My friend, artist and curator Robert Ray who is working with the Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery suggested that they mount a show of my work after another artist bailed for unknown reasons. After 27 years of illustration deadlines I had no problem saying yes to 21 new pieces within a squeezed schedule. The Sacramento Temporary Contemporary is the brainchild of Limn Gallery owner Dan Friedlander, who grew up in Sacramento, the gallery is modeled after the innovative space in Los Angeles that eventually became the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is an enormous contemporary space in an up and coming part of uptown Sacramento called Del Paso. Here are a few samples of my new work. Please come out and celebrate with us.
 
Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery
March 10, 2011 - Thursday Preview Opening 6-9pm
March 12, 2011 - 2nd Saturday Opening 6-9pm
Exhibit Runs  March 10 - April 2, 2011
 
SACRAMENTO, CA-  Following in the footsteps of Paul Klee and Mexican artist, José Luis Cuevas, Nevada City artist Richard Downs creates contemporary images of "Couples" embraced in archetypal relationships. Richard will be showing more than 20 new monotypes and paintings in this contemporary venue. Richard's  art making combines contemporary aesthetics with the rich history of printmaking to create images that feel both current and timeless. Richard has worked for most United States periodicals and newspapers ranging from The Progressive to National Geographic and international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations publication divisions.

Sacramento Bee Art Critic Victoria Dalkey said this about Richard's monotypes in a review. "His elegant yet emotive monotypes focus on abstracted male and female figures engaged in archetypal relationships. These rich and sophisticated graphics quietly steal the show.