Downs’ interest in art evolved from his fascination with Art Deco and the Modernist Movement. Coming to California in the early 80’s, and having no formal training in the arts, Downs was fortunate to have had mentors like Karl Benjamin, Jeff Faust and Frederick Hammersley. After exploring different forms of painting, elements of abstraction and minimalism came together to influence his creative direction.
“By speaking clearly in a non object idiom, the goal is to make art that is reflective of modern day life. My process consists of layering spontaneous random marks that are sometimes completely obscured. By working and reworking surfaces, I expose the varying depth of color which creates spaces that expand contract, communicating the work’s shifting moods.”
In the “Manhattan Series,” Downs creates densely layered paintings that dance on the picture plane to openings that disclose colored layers underneath. His compositions display such a deep engagement with the formal and esthetic potential of paint on canvas that they do not fit easily within any recognizable category of contemporary art. The works bring one word to mind – energy, a sense of action.
The strength in these works is in the artist’s understanding of color, balance and simplicity. His canvases emit a sense of risky adventure. They are created not of one heavily worked surface, but with four to five hundred painted layers of varying thickness and transparency, all of which subtly interact.
Downs deconstructs layers of his paintings to reveal individual elements, which create the surface tension essential to animating his abstracts. The smallest patch of pigment can be taken as a whole, complete unto itself.
Downs has been painting professionally for over 28 years and has exhibited nationally and internationally. His work has been included in group shows with noted artists such as Andre Miripolsky, Mark Mothersbaugh, Mark Kostabi and Karl Bemjamin. Downs’ works are included in private collections throughout the world.
2012 Ilume Gallerie, TX
2011 Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery, CA
2009 Dezart One Gallery, CA
2009 Gallery 33 East, CA
2008 Broadhurst Gallery, NC
2007 Victoria Boyce Galleries, AZ
2006 Broadhurst Gallery, NC.
2005 Nan Miller Gallery, NY.
2005 Chasen Galleries, VA
2004 Dezart One Gallery, CA
2004 David Ryan Gallery, CA
2003 Primary Elements Gallery, OR
2003 David Leonardis Gallery, IL
2003 Pop On Gallery, Japan
2002 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
2002 Galeria Jardin Des Arts, Japan
2001 Art Forms, NJ
2001 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
2001 Amby Edinger Art Gallery, WA
2000 Toktumee Art Gallery, NC
2000 Stella Jones Gallery, GA
2000 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
1999 Chozen Gallery, CA
1999 Galeria Jardin Des Arts, Japan
1998 Chozen Gallery, CA
1998 Galeria Jardin Des Arts, Japan
1997 Courtyard Gallery, CA
1997 Galeria Jardin Des Arts, Japan
1997 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
1997 Apropos Gallery, FL
1996 A.J. Fine Art Gallery, NY
1996 Apropos Gallery, FL
1995 Roy G. Biv Gallery, CA
1994 Apropos Gallery, FL
1994 Roy G. Biv Gallery, CA
1992 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
1991 Gallery 224, CA
1990 First Street Gallery, CA
1990 Da Gallery, CASolo Exhibitions
2010 Dezart One Gallery, CA
2008 Pop On Gallery, Japan
2006 David Ryan Gallery, CA
2004 Pop On Gallery, Japan
2001 Galeria Jardin Des Arts, Japan
2000 Chozen Gallery, CA
1999 Courtyard Gallery, CA
1998 Apropos Gallery, FL
1996 Courtyard Gallery, CA
1995 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
1994 Courtyard Gallery, CA
1993 Sarah Bain Gallery, CA
1992 Illuminations Gallery, CA
1992 Da Gallery CAMuseum Exhibitions
2001 The Cahoon Museum of American Art, MA
1999 The Azabu Museum of Arts, Japan
1995 San Bernardino County Museum, CA
1994 Muckenthaler Center, CA
1994 Laguna Museum of Art, CA
studio D
The intimate interior of Downs’ “studio D” has a crisp and minimal feel. The pristine white walls and concrete floors give the space a somewhat industrial vibe and lend a perfect backdrop for contemporary art. Part showroom, part working studio featuring a select group of guest artists, studio D creates a calm and ascetic atmosphere that appeals to artists and art-lovers alike.