Karen Belton | Artist

Karen Belton is a self-taught artist and illustrator whose creative journey began in an unexpected place—the kitchen.
 

After teaching herself to decorate cakes for her daughter's third birthday, what began as a way to create something special quickly grew into a career. Karen went from selling custom cakes to working professionally as a cake decorator, pastry designer, and pastry sous chef at the historic Mission Inn, eventually bringing her work to Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship.
 

Years later, Karen traded pastry bags for paintbrushes and discovered a new way to tell stories.
 

Inspired by nature, color, imagination, and a lifelong love of whimsical worlds, her work ranges from vibrant wildlife and tropical landscapes to playful characters and fantastical creatures. Working across painting, illustration, murals, and public art, Karen brings the same curiosity to every medium—experimenting, building, and finding unexpected ways to bring an idea to life.
 

Today, Belton Art Studio is home to that ever-evolving creative world, where ordinary moments can become a little more colorful, imaginative, and magical.

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Selected Experience

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — Pastry Designer & Pastry Sous Chef
Casey’s Cupcakes — Cupcake Design & Creative Coordination
Food Network — Holiday Baking Championship Competitor

The Mission Inn Foundation — Selected Artist, 2026 Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award Dinner

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Freelance, Creative & Commission Inquiries

Available for select illustration, character design, painting, public art, commissions, licensing, and creative collaborations.

For availability and project inquiries:

beltonartstudio@gmail.com