20" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas PEACE AND HARMONY May your home be blessed with peace and harmony from glorious sunrise to sunset and may the shadows of the evening bring rest and tranquility May all those who enter experience joy and happiness in the presence of love and acceptance and bask in the blessings of fellowship May your day be filled with the beauty of nature, the sweet fragrance of flowers and your senses be awakened by the sounds of water against shore and breezes against your skin May your life be blessed by health and prosperity and may your dreams be large while your demands be few May your life have purpose and your endeavors have meaning so that your paths leave footprints for others to follow May your final journey find you at peace with yourself and those whom you love until you awaken to the next sunrise and sunset on the distant shores of paradise Duane W. Cross
36" X 24" Acrylic on canvas: This is the season between the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. God has taken up his brush and pallet and painted nature in vibrant colors. It is also a time for enjoying the outdoors whether it be hitting the trails or enjoying all that nature has to offer and the time for giving thanks for blessing of the past and possibilities of the future.
Acrylic on Canvas 20" X16" Amaryllis provide a rainbow of blooming colors thoughout the early spring months. The Amaryllis Belladona is native to South Africa and comes from the Greek word amarrisso which means "to sparkle. They are associated with traits like determination, beauty, and love.
One of the pleasures of bike riding in June and July in southern Florida, is viewing the majesty of the Poinciana trees in brume. Wither they be covered in blossoms of red, orange, yellow, or lavender their beauty is overwhelming. One benefit being an artist is that what I miss on camera, I can re-create on canvas.
When you live in Florida, it is often difficult to determine the change in seasons. One sure sign of approaching Summer is the multicolored blossoming of the Royal Poinciana trees. They have plush blossoms of either red, crimson, orange, yellow, or magenta. There is even a Royal Poinciana Festival held in South Florida in June. The painting captures my view halfway through my bike rides that I have named "Meditation Point.
36" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas No matter how majestic or how lowly, we all look forward to the sunset and end of the day when we once more return to the piece and security of our home. Like the eagle we have sought to face our day with beauty, bravery, courage, honor, pride, determination, and grace even it it meant flying alone high above the distractors and neighsayers.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.......A strong nation is not built on its commerce, wealth, or power alone. Its strength is dependent upon its citizenry and the values they hold sacred. There is no stronger foundation or bond than that of the family. As the family goes, so goes the nation. In this day of struggle to achieve fame and fortune we often forget to preserve and protect this vital institution. It is no mistake that the thing we tend to put last in our list of priorities in reaching our goals is the family yet at the end of our lives the family is all that really matters. Putting the family first will allow you to both achieve your goals and a measure of success in life. It is said that true success is measured not by wealth and material success, but by what your friends and family say about you once you are gone.
.24" X 30" Acrylic on canvas...National Online Contemporary Art Finalist and fourth place winner in Ringtone International Art Contest: One of God"s greatest gifts to mankind is the ability to imagine and create. In good times and bad, one can escape to world's unknown and create memories and new realities. During this time of quarantine use your imagination to create good memories and to begin new realities. Within this work are multiple vistas of escape. Enjoy!
16" x 24" Acrylic on Canvas How glorious is the sunset at the end of the day. With colored hues dancing upon the bay. A time of reflection of events of the day and the wonderment of what yet is to come your way. Be still and enjoy God's wondrous display and the memories of another gifted day.
16" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas Everyday brings a new beginning and opportunity to all of nature. Many believe that taking the time each morning in meditation and reflection sets the stage for a bright and positive day. The sun appears to light your way to achieve the goals and dreams you have envisioned for the day.
20"X16" Acrylic on Canvas: Although many associate the Flamingo with the state of Florida, they actually exist on several continents. Their colors vary primarily due to their diets. Another indication that " you are what you eat". Also while many believe that they can not fly, they actually can fly for hundreds of miles at a time. One unique feature is that they often turn they heads upside down to eat using they upper beak as a scope.
24" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas......Weekends are made for fun. What a better way to escape the humdrums of life, honey or mommy do lists, and life's interruptions than to escape to the beach. A place where sun and sand await with the sultry smell of sea and cooling breezes under shading palm trees. Feel the sand between your toes as the cooling water washes across your body. Smell the scent of coconut oil, barbecue grills a flame, and the sound of laughter and joy. Plan your escape today.
5'X4' Acrylic on Canvas...... Experience a tropical paradise where you can relax on a white beach and swim in a lagoon all while having a great view of a beautiful cityscape, historical lighthouse, sailing yachts and cruisers, tranquil mangroves, and topical plants of all varieties. All this while relaxing in your lounge chair sipping margaritas or chugging a beer (or two). It exists and is awaiting your arrival.
20"X16" Acrylic on Canvas:... The Miami area is considered the boat capital of the world.with over 40,000 yachts and many other boats of all sizes and shapes. There are miles of inter-coastal waterways, canals, rivers, bays, and oceans to explore with year round sunshine. Nothing compares.
36" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas....... There is a reason that Miami is called the "Cruising Capital of the World". With the largest number of cruise ships at any port in the world and largest number of seagoing passengers there is a distant port for every adventurer. Cruising doesn't only apply to ships. Cruise to see and be seen in exotic cars or sail the seas in a yacht or sailing vessel. Go to new heights and get a sky view of the surrounding area. By sea, land or sky these and many options are available to spend a weekend or a week cruising Miami and the surrounding area.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.....Imagine beginning each day by looking out your window and enjoying the sunrise on the bay. I can still hear the seagulls calling as they dove for fish and handouts from hotel guests. I can see the pelicans as they dove for endless supplies of fish swimming just below the surface. I still can smell the sweet smells of the blooming flowers mixed with the salty sea air and the smell of breakfast waiting nearby. In the evening can be heard the sounds of laughter and music from Whisky Joe's across the bay.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas...... One of my fondest memories and adventures was taking a week long sailing voyage on this magnificent sailing yacht. Sailing can teach you many lessons about life and adventure. Among them are that nature controls time and space; you don't/There is no direct line between here and there, it is a matter of constant adjustment and change/Setting the sail and directing the rudder does no always result in progress, it takes the wind (others) to move forward/ It takes diverse teamwork and communication to reach a common goal/One cannot depend on technology alone for safety, critical thinking and attention to one's surroundings are critical/You are not the only vessel in the ocean, sometimes you must yield to others intentions/What can go wrong will go wrong so plan for the inevitable/Not every voyage will reach it's port no matter one's planning or skill so enjoy the sail regardless of the destination/Finally, what will be most remembered is the companionship and memories created along the way.
16" x 14" Acrylic on Canvas Before there were paved bike trails and bike shops there were only country roads or cow paths. Either you fixed your bike yourself or; if lucky, took it to a country garage on the corner. As a "vintage adult" ( over 70) I remember well pushing my bike with its flat tire to be patched or broken chain to be linked. While waiting I would purchase a RC Cola, a bag of peanuts and the latest comic book, set on the floor in the cornet waiting the fix. I learned some philosophy from the tales and trials of the customers as they came and went. Good memories.
30"X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.....Before there was television, internet, and social media there was the circus; a microcosm of the world. At one place and time could be found a magical world filled with laughter and daring acts of bravery by those of both human and animal kingdoms. All was enhanced by the smell of freshly popped popcorn, the taste of juicy hot dogs, and the sweet taste of colorful cotton candy. A place where many a youth longed to escape to for fame, fortune, and meaning while traveling by wagon or rail. Under an immense colorful umbrella of canvas called the "Big Top" could be found animals of beauty and grace performing unimaginable tricks. There were people flying through the air, balancing on wires high above the floor of the big top, shooting from cannons, and doing many feats of wonder. One could see those who were deemed abnormal in appearance causing amazement at the diversity of the human species. At the center of all this was the "divine" ring master in elegant dress and top hat who directed all with his magic wand ensuring that this magic world functioned in an orderly manner according to plan. Like the world we know, behind the scenes of magical moments, beauty, laughter, and joy was also a world of pain, abuse, and corruption that ultimately led to the demise of this magical world but the memories still linger...
11" 14" Acrylic on Canvas: One of the advantages of being an artist is that memories of one's past, present, and further aspirations not captured on film, can be captured on canvas. Such is the case of my memories riding under the harvest moon on the Path 400 Greenspace in Buckhead, Georgia. The path is 5 miles of winding paved trail amongst restaurants, art centers and parks. In the near future it will be connected to the Silver Comet Trail and other trails around Atlanta as part of the "Buckhead Connection" effort.
16" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas Those who enjoy biking know that there is little to compare to the whisper of tires on the trail enhanced the sights and sounds of nature, the cooling breeze of the wind as it brushes your face, and the health benefits that one receives. One of the best bike trails in America is the 90 mile long Silver Comet Trail in Atlanta that wonders through two states.
18" X 14" Acrylic on Canvas: One of my favorite places to visit here in Coral Gables is the Biltmore Hotel. It provides an atmosphere of elegance, haunted mysteries and legends, unbelievable golf venue, opportunity to swim in what was once the largest pool in the world, and excellence in service. No better escape in the area.
24" X 30" acrylic on canvas. Some men dream of great kingdoms and castles in the sky. I of humble beginnings dream of mountain palaces with gurgling trout streams nearby. Though I may never have the treasure or pleasure before I die. I can dream and paint a vision of my palace in the sky. At quiet moments I gaze at the canvas and visit the palace I made for myself Though far from my reach I feel it near and enjoy the escape with those I hold dear
Acrylic on Canvas: A Latin woman has unique qualities that draw many into their web of connection. First is the inward beauty based on strong values, a sense of self, defined boundaries and loyalty. Their outward beauty only enhances their internal fortitude. Stride side by side but never assume your right to lead or dominate.
V30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.......Having traveled the world I am mesmerized by the diversity of architecture that I have seen. While Europe has far more grandeur and majestic buildings, they cannot compare to the peaceful and colorful cities of Latin America. One such city is San Salvador, Brazil which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia with a population of 2.9 million. San Salvador is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. The church was built in 1704 as a subject of particular devotion to slaves and freedman of Africa descent in Brazil.
20" X 16" Acrylic on Canvas...In the center of the beautiful city of Bogota, Colombia is a hidden Oasis. The Bishop's Palace is a tranquil escape that provides a respite from the hassle and bustle of the city. Here you can dine on exquisite food in the garden served with the highest of quality and care. Walk through beautifully landscaped patios and view colonial Spanish architecture just steps away from the historical sites and museums.
Acrylic on canvas 35"X 24" Many can remember waking up at sunrise to the sound of a rooster crowing and the smells of a country breakfast on the family farm. Unfortunately this is a fading memory for over 150,000 families who have lost their family farm since 2011. Trade-wars, climate change, political polarization, and corporate farming have led to bankruptcies, deterioration, and disappearance of farms from the landscape. Hopefully this painting will bring back warm memories of better times for many.
The coastline of the United States is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Beach lovers come from near and far to soak in the sand and sun. Music, laughter, the splashing of swimmers and children and the sight of sand castles being built all add up to beautiful memories and experiences.
20" X 16" Acrylic on Canvas: Latest painting named "Small Town USA". Many of us were born and raised in a small town. Still others settle there to raise their family and or to find themselves. Like the words of the John Mellencamp hit: " Well I was born in a small town And I live in a small town Probably die in a small town Oh those small communities Etc.................Enjoy!
16" X 12" Acrylic on Canvas.....Among the memories of many a family is that of a family vacation on the beach. Even though it required transporting what seemed like tons of equipment often including chairs, umbrellas, beach blankets, coolers, floats and lots of suntan lotion once arrived it all seemed so worth it. Often staying until sunset building sandcastles, tossing the ball, swimming or simply working on that summer tan fun was had by all. We also remember the pain of two much sun as we nursed our sunburns for days after. For me, there is nothing better than setting on the beach at sunset as the day comes to an end and watching God paint an unforgettable portrait of majestic beauty with friends and family.
24" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas.........There is a world of wonders all around us and beauty in the simple and majestic. These are available to each of us who are willing to open our hearts and minds to adventure and discovery. Take the time to smell the rose, touch a butterfly, hear the music of nature, and feel the excitement of visiting new places both near and far.
30" x 26" Acrylic on Canvas: For many the long months of winter are coming to an end. The saying "April showers bring the flowers that bloom in May" is now taking on real meaning. As we begin to enjoy our surroundings once more, take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you and the signs of life's fragile moments as experienced by the butterflies.
24" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas......While touring Colombia, South America a good respite after a day of site seeing is Lake Tota. Lake Tota is the largest lake in Colombia and is located north of Bogota. Surrounded by green countryside, fertile land and traditional villages one can enjoy the white sand beach, boating, fishing for plentiful rainbow trout, or staying in one of the rustic hotels. Tota means "land for farming" in the indigenous language. Incorporated into this painting is a real miniature tree to add depth and a sense of realty.
24'X 20" Acrylic on Canvas: Finalist in online National Contemporary Art contest: Imagine a place in space and time where you can walk through fields of white lilies, meadows of green, colorful forests, majestic mountains, and glorious water falls. This place exists in this valley in Switzerland outside of Interleukin. A place filled with the fragrance of spring, friendly people, and now memories that will not soon be forgotten.
24" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas: National Online Contemporary Art finalist: Confinement does not limit one's ability to travel to new places both near and far. Memories of past experiences, images of favorite places, and shared stories with others can create a much needed escape from current realities. Let your minds drift to your favorite sites or experiences and capture the memory in time and space forever in your mind on canvas or shared conversation with your loved ones.
16" X 20" Acrylic on canvas We are all seeking an escape during this period of confinement brought on by Covid-19. One of the most peaceful and relaxing country to escape to is Scotland. It green rolling hills, rock covered coastline, sunny days and moody nights will reset your stress levels and lure you into a place of restful relaxation.
The mountains are one of the few places that one can find tranquility through all the seasons of the year. Each season brings its own energy, serenity, and opportunities for adventure. Like the chapters of our lives, each season must be enjoyed for what it is with memories created to last a life time. One season is not better than another. Each has its own purpose and each season is essential for the survival of the next. Such are the days of our lives.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.....Have you ever spent springtime in the mountains after a long cold winter? Then you know the stirring one feels in the center of their being as one experiences the essence of nature's renewal. The smell of mountain laurel in bloom, the sound of singing birds in the morning and the gurgling brook outside your window. One might also see the mother bear and her cubs coming out of hibernation in search a much needed meal under the blooming hardwoods or fruit trees. This is a time for planting the flowers and crops for harvest in the fall or taking walks in the forest along worn paths enjoying the vistas along the way. It is a special time of year in the mountains.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas......Summer time in the mountains is a time of unlimited fun and memorable experiences. Sultry summer days and cool breezy nights afford opportunities to catch the prize trout that has eluded you many times. A time for barbecue, boating or swimming in the cool mountain lake. Opportunities for strumming a guitar and singing next to a campfire or moonlight gazing across the valley or lake reflecting the stars and moon.
30" X 24" Acrylic on Canvas.....Traveling to the mountains in the fall is a time to experience harvest time. Apples are ready for the picking, vegetables picked and either being canned or sold at the roadside markets to passerbys. Enjoy the frosty mornings and cool nights in a sweater or jacket while enjoying a hot refreshment. For many it is the beginning of long awaited hunting season or time spent taking a road trip to gaze at the rainbow of colors provided by the fall foliage.
