Katie Garner
Alfonso came to my mind today. I don’t know why. I was in an oil painting class he taught at BYU during my senior year of high school. My mother and I took his class together. It was my first experience with oil paint. I fell in love with oils. It was during that semester that I decided I wanted to become an artist. I remember the critiques being intimidating, as I was only 17 and the youngest student in the class. But I remember what Alfonso said to me when I showed him my final painting on the last day of class. Previously he always had some constructive criticism, but this time he simply said, “Why haven’t you been painting like this the whole time?” That was so encouraging for me! I am now a mother of 7 and a professional oil painter myself. When Alfonso came to my mind today I thought I’d try searching his name to see if I could find him. But, unfortunately, I found his obituary instead. It feels ironic that tomorrow will be the 4 year anniversary of his passing. Thank you, Alfonso, for giving me a leg up and encouraging me on my journey, for showing up with passion and being an inspiring teacher. I hope you are painting in Heaven! -Katie Garner

