Downer, Romeo

Downer’s artistic journey commenced on Barbados, where he caught the eye of Carl Broodhagen, a renowned Caribbean artist. Mentored by Broodhagen, he honed his drawing skills. Joining The Advocate newspaper, his political cartoons gained popularity. Alongside drawing, Downer explored photography, filling in as a photographer for The Advocate. Immigrating to America at 21, he pursued photography education, eventually joining Hughes Aircraft Company in California as a Technical Research photographer, contributing to US air defense systems. Downer retired in the Santa Clarita Valley and took his easel out again.