Belita William
Belita William is a Narrative Realist living in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Originally from California, Belita is a specialist in Religious/Catholic Art and has done many paintings for the Carmelite Order in California and Arizona, particularly, Carmelite Saints and historical events. Her artwork hangs ... moreBelita William is a Narrative Realist living in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Originally from California, Belita is a specialist in Religious/Catholic Art and has done many paintings for the Carmelite Order in California and Arizona, particularly, Carmelite Saints and historical events. Her artwork hangs in many of the Carmelite Churches. She also does Imaginative Realism and fine art portraiture.
Belita started drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil. Her Mother said the walls of the house were covered with her drawings! As an 11 year old prodigy, she was noticed and befriended by Moe Howard of the Three Stooges after winning a Draw The Three Stooges art competition and he became her mentor, supporting her artistic efforts.
Her mother nurtured her apparent talent by getting her books from the library of Old Master paintings. The family lived in San Marino Ca, and her house was a block away from the Huntington Library that houses the Pinky and Blue Boy and other 18th century artwork. Visits to the Library made a big impact and influence on her.
In HIgh school, she won a weekend scholarship to The Art Center College of Design, where after High School, she attended to get further training. In 1979, Belita, her Husband and Children, moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where her Husband worked for Saudi Arabian Parsons. She had a small exhibition of her artwork at her Camp and the OIi MInister of Saudi Arabia happened to attend, as did the President of Ralph M Parson. She was commissioned on the spot to paint a portrait of KIng Khalid of Saudi Arabia for a Royal dedication. At The Dedication ceremony, Belita was allowed to present the Portrait to the King in Person!
Religion is very important to Belita and all her life has painted Religious themes. Her specialty is Carmelite Saints and Historical events of the Carmelite Saints. Many of her works hang in various Carmelite Churches. Her latest important commission was for the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament for the Sisters of OLAM of Mother Angelica, EWTN. It depicts the Vision that Mother Angelica had with Divino Nino, resulting in the building of the Shrine in Hanceville, Alabama.
Belita is an award winning National and International artist.
2 time Finalist in the ARC Salon International Competition 2012/2023
2nd place Winner in the 2018 National/International Catholic arts Competition in Latrobe, PA
Twice Finalist in the Sacred Prize Art Competition 2021/2022
While living in California, was a participating member of the prestigious California Art Club
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