Behind the Canvas - Kristen Nicholls

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Meet Kristen

Meet Kristen Nicholls from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA!

General Art
About Your Designs
About You
Follow Up

General Art

I used to think of needlepoint as more of an ‘older lady’ hobby, but during COVID it felt like everyone was stitching. At the end of 2020, I visited my local needlepoint shop and was blown away by the artwork on the canvases and the endless ways they could be transformed into beautiful keepsakes. As an artist, I love how naturally needlepoint and art overlap — the finished piece is such a labor of love, and you can choose designs and colors that feel truly personal.

I’m excited to see how all of the little animals I’ve painted translate!

About Your Designs

I’m always so touched when clients share photos of my artwork in their children’s nurseries. The thought of translating my art into a new medium and seeing it displayed in meaningful ways throughout someone’s home truly excites me.

Imaginative, playful, classic.

With three little ones, my life is full of the colors, magic, and wonder of childhood. I love reimagining those everyday moments and classic motifs in playful ways that reflect this stage of life.

Definitely my tennis series! I’ve loved playing and watching tennis since I was young, so finding ways to capture the spirit of the sport through watercolor has been such a fun and rewarding challenge.

I honestly feel so honored anytime I see my artwork in someone’s home, and I don’t think I could ever pick just one favorite! It’s still so surreal to me, and I’m always touched knowing that something I created has become a meaningful part of their space.

About You

My kitchen table! It’s where I started painting and it has the best natural lighting.

busy being a mom to my three kids — which usually means school drop-offs, activities, cooking, or playing outside.

Aquaphor chapstick, baby wipes, and snacks for my kids.

I’m rewatching Grey’s Anatomy. I also recently finished The Pitt and can’t wait for season 2 to come out!

I’m a diehard listener of The Toast but also love The Carpool podcast and The Skinny Confidential podcast.

I’ve been loving following @the_car_mom, Kelly! She’s such a fun mix of relatable and inspiring—sharing the reality of being a mom of four while also running a thriving business. I also appreciate her approachable car content (it helped me choose our current family car!), and I love how she blends practical advice with everyday mom life in such a genuine way.

I’d love to create a series of watercolors highlighting the landmarks and icons of the Main Line, PA, where I live. My dream would be to eventually turn that artwork into a full Main Line toile pattern.

My children and family life inspire me most, and I’m also inspired by experimenting with new artistic styles. Without formal art training, I’ve learned by doing — a process that continues to shape and define my own unique creative voice.

I’m excited to start releasing artwork in a wide variety of themes that are new and different from my current artwork.I also have a few exciting licensing partnerships launching!