Facts on Jose Bellver

Thursday, May 8, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

FAMILY: Bellver's family in Spain was one of jurists and professionals, and it was expected that he would follow in that line. But, at 23, a few credits shy of a law degree, he quit to be an artist. He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Madrid, alma mater of Dali, Miro and Picasso. His family didn't take it well, conferring black-sheep status on him and cutting off his funds. He persevered however, and his family came to accept his decision. He visits them regularly now. "They are a lot of fun; they receive me with open arms."

TO LAS VEGAS: Bellver came to Las Vegas in the mid-'70s after earning a master's at California State University, Davis. He lived and painted in Henderson and Las Vegas before moving to Pahrump.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM: Looking ahead, Bellver wants to change gears from the intellectually heavy work he's doing now. His plan for an upcoming series of paintings: "Something with birds and trees and branches and big colors. Something lighter. But you never know."

ON BEING AN ARTIST: "Making art is nothing that is given to you. You have to get it."