ARTIST

Downe was born, 1965, in Lubbock, Texas. Largely a self-taught artist, Burns studied business and art history at Texas Tech University for a brief time before leaving to paint on a regular basis. He began painting in the mid 80's and developed his own unique style of colorful southwestern paintings. Shortly after moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1987, Downe's paintings were accepted by several prominent galleries. The support and exposure in these galleries led to numerous "sold out" exhibitions. By 1989 his works were represented in galleries from coast to coast.

Inspired by his physical surroundings Burns’ moved to Santa Fe to live and paint. At the time he chose the landscape, and often adding an element that was somehow out of character, the saguaro cacti made his meld of unusual composition and use of color unforgettable. His desire to create paintings that are moving and pleasant to view keep him away from the darker moods of the environment. He wants imagery to strike a positive feeling in the eye of the viewer. He says, “We will each have our own different emotional response to a work of art, I just hope I can make a happy one”.

His paintings progressed into several new series over the past years, Floral, Landscape and Abstract. His list of credits is extensive. A painting series, A View To A Villa, created in 1985 captured attention of viewers in galleries across the nation and thus began his career. At the age of 24, he had already been the subject of profiles on television, radio, newspaper and magazines. His paintings were chosen for numerous private and museum collections. He was also chosen as for many national promotions with companies such as Kahlua, Marlboro, Sonoma Valley Vineyards, Vitality Magazine and Anderson Valley Vineyards. In 1996 he was chosen as the official artist for the Kodak International Balloon Fiesta. He created the first sell out image. In 1997 he created the image for the Atlanta ESPN 10K Run. You may also see his work on television shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Suddenly Susan and Promise Land. Also in 1998 he was asked to create another image for the Kodak International Balloon Fiesta. He has produced an image for an Anderson Valley Vineyards wine label.