Cerro Romauldo

                                                 9"x12" Oil on linen panel
                                                         Sold


This beautiful mountain is one of the "Nine sisters", a group of volcanic peaks just north of San Luis Obispo,Ca.  I was painting with my old friend, George Gibson, he doing a watercolor and me this little oil.  We set up about 9am. and quit about noon for lunch and critique.  George was kindly, but totally honest in his assessments of paintings, and this time, thankfully, he liked what I did.  When my work (or his own) was not up to par, he would acknowledge it, kindly, in my case.  Since his own paintings were almost always spectacular, he was usually just quiet when we viewed his.    I miss him.       Mike

Lesson

                                                         30"x30" Oil on stretched linen
                                                                      SOLD

Once upon a time, when the OPA first had a Western Regional Show in Santa Barbara Ca. this painting was accepted and won an award.  It was used for posters for the show, and was used for the cover of "Santa Barbara" magazine   I felt wonderful!  But it didn't sell.  Oh well! That was no big deal, The OPA had judged me, Mike Alonzo, as a winner.

Some months later, one of our very small local groups had a juried show, and I submitted it.  There were only about thirty paintings entered, so I had visions of winning a cash award, which is always nice.  I was quickly brought back to earth when my painting didn't win a thing.  It couldn't---the judge didn't think it was even good enough for the show and it wasn't hung! ( I love exclamation marks!).   Talk about being taught humility!!!     (Love em!)                               Mike