This month, a talented local artist will be exhibiting works highlighting the wonder and beauty of some of our county's most picturesque villages and towns.
David Downes currently lives in Manningtree, but spent his formative years in Suffolk.
Diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of 32, he has been immersed in the arts practically his whole life, tracing his passion all the way back to early childhood.
“I’ve been drawing since I was about four. Before I could communicate properly, I would draw with mostly felt tips and biros before I began painting when I was in my 20s. Art was my way of communicating, and now it’s my full-time job alongside being a dad,” he says.
David’s talents have taken him all over the world to study and exhibit, including stints in Brighton, London, and California.
In 2012, he was commissioned by The Savoy Hotel to paint the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant from the roof, which can be seen in the entrance hall of the hotel, and in 2019 he was selected by ITV to paint a public mural for the launch of period drama Sanditon.
After moving back to the area a few years ago, David became reacquainted with his favourite local spots, and soon started drawing and painting the likes of Hadleigh, Kersey, Dunwich, and the River Brett.
Working from Ardleigh Studios, he says: “I grew up in Eye, and I’ve always done drawings of Suffolk. As a kid, I would also draw imaginary towns and places. Later in life, my family and I moved back to Suffolk, and when I used to take my daughter to swimming classes in Hadleigh every week, I thought how beautiful the town was, and what a nice place it be to paint and have an exhibition there.”
He cites his favourite landmark as the Hadleigh's Deanery Tower – a 15th century brickwork structure that was originally the gatehouse to the archdeacon’s house.
“It’s such an unusual structure. A lot of the buildings in Hadleigh especially are unique, and you’ve got the church and the churchyard, too.”
David visited Hadleigh several times while sketching his works, also capturing its High Street through the medium of pen, paper, and paint.
His landscape scenes have become known for their dramatic skies (perhaps a nod to the work of Constable), and bold use of colour, and are so revered locally that he was previously artist in resident at Snape Maltings, painting more than 40 land and seascape pieces during his time there.
His upcoming exhibition, ‘Visions of Suffolk: Town & Country - New Paintings’, at Hadleigh Old School has just opened, and will run until Sunday, October 16.
“It’s always exciting to have another exhibition in a new place, and I’m really excited to see what the people of Hadleigh think of my art. Hopefully they will feel positive about it, and like what they see.”
To find out more about David, visit daviddownes.co.uk. He can also be found on Instagram at instagram.com/davepowerdraw71
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