Angel Interrupted 

Michael Parkes painted "Angel Interrupted" with oil on canvas, rendering an angel-like figure in exquisite detail. Parkes has employed traditional painting techniques reminiscent of the Old Masters. Observe how the fine, almost imperceptible brushstrokes create smooth, luminous surfaces and forms. This approach requires immense labor and patience, reflecting a deep engagement with craft. The figure is rendered with remarkable naturalism, yet situated within an abstract composition that nods to both the history of fine art, and the craft of illustration. In combining the real and the surreal, Parkes challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and fantasy illustration, elevating the latter through his skilled use of traditional materials and painstaking methods. The very act of painting, in this case, becomes an act of devotion, emphasizing skill and artistic vision. This approach invites us to consider how the making of an artwork, and the artist’s dedicated labor, shape its meaning and value.