Born and raised in Guanajuato, he shared his vision through pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor.

His life as an artist began in elementary school, where he participated in drawing competitions. In 1950, he won a first prize award from Governor José Aguilar y Maya.

Almanza loved exploring his city’s many visual treasures, and this led him to study architecture at the University of Guanajuato, where he made a name for himself at the School of Restoration. His impressive drawings found their way into the famous Castillo de Chapultepec, where they were exhibited to art critics and the public in March 1975.

His restorations of buildings and plazas relate artist and architect, learning and understanding, respect and conservation.