David Paul Downs

Artist Statement

So much can be discovered of a person by viewing their face in a natural state. The lines, scars, wrinkles, blemishes, and moles form a map derived from experience and time. I chose to paint artists I know who carry a weight within them that can be seen in their faces. All of them are on a journey to understand what it is, or how to overcome it. Their lives are on the cusp of change, and the journey to get there has been difficult. There is no need for theatrics, dramatic poses, or expression. All can be seen and felt in the stillness of a stare.

Artist Bio

David Paul Downs was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1978. He taught himself to draw at an early age, motivated by an interest in art. In college he majored in photography and fell in love with the darkroom processes of black and white photography. In the late 90's David taught himself to paint in oils, which has become his preferred medium since.

Currently, David lives and works in Chicago, Illinois. His paintings have been exhibited in New York City and Chicago and have been published in several books, including die Zeit of Drawing (Climate/Gallery), International Dictionary of Artists (World Wide Art Books), New American Landscape and David Paul Downs, Recent Works (Sprocketbox Entertainment).