Kelsey Worth, a San Diego-based watercolor and mixed media painter, combines her passion for art and the environmental to create captivating artwork that raises awareness about the impact of human actions on the natural world. With a deep reverence for nature and a desire to protect vulnerable species, Worth's paintings serve as powerful messages for conservation, drawing inspiration from the diverse ecosystems found around San Diego and globally. Through her paintings, Worth aims to ignite a sense of responsibility and action in viewers, encouraging them to become advocates for conservation and sustainable practices.
Worth's artistic journey began at the University of Redlands, where she pursued her studies in both art and music. Following graduation, Worth's path took an unexpected turn when she joined the Marine Corps as a musician stationed at the Marine Corps Depot, San Diego. This unique experience deepened her commitment to the arts and an appreciation for the fauna and flora surrounding San Diego. It was during this time that her concern for the environmental conservation became her message, fueling her artistic expression and creative activism.
Worth's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and art shows in and around San Diego including the San Diego Watercolor Society, the Studio Door, Ashton Gallery, Off Track Gallery, and the Imperial Beach Art Association. Her paintings have found homes in private collections, spreading her message of conservation to a broader audience and inspiring others to join the cause. Kelsey Worth is an instructor for UCSD Extended Studies, teaching drawing, painting, and illustration courses. Through her instruction and work, Kelsey Worth invites everyone to reconnect with the natural world, cultivating a sense of appreciation and responsibility for endangered animals and ecosystems.
Exhibitions
2023
Pride+ Exhibition, Studio Door Gallery, San Diego, CA
Artist’s in Solidarity Fundraiser Show, Oceanside, CA
Imperial Beach Arts Bureau’s Art Exhibition, Imperial Beach, CA
Surfing Madonna Ocean’s Art Project Exhibition, Poway, CA
2022
Blackout Second Annual National Show, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Veteran’s Show, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, San Diego, CA
San Diego County Fair 2022 Fine Art Exhibit, The Del Mar Fairgrounds,San Diego, CA
Our Natural World, Janice Griffiths Gallery, The Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA
I Got Rhythm Member Exhibition, San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Go Paint! Member Exhibitions, San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Two Regional Show, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Member Triennial Show, San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
2021
Plein Air Member Exhibition, San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Hi Ho Silver National Art Show, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Off the Easel, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Solo Show, Professional Artists Gallery, Ashton Gallery , San Diego, CA
Beyond Rules Member Exhibition, San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery, San Diego, CA
Lazy Days Online Exhibition - San Diego Watercolor Society
All Botanical Art Online Exhibition - Contemporary Gallery Online
Raining Cats and Dogs Animal Benefit Show, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Awards
Best of Show, Veteran’s Show, Off Track Gallery, Encinitas, San Diego, CA
Juror’s Choice Award - Raining Cats and Dogs Animal Benefit Show, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA
Certificate of Commendation - Holiday Illustration Finalist, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA
Departmental Honors - University of Redlands Art Department, Redlands, CA
Featured Artist - Artist Magazine’s International Online Portraits Exhibition
Courses/Workshops
Drawing I: Focus on Perception, UCSD Extended Studies, San Diego, CA
Playing with Pen & Ink, UCSD Extended Studies, San Diego, CA
Drawing Ideas: Developing Your Sketchbook, San Diego, CA
Introduction to Illustration, UCSD Extended Studies, San Diego, CA
Introduction to Watercolor, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Introduction to Botanical Watercolor, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Pen and Ink Illustration, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Abstract Drawing, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Realism Drawing, Art on 30th, San Diego, CA
Botanical Illustration, Art on 30th, San Diego CA