The following is from the artist:

Duane Albert Armstrong, a native Californian, was born in Fresno on Christmas Day in 1938. He was raised in the countryside near San Luis Obispo until 1950 when his family moved to the Santa Clara Valley.

His mother, a teacher, was also an artist and writer. She wrote several short stories and lyrics for several songs, some of which were published. With this background, Duane learned about painting materials and techniques while still in his childhood. He also had an exposure to art shows and museums at the time and was fascinated by the way the various artists were able to make their canvases come alive with paint. This was the beginning of a life long interest in painting, which has resulted...