"Ambassador of Color"
Feature: Louisiana Artist, Becky Fos
Who is Becky Fos?
(I could expound, but since others have eloquently described this beautiful young woman in these sites...please open for a delightful journey...)
The first article, Louisiana Art, is a portfolio of where you might find other tantalizing Louisiana artists, alongside of Becky.
The second is the website of Becky Fos, where you can find her "story" and sample her art. She is just as colorful and as fun as her beautiful pieces!
My connection to this artist started many years ago. I first met Becky's father, Ron in 2002 in Austin, Texas at the church we both went to. He and my best friend, Elsa (also a church member,) would marry that same year.
That is the same time I briefly met Becky and her siblings, and we all lunched together one Sunday after church. Of course, back then, they were all teenagers with very polite manners, and as soon as lunch was done, they were happily "off" to do whatever it is that teenagers do. I would only see them again at their dad's wedding where I was proud to be the bride's matron of honor.
Throughout the years since, Ron & Elsa and I have kept in touch, but now we live in different states and all the "kids" have grown up and moved off, too. Before I left Texas, I remember seeing some of Becky's early paintings in their home, and remarking, "This kid really has some kind of amazing talent!!!" They were so very proud of her accomplishments, as they deservedly should have been. Little did we all know how her story would evolve!
Even Ron says, " she really wasn't into art as a child other than watching the Happy Painter (Bob Ross) on Saturday mornings." So, I guess we all have him to thank for teaching Becky. Thank you, God & Bob Ross!
I have included an interview Becky did with Fox News local where you can see that she is an avid community member giving back, not only to her state, but also to her country. In this clip you can see her give life to the patron saint of firefighters, Saint Florian. (By the way, her husband is a firefighter.)
Becky certainly has done well for herself since her transition from hair dresser to court reporter to artist, as told in her story in "Meet Becky Fos." And she has become an honorary daughter of the good state of Louisiana and the city of "New Orléans!" Here you can find her rubbing elbows with some other impressive children of the Pelican state that you will probably recognize:
In my opinion, God has blessed her with His own "lagniappe!"
"What is that, you might ask???" Glad you asked...here is my lagniappe to answer that:
A little something extra...extra special!
That's who Becky Fos is.
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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More stories from Shirley Belk and writers in Art and other communities.
The Crossroads of Becoming
I found it by accident. Tucked between a laundromat and a shuttered bookstore, half-hidden by ivy and time, stood a rusted phone booth. Not the sleek glass kind from movies, but an old metal one—peeling paint, cracked receiver, a dial so stiff it groaned when turned. No one had used it in years. Probably decades.
By KAMRAN AHMAD5 days ago in Art
Catherine: The Unshakable Heart of the Monarchy
The House of Windsor is facing a subtle but undeniable shift. Tension runs high, and the once-clear lines of loyalty and influence are now blurred. At the center of it all stands Catherine, Princess of Wales—a figure who has long been admired for her grace, calm, and unwavering dignity. But recent events have brought a storm to the palace doors, one that threatens to test the very foundation of royal stability. For years, Catherine served as the quiet anchor of the monarchy. She carried her role with elegance, weathering constant scrutiny from the public and press alike. Then came a serious health challenge, a period of uncertainty and silence that left many wondering if she would step back permanently. But she did not. Instead, she returned stronger, her poise and presence commanding renewed attention and respect. Public admiration for her soared, culminating in headlines that celebrated her as more than a royal figure—they crowned her a symbol of strength. This rising public affection, however, has created ripples behind palace walls. Reports suggest that King Charles feels overshadowed, and Queen Camilla may be aligning with palace traditionalists in response to Catherine’s prominence. What was once a harmonious center of royal life now shows signs of friction. Influences are shifting, whispers and press narratives become tools of subtle power struggles, and Catherine, the stabilizing force, is suddenly cast as a threat. This isn’t about Catherine versus Meghan Markle, though the comparison is inevitable. Meghan, once seen as the disruptor, now observes the palace from outside. Her era of controversy shaped her influence, but today’s narrative highlights endurance over disruption. Catherine doesn’t need confrontation to command attention—her consistency, humility, and resilience naturally draw public support. This quiet power is precisely what unsettles those who rely on control and manipulation. Catherine’s return demonstrates a fundamental truth: legacy outlasts noise. She embodies a rare combination of grace under pressure, emotional intelligence, and unshakable composure. Her strength is evident not in headlines or controversy but in her ability to maintain dignity amid chaos. People don’t just admire her; they trust her. They feel her presence, and in her, they see continuity, reliability, and hope for the monarchy’s future. The palace may attempt to manage narratives, deploy commentators, or subtly influence the media, but they cannot manufacture the connection Catherine shares with the public. Her influence is organic. It is the result of years of consistent, visible dedication, and it resonates far beyond the confines of Buckingham Palace. While power struggles may unfold within, the world watches, and the audience has already chosen a champion. Meanwhile, Meghan’s story, once loud and all-encompassing, fades into the background. Her brand of influence—rooted in challenge and controversy—cannot compete with Catherine’s enduring presence. The public craves stability, someone who embodies calm, resilience, and authenticity. Catherine provides that in abundance, and the contrast is unmistakable. Enduring legacy outshines transient disruption. Ultimately, Catherine’s rise is not a threat to the monarchy—it is its lifeline. She is the bridge between tradition and relevance, connecting generations with quiet confidence. The very qualities that some may perceive as challenging palace control—her popularity, her grace, her resilience—are precisely what sustain public trust. This isn’t a story of rivalry; it’s a lesson in the power of character, the influence of consistency, and the enduring appeal of authenticity. History has a way of remembering who strengthens institutions and who allows petty conflicts to erode them. Catherine stands as a testament to steadfast leadership, quiet courage, and the enduring bond between a royal and her people. Those who underestimate her do so at their peril, for her strength is both visible and deeply felt. The narrative is clear: Catherine isn’t merely surviving; she is thriving. She faces pressure, criticism, and palace politics with unflinching dignity, reinforcing her role as an indispensable figure in the monarchy’s future. Her story reminds the world that true influence is built on resilience, authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to serve, rather than to command attention. As the palace navigates shifting alliances and personal insecurities, the public stands with Catherine. Her legacy, already forming, will outlast the temporary noise of gossip and speculation. She is the embodiment of stability, grace, and leadership—a woman whose presence strengthens the monarchy and whose endurance inspires the world. The House of Windsor may grapple with internal tension, but Catherine has already secured her place in the hearts of those she serves. In a world of fleeting attention and manufactured drama, Catherine proves that true influence is quiet, steady, and lasting. She faces life’s storms not with theatrics, but with poise and resilience, leaving a legacy that no palace intrigue can diminish. The world watches, admiration grows, and history quietly notes who stood firm, who served with dignity, and who became a true icon of endurance. Image Creation Format for This Story: Subject: Catherine, Princess of Wales, standing gracefully in a sunlit palace courtyard, with subtle shadows representing tension behind palace doors. Mood: Elegant, dignified, serene, yet powerful—contrast of calm versus tension. Style: Realistic digital painting, slightly cinematic, focus on light and expression.
By Behind the Curtain4 days ago in Art
Comments (4)
Fascinating story & excellent title for Becky…her artwork looks delightful.
Becky fos looks like a fun person to be around, I absolutely love the photo of her with paint all over her hands and where she appears to be laying. Amazing that you’ve met her early on in her journey. Bob Ross and God is the best, for bringing her where she is now. This was so cool, I enjoyed reading this. The pictures were a nice bonus, and that nudge at the end was clever, now I want to click on the link. I’ve looked at some of her art pieces and I wish I could have some on my wall, what a talent she is. 👏🏽🤗♥️👌🏽
Highly exuberant and expressive use of color. Would love to her work in an exhibition. Great to connect Becky’s work to her life story too. Thanks for sharing
Loved your story, Shirley! Becky is awesome! I was very impressed with the artists and art culture in Lafayette when we lived their in the mid-nineties.