About the Artist
Kristen Dahms
Kristen Dahms graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2009 with a degree in Illustration. Since then, she has exhibited her work in numerous gallery shows throughout the East Coast of the USA. In 2015, she was selected as one of only 109 artists nationwide to be featured in Incite 2: Color Passions — Best of Mixed Media, a publication celebrating outstanding creative talent.
Since 2015, Kristen has dedicated herself to working full-time as a professional artist, showcasing her work at art festivals. Her unique artistic voice and mastery of watercolor have earned her multiple awards.
Kristen is passionate about creating art that feels whimsical, meaningful, and full of story. She enjoys connecting with collectors, fellow artists, and anyone curious about the creative process.
She currently lives in Yokosuka, Japan, with her husband and their two dogs, where she continues to find inspiration, paint daily, and explore new artistic adventures.
watercolor magic
Art process
My creative process is a playful blend of curiosity, texture, and storytelling. Each piece begins with a theme—an idea, a place, or a feeling—and I love researching the animals, objects, and natural elements that belong in that imagined world.
To begin, I stain the paper with coffee, creating unexpected patterns and a beautifully worn foundation. Then the story starts to form: hand-drawn lines of wildlife, plants, and symbolic details build the first layers, followed by text, patterns, and found imagery that add richness and depth.
Once the layers feel balanced, color takes the lead. Watercolor and ink wash across the surface, bringing everything to life with movement and vibrancy. Final tiny details make the artwork sparkle with personality and charm.
Every mark and material is chosen with intention and a spirit of play—coming together to create artwork that invites viewers to pause, explore, and imagine.