Kristen Ohlsson pastel artist in Jacksonville, FL creates custom pet portraits, people portraits, animal portraits, and wildlife artwork.

My Story

Some of my earliest memories are sitting with my Nana, drawing or making things. Once she found a recipe to turn bread, glue, and food coloring into homemade clay! I didn't know it then, but I was learning that creativity can be inspired from almost anything and getting a little messy is the best part. As I grew older, being creative remained at my core and always brings me back to those afternoons.

"...CREATIVITY CAN BE INSPIRED FROM ALMOST ANYTHING AND GETTING A LITTLE MESSY IS THE BEST PART."

Now as a full-time artist, I take time for what matters most focusing on the little things that make each moment special. Whether sketching people, pets or wildlife, I've always been drawn to the small details that make each subject truly unique.

Over time, I fell in love with the richness of color and depth that soft pastels bring to a piece. There's something magical about layering color until the light feels just right. Each mark becoming part of a story, bringing a moment back to life.

Creating art, for me, has always been about connection. It's about slowing down long enough to notice the love and life that surrounds us and embracing the beauty in all its imperfect, wonderfully messy forms.