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December Issue 2005
Mary Martin Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC, Features Works by Michael J. Downs
The
Mary Martin Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC, will present
the exhibit, Elegant Dress, Casual Undress, featuring works
by Michael J. Downs, from Dec. 2 through Jan. 2, 2006. The exhibition
is a collection of figurative works by Downs that explores the
differences between models in different states of attire and how
this affects their interaction with their environments.
Downs has been a figure painter for numerous years and his adeptness
with the subject matter allows him to portray richness of color
and light in both the fabrics of his clothed models and the skin
tones of the nudes he paints which provides his work with what
can only be described as a universal sense of beauty.
As the ideas and pieces for the show developed
he became acutely aware that clothes often were simply "a
frame" for the human body and that "dress" did
not singularly refer to clothing but extended further to include
the environment which surrounded his models. Gradually, the line
between elegant and casual began to blur for Downs. Perhaps he
says it then becomes a matter of "in the eyes of the beholder".
When Downs paints a work of art, it is his goal for the viewer
to be drawn into the everyday yet extraordinary beauty of the
world he constantly sees around him. How does he accomplish this
formidable task, one might ask? There are many ways this question
could be answered, but one can break it down simply into two main
aspects - conceptual, and technical.
Conceptually, Downs was born an artist and started drawing as far back as he can recall. This has a great impact on how one sees the world around them. Scenes that may daily go unnoticed by most, or perhaps might be taken for granted by others can be extraordinary sources of beauty and inspiration forhiml. This is what Downs wants to offer to his audience; a chance to voyeuristically see the world through the eyes of an artist and perhaps encourage people to begin the journey of seeing and enjoying the world around them from this new perspective.
Technically, Downs then uses his abundance of skill to masterfully capture and portray not only the striking physical likeness in his mostly figurative subject matter, but also a deeper spiritual contemplative essence. Hence this has earned Downs the monicker "Contemplative Figure Painter". His reputation as a representational figure painter has been developed over the past decade by both his formal art education as well as by studying many "old masters"; among his favourites - John Singer Sargent. From his studies Downs has emerged with a style of painting that radiates a richness with full-bodied color; well-defined and bold with a grand sense of drama achieved in part to his use of strong contrast, capturing light just perfectly. All the while his ease and skill with the brush are very evident. This is all truly indicative of a master at work.
When one is captivated by a work of Downs - he knows he has achieved what he set out to do and both the artist and viewer are greatly rewarded.
It was Downs' extremely gifted and artistic grandmother who wanted him to become an artist (from a very early age). She knew before anyone else, what he could/should/would become. She used to take him out when he was very young (3 years old) to sketch. She would do pastels, and he absolutely loved their outings together, many of which took place on the beautifully inspiring Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada.
Between the ages of five and seven Downs travelled with his parents for a couple of years to Europe, where he would spend hours drawing in museums and galleries, trying to replicate the masters. However, later in his years (high school), he found school a struggle, and was frustrated that art was not considered a "career". Hence he tried to focus specifically on academic science, as well as his second love (and many people say talent) - golf, and dropped art altogether. Downs was set to enter first year sciences in university with a golf scholarship. But his heart was not in it and he ended up not going.
Downs then enrolled in a college - fine art program, but found the instruction not what he was looking for. There seemed to be a prevalent attitude that artists should be free to break all of the rules. He just wanted to learn them. Downs left discouraged - not knowing where to turn. Thanks to some very supportive parents who recognized this, it was suggested that he attend career counselling. After about four weeks of testing the counsellor sat him down and said, "I've been counselling for 20 years and I've only said this to two other people. Go find a good academic art school and become an artist."
Downs ended up in a commercial art program at Capilano College (in British Columbia). It wasn't exactly what he wanted, but it gave him a good foundation. Upon graduation he worked as a freelance illustrator for a number of years. He was doing quite well and becoming very versatile at working in a number of mediums and styles, but after a few years he realized he did not want to continue on this path. Downs had been pursuing his fine art "on the side" and finally made the decision to pursue it full time. So he gathered a number of his works and headed down to the US with the goal of acquiring representation by a gallery in Santa Fe. Downs was successful and he has been slowly and steadily building his career in fine art since then. The response he has had to his work has been phenomenal, which makes it a very rewarding experience.
Downs often finds it difficult to put into words what he feels about his art without sounding simplistic... "I'm not about 'artspeak'. When I describe my work, I often relate it to music. Both my parents are classical musicians. They used to run a music camp and although I'm not musical myself, I would love to go to the camp and listen. I remember painting down by a lake with the sounds of a Mozart piano concerto drifting through the trees. It was very inspiring. To me art and live music are for enjoyment and therefore should be uplifting. I find the paintings I'm doing now of people relaxing, reading, sleeping, and at leisure, very indicative of this. 'Coffee Culture' I call it. Sargent used to call it 'Nonchaloire' or the art of doing nothing. I find it carefree, idleness (in a positive way) - peaceful."
Downs is very happy now that he is painting full time and states, "I suppose in a way I've always been a dreamer - staring with awe and wonder at the world around me. It is a nice way to experience life. My plan for the future is to continue down this path, as to me art is a never-ending process of learning, evolving, sharing, and inspiring. Hopefully I will gain some recognition for my work along the way."
Downs was introduced to Charleston's own chef and restaurant owner Brett McKee and will be painting on site at The Oak Steakhouse the night before the exhibit opens. He chose The Oak's natural wood interiors, rich colors, and character staff as his next night scene painting.
For further information check our SC Commercial
Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/723-0303 or at (www.marymartinart.com).
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