It is generally admitted that the most beautiful qualities of a color are in its transparent state, applied over a white ground with the light shining through the color.

In this Parrish was influenced by Jay Hambidge's theory of Dynamic Symmetry. His daughter Jean Parrish was a noted artist in her own right. Parrish posed for many images that featured male—and occasionally female—figures (see Potpourri 1905).

He is known for his distinctive saturated hues and idealized neo-classical imagery. Maxfield Parrish (July 25 1870 – March 30 1966) was an American painter and illustrator active in the first half of the 20th century.