Tuesday’s Child

“In an old English nursery rhyme, there is the line, ‘Tuesday’s child is full of Grace’. But ‘Grace’ is not a gift that comes without effort. Before Grace manifests itself, there is a time of great aspiration, preparation and hard work. However, Grace is not calculable or bound by logic”. – Michael Parkes

Amidst the tranquil expanse of a cloud-filled sky, Michael Parkes’ enchanting composition, “Tuesday’s Child,” captures the ephemeral dance of grace and diligence. This exquisite tableau, suffused with ethereal light, unravels the delicate balance between effort and ease, as depicted by a poised ballerina, who, while seemingly hovering in mid-air, exudes an aura of tranquility and confidence.

Her lithe figure, adorned in a diaphanous dress that billows softly with her every move, dances gracefully upon a slender golden hoop. To the right, a mysterious figure, reminiscent of a court jester, reaches out with a yearning gesture, as if beckoning the ballerina or perhaps, in a poetic interplay, offering her own tribute to Grace. Below, a curious monkey, clutching a delicate bloom, gazes upward, representing the quintessential observer, mesmerized by the unfolding ballet above. His presence adds a touch of whimsy and contemplation to the composition.

Parkes masterfully employs a harmonious palette of soft pastels and earth tones, creating a dream-like ambiance that transports the viewer to a realm where reality and fantasy seamlessly intertwine. His commentary on the work underscores the essence of the painting, where the pursuit of Grace requires not only inspiration but also dedication.

In “Tuesday’s Child,” Parkes has immortalized the ethereal dance of life, celebrating the intertwining forces of effort and elegance, aspiration and achievement. A masterpiece of visual poetry, it beckons viewers to reflect on their own journey towards attaining Grace.