Gilbert Duran (San Antonio, Texas, 1947-2023) "Buster", K-9 working dog, 1996, oil on canvas size: 36 x 24 in. Artist's note: The concept of cloning the world's best drug sniffing canine gave life to Buster K-9. I am using this young pup to communicate the dangers of drugs to children because I feel we must use every opportunity to keep our children safe. This painting is the first of a series to convey that message. Provenance: Property from the Southtown San Antonio, Texas studio of noted artist Gilbert Duran Gilbert Duran (1947-2023) was a celebrated artist first known for his watercolor renditions of South Texas wildlife and Texas ranch scenes, and later for vivid oil paintings of South Texas and Latin themes, most famously depicting Frida Kahlo holding a margarita ('Frida Margarita'), an image which has been widely copied and displayed throughout Texas and beyond. Duran worked for many years out of his Southtown San Antonio, Texas live / work studio, Duran Arte, producing strikingly original canvases as well as sculpture and commissioned work. Many of Duran's key works were displayed in prominent San Antonio restaurants including Rosario's and Soluna, and have been shown at the Smithsonian Museo Alameda, and added to private collections including that of Guadalupe Rivera Marin, daughter of Kahlo’s husband Diego Rivera. Duran's impressive legacy as one of San Antonio's outstanding artists continues to grow as pieces begin to come to market at auction houses and galleries throughout the Southwest.