An Inspired Chat with Karen Belton of Riverside

We recently had the chance to connect with Karen Belton and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I’m being called to do now is to fully embrace my passion for art and painting — something I’ve loved since I was a little girl but was always a bit afraid to pursue seriously. For a long time, my path led me toward baking. I became very good at it and even built a successful business. I was featured in news articles, on TV, and even on the Food Network. Everyone around me would say, ‘You must love baking, that’s your passion,’ and I think I started to believe it myself.

But over time, I realized that while I do enjoy baking, it felt stressful as a business, mostly because I’m a perfectionist and I always wanted everything I made for others to be flawless. Painting, on the other hand, gives me peace. I can get lost in it for hours. It’s something that feels natural and fulfilling, not pressured.

For a long time, I was afraid to admit that I wanted to change paths, to step away from what everyone expected and follow what truly brings me joy. But now I feel called to create, to paint, and to share that with others. And I’m really grateful to have supportive family and friends who’ve encouraged me to follow that calling without fear.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Karen Belton, founder and artist behind Belton Art Studio. I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a little girl, and over time I’ve realized that creating art isn’t just something I do; it’s a part of who I am.

At Belton Art Studio, I create vibrant, nature-inspired paintings that celebrate the beauty of our planet. My collections reflect my love for the natural world and my wish to capture the Earth’s original beauty, as a reminder of what we can still protect and preserve. Through my work, I hope to spark appreciation and awareness for the world we live in, and to inspire people to see nature with renewed wonder and respect.

What makes Belton Art Studio unique is that it blends art, emotion, and purpose. Each piece tells a story: color, culture, and connection, and invites viewers to pause and reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us.

Right now, I’m focusing on expanding my collections, sharing more of my creative process, and connecting with people who want art that brings peace, reflection, and meaning into their spaces. This chapter is all about following my true calling and using my art to express something bigger than myself, our shared responsibility to cherish and protect the Earth.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that being successful meant choosing a practical path and sticking with it; that you had to find one thing, be good at it, and never look back. I think that belief made me afraid to explore parts of myself that didn’t fit into what others expected.

As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that creativity doesn’t fit neatly into one box. You can have many talents and passions, and it’s okay if your path changes. For a long time, I thought baking was my calling because I was good at it and it made people happy. But I’ve learned that being good at something doesn’t always mean it’s your true purpose.

Now, I believe in following what genuinely lights me up. Painting, creating, expressing emotion through color and texture. I no longer feel like I have to live up to one version of success. Instead, I’m focused on doing what feels authentic to me.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life has been the fear of putting my talent out there, of being judged or not measuring up to others in my field. For a long time, I worried too much about what people might think of my work or how I compared to others who seemed more established or confident.

That changed for me when I competed on the Holiday Baking Championship on the Food Network. Being surrounded by such incredibly talented people who were also kind, supportive, and encouraging really shifted my perspective. It showed me that most people in creative industries aren’t out to judge you; they want to see you succeed.

Even though I still feel a little nervous at times, I’ve learned that I can’t let fear decide what I do. Life is too short not to chase your dreams, and I’d rather step forward scared than stay stuck wishing I had tried.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the art industry tells itself is that you have to look a certain way, paint a certain way, or make your work perfectly cohesive and aesthetically pleasing to be successful. There’s often pressure to fit into a certain mold or follow trends.

I believe the truth is that people are looking for authenticity. They connect with artists who are real, relatable, and who share their values and perspectives. Art isn’t just about catching attention; it’s about making a difference, sharing something meaningful, and creating work with purpose. The most powerful art comes from honesty and intention, not from trying to fit an image or formula.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not trying to do everything I wanted. I want to do as much as possible with the life I’ve been given. I don’t want to go to heaven and have God ask me what I did with all the talents He gave me and not have a good answer. I want to give my all to everything I’m passionate about, painting, baking, writing, and see how far I can go, so that I never have to wonder, What if?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beltonartstudio.com
• Instagram: @beltonartstudio

Image Credits
Kiara Belton and Charlize Belton