Passagne no2, Oil on Canvas, 43ins x 43ins

The dark and mysterious paintings that Demsteader creates are simply beautiful. Focusing on the female form, the images suggest a form of intriguing narrative. Without any form of formal teaching, his work has adopted a classical approach with a contemporary twist. Dark subtle qualities and tones resonates a touch of Goya, whereas the poses, dress and expressions have elements of early Schiele present.

Demsteader’s work is figurative and classically refreshing. The figures and dresses illuminate from each canvas.

In 2011, Mark Demsteader, was commissioned by Emma Watson (Harry Potter actor and fashion muse) to paint a series of portraits to mark the star’s 21st birthday. The 34 artworks were first exhibited at the Panter & Hall Gallery in June 2011.

In his own words

Shadowlands 2, Oil on Canvas, 46ins x 32ins

What motivated you to become an Artist? When did you realise you would pursue a life in Art?
I have always had an interest in art but never thought I would make my living at it. I started out working in the family butcher’s business and went to life-drawing classes for many years. When the business folded I was left with the situation of finding work and thought I would give the artwork a try, so I took my portfolio to London and trawled round the galleries to see if I could make it work.

Eventually I got a few pieces in a mixed show and sold them all straight away. That’s when I realised I might be able to do something with this.

Study for Blue Wave, Oil on Canvas, 15ins x 15ins

How does a piece of work evolve for you? What stages do you go through to get to a finished image?
I work on many pieces at a time. The paintings are built up in many layers so there’s always drying times involved so I have a lot at different stages. I may get to a point and then decide to completely change it, I suppose it’s the opposite to starting on one picture and working until it’s finished, I like to leave areas unfinished on mine so it’s all trial and error.

Hannah Seated 2, pastel & collage, 46ins x 32ins

In your ‘Drawings’ you use a lot of collage and wet materials. How do you feel that this way of working affect and describe your subject matter, the figure?
I like to build up the images from a sort of substructure, so I get all the rough lines and add collage and throw water at a drawing and then when it’s dry I will refine areas so you get the contrast of looseness with a more finished area. I think this works with the figure as it gives some sense of movement which the figure has.

Your work takes obvious inspiration from the ‘old masters’ but has a contemporary twist and atmosphere. What attracts you to this genre and why?
I have always been inspired by the old masters, mainly for the way they tackle a painting, there are no short cuts with them and the whole image is designed to draw you into their world, I like that element and also want to include the looseness that I get from the drawings with the mood of a painting.

Bethany Reclined 3, pastel & collage, 32ins x 46ins

You have not had any formal art training in your career. Where do you stand on creativity and education? Do you think this has effected you at all, if so how?
I think art education is very difficult to quantify. I am interested in the process of painting and drawing and when I went to college was told to write essays on these things, I soon realised it was about doing it rather than writing about it that I was interested in, so I just got on with the process of learning what happens when I make a mark on a piece of paper or canvas, and learning what my next mark should be and so on.

Emma Watson, painting

Which painting or artwork of yours are you most proud of and why?
I don’t have a particular favourite piece as I’m always searching for a better one, I get to a point with a painting and just stop, then I do the same with the next one, I think it’s a life long struggle but it’s something that keeps you wanting to try again.

Emma Watson, drawing & collage

What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now?
I hope to be able to retain the same level of desire I have to improve. I think it’s the endless fascination with mark-making which I love and hope I never lose that.

Mark Demsteader was born in 1963 in Manchester where he still lives and works. He studied foundation at Rochdale college and Oldham college, but he is largely self-taught having spent many years studying the figure at life drawing classes and developing a unique style through close observation of the human form.

All images courtesy of Mark Demsteader   |  www.demsteader.com

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Ciprana large head study 1, pastel & collage, 32ins x 44ins.