Summer Storm 

Michael Parkes painted "Summer Storm" using a meticulous technique to create a scene that’s rich with symbolic tension. The composition balances the solidity of the architectural elements on the left with the atmospheric drama of the sky on the right. Note how the artist contrasts the smooth, pale skin of the winged figure with the rough texture of the stone and the dynamic swirls of the impending storm. The figure's posture, huddled and contemplative, suggests a moment of introspection amidst chaos. The monkey, holding red boxing gloves, introduces a curious element of playfulness, or perhaps a challenge. The lightning serves as a powerful visual metaphor, disrupting the serene sky, and mirroring the inner turmoil suggested by the figure's pose. These elements create a semiotic interplay. "Summer Storm" invites viewers to question the boundaries between the real and the fantastical. By employing a detailed approach, Parkes encourages an ongoing re-evaluation of the artwork’s aesthetic and philosophical implications.