Mike Bauerkemper

I was born in Lubbock, Texas in 1941 and moved to El Paso, Texas. At age 10, I won the Fire Prevention poster contest that went to high school level contestants. Our family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, when I was a child. I finished high school there and joined the Army in 1960. After nine years in the Army I took my discharge at Fort Ord, California. I went to school on the GI bill and became a mechanical engineer. Eventually, I bought a home in Mission Viejo, CA.

Apparently, I had an artistic leaning even, as a child, and after my retirement in 2000, I joined the San Clemente Art Association and the Laguna Art Association. I participated in many art shows and exhibits. I won a number of ribbons throughout the years at San Clemente Art Gallery. I have taken many art classes from leading artists in Laguna Beach, CA. So It’s fair to say art, particularly oil painting, has brought great pleasure and satisfaction to my life.