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San Antonio Artist Gilbert Durán died unexpectedly July 10, 2023, at the age of 76, hours after entering Methodist Hospital. Gilbert R. Durán was born in San Antonio, Texas on May 3, 1947. He grew up on the South side, one of ten siblings. He graduated from Harlandale High School in 1966 where he lettered in several sports and was known for his artistic talents. After high school, Gilbert joined the Army National Guard and served from 1966 until 1972 while working with his father and brothers in construction. Gilbert was married to Lily Rodulfo, his high school sweetheart, from 1967-1977, during which time their three children, Gilbert Joseph, Laura, and Lisa were born. A familiar sight to his young children was their dad at his easel, a clean cloth diaper over his shoulder with which he would dab the paint on his canvas to create different effects. His children were surrounded by the tools of their dad’s artist’s life, but their fondest memories of him are his silly sense of humor and his constant flow of ideas about what to paint or create and just spending time with him in his studios (he gave his children free reign), and at local parks. A life-long Democrat, he loved to talk about politics. Gilbert was an entirely self-taught artist. He painted for long hours, teaching himself techniques for working with watercolors, oils, acrylics, and egg tempera. Gilbert started out at local starving-artist shows, his first one at the Little Church of La Villita. His work sold out quickly and he left the show with numerous commissions. His early work focused on portrayals of wildlife and scenes of the South Texas Hill Country. He had a lifelong voracious appetite to explore every aspect of art and over the years he taught himself sculpture and mosaics. In the 1990s Gilbert established a studio on South Saint Mary’s Street in San Antonio and he would continue creating there until the day he died. The studio was filled from floor to ceiling with a lifetime of art and an artist’s tools, as well as countless mementoes of those he held dear, including his son’s little league uniform and sketch books, every letter his daughter, Laura wrote him from college, homemade birthday cards from his daughter, Lisa, and photos of his beloved grandchildren. Gilbert’s art took on more vivid colors throughout the years. The subjects of his paintings were often iconic of San Antonio/ Mexican American culture, sometimes with a twist, like his tortilleria painting of a woman rolling out flour tortillas and draping them over the edge of the table. One of the tortillas is a clock, in direct reference to a Dali painting. His art at times addressed social issues, such as his dark “Maquila Monster” painting, influenced by the years he spent living in El Paso, on the Texas-Mexico border. Gilbert Durán’s artwork can be found in businesses, homes, restaurants and public spaces throughout San Antonio and beyond, each piece adding something unique to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Gilbert is survived by his three children; Gilbert Joseph Durán, of Louisiana, Laura Durán (John Davis) and Lisa Kinney (Brian Kinney), both of New York, and four grandchildren; Julio, Sarah, Lucas and Stella; and his former spouse, Lily Rodulfo. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Olivia Durán Mendez, Emilio Durán, David Durán, Alex Durán, Robert Durán, Danny Durán, Elizabeth Ann Dowdle, Mary Esther Durán; and many loved nieces and nephews who will miss their uncle’s big abrazos when they would run into him around town. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Durán, Sr., his mother, Juanita Durán, and his sister, Hope Casias. To those who knew Gilbert Durán casually, he was an artist. To those who knew him closely, he was much more. He was also a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was quick to help family, friends and strangers whether by sharing his art, money or time. Gilbert will be greatly missed. San Antonio is more colorful because he made it his home.

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Gilbert Duran

May 3, 1947 - July 10, 2023