b'Mark DemsteaderThe writer and polymath, Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832), believing that Newtons theory of colour was limited in that it ignored the subtlety of human perception, proposed his own theory. This argues the sensibility of beautiful forms emerge through shade gradations of light, dark and, by implication, the joy of colour.He could have been describing the art of Mark Demsteader whose sweeping contrasts of light and dark stop observers in their tracks. Demsteaders works, particularly the oil paintings, whose brooding beauty transform any wall upon which they hang, transcend reality. Works which, at first glance, might be Pre Raphaelite or Victorian in scope and texture, at second glance reveal the struggle between a traditional classical figurative style and a subversive post-modernist entropy.A style which, while particularly individual, was also hard won. You cant just begin by painting like this, without acquiring, over a protracted period of time and life experience, the technical skills, artistic individuality and vision necessary for the integrity and beauty at the heart of the work to become apparent.Mark Demsteader served a long apprenticeship as a butcher while at night going to art classes and galleries. He wanted to paint modern works in the style of the Old Masters and believed that until he was capable of this, he could not be the artist he wished to become.The journey to the Moorland works included: financial risk, myth, landscape, collaborations and commissions from supermodels and celebrities. Essentially, this is underpinned by a ruthless sense of self criticism which leads him to destroy much of his work. The result of the journey has been the evolution of a dramatic and distinctive style equally effective on paper as on canvas.His works are in demand throughout the world and are a subject of study by students in school and higher education, and yetAnd yet, very little is written about him. Try googling Mark Demsteader. You will find a paucity of material. The reason is Mark prefers to avoid the distractions of limelight and publicity in order to work in his studio overlooking the high Pennine moors, commenting Let the art speak for itself.The art, of course, does speak for itself; just look at the dramatic contrast of light and shade, beautiful, coloured figures, dark almost corrosive backgrounds, suggestions of strong emotion and mythic encounters in the works on exhibit. They could not be by any other artist and there has long existed an appetite to know the full story of the artist and his oeuvre.In 2018, Matthew Leech of Cheshire Art Gallery conceived the idea of commissioning the first Demsteader book. Mark agreed and work began. However, life being life, Covid intervened and suspended the project. This setback however carried with it the unexpected benefits of a much stronger relationship and understanding with the artist and a greater depth to the book.In addition, Cheshire art Gallery, commissioned a film of Mark at work and an in-depth interview directed by Gaius Brown of GM visuals. So now for the first time the full story of Mark Demsteader may be read and viewed. Enjoy! Nick Brown OBE FRSA'