DAVID DOWNES
Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of 32, David paints his colourful urbanscapes mainly from memory – using observation and imagination to add artistic flair.
His fascinating story was the subject of a 2000 book by Sheila Paine, titled Artists Emerging. In it, David recalls how he could communicate by drawing before he could speak properly.
In 2012, he was commissioned by The Savoy Hotel in London to paint the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
Now living in Newport Beach in California, David is inspired by the road signs and infrastructure around him. His work depicts iconic locations including Hollywood, Venice Beach and Palm Desert. David says: “My work is a meeting of realism and imagination. It’s fascinating to see how the other half live: actors and glitterati. I love and loathe the massive freeways – the flyovers are like ugly sculptures, yet are part of the American dream and identity.”
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