Maybe if we run out of firewood this winter I will have plenty of paintings to warm myself by.

I have always tried to take the “high road” but that road went off into the strstosphere and made no way for me. I found myself trying to accommodate every one else’s needs, trying to make art affordable and fun. But as anything that doesn’t look a fricking photograph isn’t even seen by the mass mind of man as “art”, those who have chosen to follow their hearts instead of the money found themselves the prisoner of a system that celebrates only money and greed. So fine, enjoy your money and your power while it lasts, which I don’t think will be much longer.

I will tell you one thing I have done though, as a wise steward of God’s wisdom. Over two years ago, he told me to start painting, every day, as often as possible, on lunch hours and in the early morning, and at night, whenever possible. And though the calling never made sense to me (for I only have wanted to do printmaking, not painting for crying out loud), still he kept after me, “paint my son, paint, paint, paint” he whispered to me every day. And so, paint I have, six ways from Sunday. And while the foolishness of it perplexed me, now I see the wisom in what he has wrought. He has given me my inheritance. My family will be doing quite well financially through my efforts, for I exalted my heart above all, and the Lord was with me every step of the way, guiding my hand. Well, now the door is shut and you who desire to make your fotunes will have your chance, when I am good and ready. Not yet though.

There will be no more paintings. The DOOR IS SHUT you had your chance to buy while they were pennies. Now they are no longer available and I couldn’t care less Now, if i feel like it, I might put one on ebay once in a while, if I really need the dough. But I think I will wait a while. The world is mine. To do with as I please, and right now, it pleases me to seal off your longings into an ocean of depravation and misery. Let us see how long you are able to live with your machines and your toys that break and there is no one to fix! Lets see how long your money holds out when the costs of goods and services sky rockets. Let’s see how well you do when you cry out for tenderness and compassion, and none is found.

Whew! A lot of bitterness there! But you know what, it feels wonderful to let the spirit of this empty world know it. I am actually a nice guy, all I ever wanted to do was be a painter. But wonderful world that it is, doesn’t seem to want what painter does, unless there is some great profit in it. So fine, I can play your little game, no more paintings for sell until I feel like it. It’s called “turning the tables”, if anyone is interested. Jesus Christ was good at it, and he has been patiently teaching me how to do the same thing “21st century style” LOL.

Maybe I am just venting, well fine, trying to only be sweet and nice hasn’t worked out so well for me. Maybe its time for a little honesty, and a little more CASH in my bank account. Does that make me greedy? To desire wealth as a result of the work of my hands? Sounds to me like the pot calling the kettle black. Wealth should be the inheritance of ANYONE who places their heart above the lusts of man. Who seek the Lord through tears and longings unmet. That is the salvation of God, and I have found it and it is wonderful. My every need is met in Christ the King, regardless of money, regardles of a job, regardless of ANYTHING this world can throw at you! Halleluiah! Praise his name forever!

Actually I don’t care where things go from here. I am sure I will turn off everyone who chances across my little blog here, but that doesn’t matter to me. Blogs are for losers, a place for whiners to whine and complain about life. So fine, I can complain too LOL! And make some serious dough in the process! LOL, ROTFLMAO, LOL, :):):) as my daughter would text.

Do you not understand? This is the most wonderful place to be as an artist (or anyone), to FINALLY BE FREE ONCE AND FOR ALL from money! And then once you give up, and decide that God is absent and deaf to your cries, blind and mute, He comes to you and rewards your faithfulness regardless when you least execct it (or I can at least pretend that is how it works). And then, even if he never shows his face to you ever again, you are still quite comfortable and secure, for you have faced the hollow grave, you have stared into the abyss that no one else was willing to face and you know in your heart that you have tread where no man dared! You are home, you are free, forever, forever free. Then the world is yours, then you have peace no matter what your hands are set upon. Then your every need is met in Christ Jesus the Lord, blessed by His precious name forever.

So now, I will write some more in my handwritten journal. But I wanted to get that stuff off my chest. I think things are starting to look up a little bit for us all! Recession, what recession? Depresssion, what depression? To then one who has not been afriad of their own tears, they have faced and won the battle, and there is no force, no misery of life, no lack, no hindering force, that can ever thwart your way in God. To this one, life is given as a precious pearl, a pearl of great price. And that gift keeps on giving throughout eternity.

And I have paid the price with the heavenly currency that never perishes… my tears mixed with His blood.

Have a nice day.

12″ x 9″, acrylic on hardboard, painted on location near my home.

I mustered up what little courage left me and painted this late yesterday near my home. This is looking out across our fields to the North. Not for sale. I think I will keep this one, matter of fact I think I will keep whatever I have left for my estate, and let the kids or grandkids fight over the money from them down the road. I may put something on ebay once in a while if I feel like it, but I am weary of giving my work away in a world that has chosen to give nothing, but is contantly seeing how much can be taken from our pockets.

Two can play that little game. Its called “instant scarcity”. As far as I am concerned, this is the last painting I will ever do in my life, although I could change my mind. I think I will be throwing myself now into etchings and drawings, painting is for fools.

I am taking a much needed break from trying to sell fine art. Thank you to all who have purchased from me I really appreciate it. It has become obvious to me that sincere art, art of the heart, is no longer really needed in our strength-making culture. Those who have the money are now in control and there is no longer a need for sincerity and heartfelt work. I will probably just help my wife with the hogs and horses, and keep painting and art as something I do for myself, and no one else. Maybe the kids will get to cash in on all of the money after I am dead and gone.

Take care of one another, I will be pulling the plug on this internet madness and probably just stick with writing offline, maybe self publish a book or two. I have a great sci fi novel that I will focus on getting out. Other than that, not much else to say. I will keep the blog up for a while longer and then pull the plug on that as well. Too bad, I had some really nice drawings from the weekend and a nice painting from today, but I am tired of the photographing paintings and the internet effort that seems pointless to me now.

Blessings! Happy Holidays!

Mike

9″ x 12″, acrylic on hardboard, painted on location, Peaceful Valley, 12/10/09.

Bidding starts at 1 cent, Have Fun!

I went down the river again yesterday on my lunch break, this is a view looking under the big overpass that crosses over the river (and the little homes). I thought this turned out nice, I like the more subtle warm/cool grays, I hope I am becoming better at capturing these subtleties and trusting my heart more and more.

12″ x 9″, acrylic on hardboard. Painted on location, Peaceful Valley. 12-8-09.

Bidding starts at 1 cent, Have Fun!

I painted this today on my lunch break, cold as all get out, in the teens, but something draws me back to this river now day after day. I didn’t spend long on this, just too cold to keep going, maybe 20 minutes. But I like the brevity and forthright declaration of a scene without the needless embellishments, I think that is the true measure of landscape work.

Blessings and peace to all! Try to take the high road, I am not always successful but I keep trying! » Read the rest of this entry «

17 5/8″ x 11 7/8″, acrylic on hardboard, painted on location, 12-7-09, Peaceful Valley, Spokane river.

Bidding starts at 1 cent, Have Fun!

I wouldn’t normally attempt to paint this large as a “lunch painting” but it was the only gessoed board I had with me, and I was determined to get out and paint. Cold too, about 20 deg, but you bundle up and keep going. So I drove down to the river once again in Peaceful Valley and set up, a little closer to the road so that the foreground trees are taking up more of the scene. I thought for a 50 minute painting it turned out nice! Of course there is always the usual chatter afterwards in your head, this could have been better, etc, but you just have to ignore that, as that is just your mind trying to understand art, and it never will! No, you should do the best you can in the time period you were given, and let it go! That is the secret of making good progress in your art. Set yourself a time limit, paint hard, do the best you can, and then LEAVE IT ALONE, learn from it and move on. Don’t even look at it afterwards except to photograph it and put it on ebay as a penny painting, but keep going to the next work and DON’T LOOK BACK. » Read the rest of this entry «