The Life and Work of Kenneth Downer Kenneth Downer was a painter born in 1903. His artistic legacy is preserved through his notable works, most significantly his piece titled Lava Moods. This work is held within the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The artist's career is marked by this contribution to the American art landscape, with his work Lava Moods dating to 1940. Downer passed away in 1975.