Romeo
Downer's artistic journey began years ago on the quaint
Caribbean island of Barbados. During his early school days, Downer's artistic
ability was brought to the attention of Carl Broodhagen, a
well-known artist in the Caribbean. With Broodhagen's tutelage
and encouragement, Downer was able to sharpen his
drawing skills. Later, he joined the staff of Barbados' The
Advocate newspaper, where his cartoons, many of which expressed
the current political issues, became a popular installment of
the daily publication. While Downer continued to to relish in
his love for drawing, he also developed a new talent as an avid
amateur photographer. He was able to put this new skill to
task when The Advocate, filling in for photographers on several
occasions.
At the age of 21, Downer
immigrated to America and continued his education in
photography. This led to a career with Hughes Aircraft Company
in California where he was a Technical Research photographer.
For many years he served as the company's aerial photographer
and participated in the development of several systems for
the US air defense.
Throughout Downer's 28 years at
Hughes, he continued to hone his skills by attending art classes
at UCLA and Arts Center in Pasadena. Unfortunately, he
found that work and raising a family left little time for
painting. Now, thanks to early retirement Downer can
devote his time to his brush, canvas & passion.
Downer expresses his youth and
West Indian experience with an artist's hand in vibrant hues
that bring the color, cadence and culture of the Caribbean to
life. His photographic background, namely his attention to
composition and detail, are strong influences in many of his
paintings.
Downer has held art exhibitions in the Hilton Hotel in Atlanta
in November 1996, JFK Ramada Plaza in New York in July 1997, the
Hilton in Los Angeles in July 1998, the Clarion Hotel in Florida
July 1999, the Furama Hotel in Los Angeles in June 2000 and in
November through December, 2002, the Craftery Gallery sponsored his paintings
in a one-man exhibition in Hartford, Connecticut.
His work can also be seen in galleries in Barbados and St.
Thomas. Several of his paintings are on loan to the Los Angeles County
Museum of Art where they are used in the rental program.
At home, all available wall space is devoted to his work -- a
feast of color. Brilliant tropical greens, parrot reds, cheerful
yellows, and warm browns punctuate his work. His goal is
to show to the world the colorful people and places of the
Caribbean as he sees them.
