The paintings of Texas native Downe Burns reflect not only his immense talent, but his passion for painting.  He says, "I love to paint, I like mixing colors and seeing the end result on canvas.  I like signing my name to a painting and being happy with the way I have interpreted the world around me".

Largely a sef taught artist, Burns studied business and art history at Texs Tech University for a brief time before leaving to paint on a regular basis.

Burns' move Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1987.  Inspired by his surroundings he chose the southwestern landscape with its saguaro cacti and melded his own unique compositions and use use of unforgettable colors.  His desire to create paintings that are moving and pleasant to view - keeping away from the darker moods of the environment.  He wants his imagery to strike a positive feeling in the eye of the viewer.  He says, "We will each have our own emotional response to a work of art, I just hope I can make it a happy one".

His paintings have progressed thru several series over the years.  Floral, Abstracts, Southwestern, Tuscany landscapes and figurative.  His list of credits is extensive.  A painting series, A View To A villa, created in 1985 captured the attention of viewers in galleries across the nation and thus began his career.  At the age of 24, he had already been the subject of profiles on television, radio, newspapers and magazines.   His paintings were chosen for numerous private and museum collections.  He was also chosen for many national promotions with companies such as Kahlua, Marlboro, Sonoma Valley Vineyards, Vitality Magazine, Anderson Valley Vineyards, Wines of America and Fox Television Network.  In 1996 he was chosen as the official artist for the Kodak International Balloon Fiesta.  He created the ever sell out image.  He has gone on to create the 1998 and 2004 balloon images.  In 1997 he created the image for the Atlanta ESPN 10K Run.  You may have also seen his work on television shows Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Suddenly Susan and Promised Land.

Downe Started his own publishing company in 1990 called Wet Paint Publishing.  The company published fine art prints and limited editions of his artworks.  The company also extensively liscensed Downe's images to other companies who reproduced his unique artwork onto ceramic tiles, T-shirts, greeting cards and calendars.  Feeling the need for fresh surroundings and inspiration, Downe ceased operations of his publishing company in 1995 and returned home to his birth place, Lubbock, Texas.

Upon returning to Lubbock Downe rested his paint brushes for a period of time.  During this time he started a new venture - lawn maitenance.  Three days a week he worked outdoors.  This was a welcomed change and much needed opportunity to "recharge" his creative battery.  He called the new business "Star Lawn Care" (which was changed to Star Landscape in 2008).

In 1997, after an 18 month rest from painting Downe began a new series of works his calls "Old Ways" and "Live To Be Still".  These paintings reflect his surreal interpretations of the Tuscan landscape and light.  Bright and bold colors continue to be his underlying theme.  Colletors often refer to this series  as the "crooked houses".

By 2006 his "small" landscape business had continued to grow.  Downe's son, Dylan, was now eighteen and learning to operate Star Landscape.  Together they have grown the company to one of the largest in the area with more than ten employees.

As of 2009 Downe was painting strictly when he feels the inspiraton, which was several months between inspirations.  He was enjoying being outdoors, overseeing operations at Star Landscape and working with Dylan.

In 2010 Downe began painting again in a series called "Secret Stories".  He first created works in this series in 1993 but never publicly exhibited any of the works.  Approximately ten works were completed and kept in Burns' private collection.  For the first time Downe is exhibiting works in the "Secret Stories" series.  Available exclusivley thru his website.  See these works - click here.