Dowell, poet of painting

 

When I arrived to Dowell’s workshop in Barbosa Street, the first thing that caught my attention was the tobacco smell and the sepia/rustic atmosphere. 

The walls were decorated with portraits of iconic figures and sketches of the murals that seemed to tell stories of Puerto Rican culture. Tell stories of the south.

The place had a bohemian air, with brushes, canvases, and, of course, his inseparable congas. 

Dowell greeted me with warm and passionate energy, immediately showing his love for both art and music. I asked what I can do to get better in my paintings (I was a child) and he answer to me that you get better by doing it constantly. 

His attitude reflected someone who had lived his vocation intensely, with a mix of humility and pride in his work.

Among the works I observed, I was especially impressed by the portraits of Taino and Tite Curet Alonso, where he captured not just their physical appearance but also their essence.

He explained that his creative process is a fusion of music and painting; while working, he plays the congas to find the right rhythm that inspires him to convey emotions onto the canvas. I had many books of art.

During my visit, he even gave a small rhythmic demonstration, striking the drum skin with a precision that revealed his mastery (maestro rumbero) of the instrument and his deep connection to Afro-Caribbean percussion.

Dowell showed to me some commandments for making art. This story made me realize that Dowell is not only a visual artist but also a historian of Puerto Rican popular culture. 

Throughout the visit, I noticed how his Afro-Boricua identity is reflected in his work, from the subjects he chooses to the way he uses color and expresses emotions in his characters.

This experience changed my perception of art, showing me how painting and music can merge to create a complete sensory experience. 

More than just a painting studio, Dowell’s space is a meeting point for history, identity, and artistic passion. I left with the certainty that his legacy is invaluable, not only for Salinas but for Puerto Rican culture as a whole.

About Osvaldo Dowell Colón

Osvaldo Dowell Colón is a painter, muralist, and percussionist born in the Central Aguirre Historic District of Salinas, Puerto Rico. 

Dowell used to combine visual art with music, using congas in his exhibitions to attract the public and complement his paintings.

He was specialized in portraiture and he painted around 800 oil-on-canvas works, many inspired by prominent figures in Puerto Rican culture. He has also created murals in public spaces in Salinas.

He has painted Don Ricardo Alegría, Cheo Feliciano, Ruth Fernández, Rafael Cortijo, Andy Montañez, and especially Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso, of whom he made six paintings.

When he was child, he showed talent in drawing while also developing a love for percussion, influenced by his father, William Dowell, who was a rumba musician and bomba dancer in the 1940s.

He used to ride a bicycle to move around with his materials and showcase his art.

He has painted murals in the baseball park, the Teatro Coquí, and the community’s main square. His works include portraits of notable Salinas figures such as Roberto Alomar, Zuleyka Rivera, and Ángel “Cholo” Espada.

The article that I read says that he met Tite in the Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan and was impressed by his humility and musical knowledge. He asked him about Rafael Cortijo’s orchestra and about the song “Qué lindas mujeres tiene Mayarí,” which led to a rich conversation where they even sang together.

Yes, he is one of the few Puerto Rican artists who has managed to live off his painting. However, he has expressed frustration over the lack of financial support for local artists and the preference for well-known painters in collective exhibitions.

The Significance of Dowell Colón’s Legacy in the Fine Arts of Salinas

Osvaldo Dowell Colón’s legacy is highly significant for the fine arts in Salinas. His work has contributed to preserving the town’s historical and cultural memory through his portraits of iconic figures and murals in public spaces. By merging music with painting, he has developed a unique style that brings art closer to the community.

Besides , his ability to make a living from art in an environment with little institutional support demonstrates his dedication and talent, serving as an inspiration for new generations of artists. His desire to seek opportunities abroad highlights the challenges faced by many unknown Puerto Rican artists and underscores the need for greater support for local culture. Local literature. Local paintings.

-Elvis Rafael

References:  

Berríos, L. E. (2017, April 30). Dowell: el rumbero pintor de Salinas. Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://prpop.org/2017/04/dowell-el-rumbero-pintor-de-salinas/