From the Foreword: The first time I saw Mark's work I was amazed to find out he was still a teenager at the time, but it was very clear to see that he was a rare talent. Each painting I saw impressed me more than the last. It was the near photographic detail that Mark was able to achieve at such a young age and without any formal education in art, that impressed me the most. I have watched him grow as a painter. It is very clear to see the amount of effort, patience, care, and concentration that goes into each one of his paintings to achieve such intricate detail. Combine this with his rare ability to capture the essence and character of any person he paints, and you are left with a very special piece of art.Over the years I have given Mark my best advice, some guidance where I could, my humble opinions, and constructive artistic criticism which I'd like think he has taken on-board. He has exhibited his work alongside mine, in numerous art exhibitions over the past few years and I look forward to many more collaborations in the future.

At the level he is at in his career now, I can only imagine what he is capable of in the future, so my advice to anyone would be to buy a Mark Baker original while you still can. Niall O'Loughlin.