In Barbados where he was born, Downer discovered his artistic skills and developed a passion for drawing at an early age. At the same time with the gift of his first camera, a used one, he became an avid amateur photographer. With no opportunities in sight for a career in drawing in Barbados he was persuaded to become a photography student. At the age of 21 Downer immigrated to the United States with the help of relatives. His goal was to further his education with a major in art, but without American citizenship the cost of education in New York was beyond his reach at that time. So he joined the Air Force which appeared to be his best option.

The military helped Downer with his photographic studies, but he grasped whatever opportunities he could to study and develop his artistic skills including evening classes. After his discharge he found that making a living in art was ominous, so he joined the staff of Hughes Aircraft Company in California where he was a Technical Research photographer. Throughout Downer's 28 years at Hughes, he continued to hone his skills by attending art classes at the Arts Center in Pasadena. Unfortunately, he found that work and raising a family of a wife and two active sons left no time for painting and that resulting in a further postponement of realizing his dreams.

Now, thanks to early retirement and independent adult sons, 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 spends most of his time at his easel, often from about seven in the morning until bed time with few breaks. This leaves little time for exhibitions and competitions. However, his sales are mainly from recommendations of buyers of his work and from his website. In November this year he was awarded first prize for one of his oil paintings at an art show sponsored by the Santa Clarita Artists’ Association. Last year he also won first prize at a similar exhibition. 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. His advice is, never give up on your dreams.