Sparkling waves, colorful surfboards and a grinning pelican named Bruce welcome the world to Belmont Park, brought to life in a new mural created by local artist Catherine Viani. The mural is Viani’s seventh creation to appear throughout the Mission Beach area since 2008. Viani, a Mission Beach resident, has been painting since she was old enough to hold a pencil. “Art is just in my nature,” she said. Most of her murals follow an oceanic theme, which she said comes from her desire to recreate the underwater world she observes while scuba diving. “I think it is fascinating to spend time under the water watching the sea creatures,” she said. “I love being able to paint them. It’s so much fun.” The Belmont Park mural is her largest and features several different beach-related scenes. “I think it’s good for the environment, to encourage people to keep the beaches clean,” she said. Along with beautiful beaches and smiling pelicans, the various scenes include a likeness of the artist, beach volleyball and the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club antique fire truck. Viani also painted several playing children into the design, which she hopes will promote positive family relationships. Viani said one of the biggest compliments she receives is when people stop to thank her while she paints. “One of my favorite things is driving down the street and seeing people with cameras taking pictures of my murals,” she said. In addition to being an artist, Viani works full-time as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. “I think it’s a good balance to be able to work in business and in a creative outlet, too,” she said. “I love doing both.”