Kelsey Worth is a San Diego–based visual artist, educator, and Marine Corps veteran whose work spans illustration, design, and fine art. Working primarily in traditional media including acrylic, acrylic ink, watercolor, and mixed media, she creates imagery rooted in direct observation, technical craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of materials. Her work often incorporates elements of surrealism and narrative illustration, using color, symbolism, and imaginative storytelling to reveal the wonder and complexity of the natural world.
Worth's artistic practice centers on fantastical animal imagery, scientific illustration, and creature design. She teaches drawing, painting, and illustration at UC San Diego Extended Studies, where she guides students in developing foundational technical skills, exploring traditional media, and building a professional visual language through both analog and digital processes.
Exhibitions
2025
Art Noir, Studio Door, San Diego, CA
Group Show, Torque Coffee Roasters, San Diego, CA
2024
City of Encinitas Solo Exhibition In Civic Art Spaces, Escondido, CA
Spring Awakening’s Group Exhibition, IB Arts Bureau, Imperial Beach, CA
7th Annual Proud+ Exhibit, Studio Door, San Diego, CA
Anthropocene, Escondido Arts Partnership, San Diego, CA
10th Annual “The Crow Show”, Studio Door, San Diego, CA
Dreamscapes: Beyond the Veil, Mesa College Art Gallery, San Diego, CA
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 Theme Winner: Save the Ocean Exhibition, Municipal Gallery, Escondido, CA
Second Place: Deeply Rooted, Imperial Beach Arts Bureau Exhibition, Imperial Beach, CA
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
Courses/Workshops
Drawing I, Focus on Perception, UCSD Extended Studies, San Diego, CA
Animal Illustration, 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