Michael Downey is best known for his still lifes painted in a style reminiscent of Chardin, with a penchant for close color
harmony expressed through the use of a limited palette. His subject matter ranges also from portraiture and equestrian
paintings to local seascapes, often including children.
Michael has studied with several fine artists
including Frank Tauriello, Leslie B. DeMille, and Earl Daniels.
He was a juror for the
1988 San Clemente Art Club Show, has exhibited three seasons in the Laguna Beach Art-A-Fair festival, juried into several
southern California art exhibitions and among his awards are Best of Show, Niguel Art Association, Nov of 02, and Second
Place, Orange County Fair, Professional Watercolor Division, Jul 01. "I have found myself most influenced
by the early California artists, John Singer Sargent, and many American illustrators, especially Will Foster."
Mr Downey is also an accomplished violinist, having played with several fine symphony orchestras around the country.
His education includes a B.A. Degree in Marketing from Cal State University Fullerton.
