Casey Beal is a visual artist based in Meyersdale, PA, known for intricate and evocative depictions of the natural world through detailed illustration and expressive painting, primarily portraying insects, birds, aquatic animals, and plants in her work. With a background in biology and a Master of Science in this field, her work bridges the gap between scientific observation and artistic storytelling, inviting viewers to explore nature’s overlooked or hidden elements with new curiosity and reverence. 

Casey blends stippled ink drawing, colored pencil sketches, delicate watercolor washes, and surreal acrylic painting to create compositions that are both grounded in realism and imbued with imaginative depth. Whether studying the fragile transparency of a mosquito’s wing or the bold structure of a beetle’s elytra, her art highlights the wonder and complexity of even the smallest living things. Through careful shading and thoughtful composition, each piece offers a quiet celebration of life’s intricacy.

Much of her creative process is inspired by in-field observation, biological studies, and a deep appreciation for the elegance of natural systems. Insects, in particular, have become central to her visual language as symbols of transformation, adaptation, and resilience. By presenting these creatures in a new light, she encourages a shift in perspective: what is often dismissed as tiny or unpleasant becomes worthy of awe and admiration.

Recurring themes in her work include the interplay between fragility and strength, visibility and invisibility, life and decay. Her style, reminiscent of vintage biological illustration yet softened by modern painterly touches, lends itself to a sense of timelessness. With each piece, she invites viewers to pause, look closer, and reflect on the vibrant life that surrounds us, even in its most delicate forms.

Since launching her art business Samaran Selkie in 2024, she has exhibited her work in several regional group gallery shows including at Laurel Arts, The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, and the Cambria Community Arts Center. She has also had solo art exhibitions with the Composition Art and Wine Gallery and also at local restaurants such as the Chubby Chipmunk. 

Casey is a member of the Allied Artists of Johnstown and also is a committee member for the annual Western Maryland Artist Studio Tour. Her work has also been featured at artisan markets and festivals, including the annual Fire and Ice Festival, and Chalk the Block event both in Somerset, PA, the Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale, PA, and the Western Maryland Artist Studio Tour in Cumberland, MD. Through both gallery and community spaces, she continues to share work that sparks connection, wonder, and curiosity.