It's time to throw the confetti because we've got another celebration on our hands! We're launching a brand new artist this week, and she's the confetti queen...welcome, Emily Nichols! Emily is a self-taught abstract artist based out of Fort Worth, Texas, where she lives with her husband and three young children. She finds joy in being creative and letting her paintbrush and her process guide the direction of each painting. Her signiture 'confetti style' of acrylic painting reminds you that there are moments in each day worthy of celebrating. Emily hopes that her paintings make you stop and smile every time you walk by them in your homes. We cannot wait for y'all to see more of Emily's work, but we have to wait a few more days until it officially launches. Until then, keep reading to learn all about Emily, and join us on Thursday at 10 am as we officially welcome her to Well + Wonder!
What is currently on your nightstand?
A lamp, a couple of books, an antique jewelry dish, my giant Stanley mug, and a picture of my husband from our wedding day 15 years ago.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist, and why?
My family is my greatest inspiration. Their love and joy fill my heart, and I pour that same warmth into every canvas. They’re also my biggest cheerleaders, always supporting and believing in me every step of the way.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! It was always my favorite class in school, and I even entered art shows as a child. But the art form that truly captured my heart was ballet. I spent every summer dancing in different programs, completely immersed in the world of movement and music. Now, I love watching my daughter discover her own passion for dance—and I find so much joy in painting ballerinas, capturing that same grace and beauty on canvas.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Extra paintbrushes! I have a habit of forgetting to wash them at the end of the day, so I’m always tossing out old ones and reaching for fresh ones. Having plenty on hand keeps me painting without interruption!
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
Besides my studio, which is an absolute dream, I love our formal living room. There’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa with the fireplace going, spending quality time with my family. It’s our go-to spot for board games, card games, and cozy conversations. And when it’s decorated for Christmas, it feels especially magical! Full transparency—it might also be my favorite because it stays the cleanest and doesn’t collect as much kid “stuff” as the rest of the house, which makes it feel extra peaceful.
What is your biggest score online?
An antique rug that I found from our online neighborhood listing from someone that was moving. It’s so large and has beautiful colors- it was the perfect anchor for our master bedroom.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
A collective like Well and Wonder offers a diverse range of artists at different stages in their journeys, making it easier to find a piece that truly speaks to you. Buying original art should be fun and exciting—choose what brings you joy, not just what matches your decor!
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I would love to spend a full day in any museum where I could see original Degas paintings—especially in Paris, which is a bucket-list destination for me. Growing up, I had a large print of The Dance Foyer at the Opera on the Rue Le Peletier hanging on my wall, and I was always captivated by its movement and beauty. Seeing his work in person, surrounded by the energy of a world-class museum, would be an absolute dream.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
My husband and I just recently took a trip just the two of us (which is very rare in itself) to Charleston, SC and stayed at the Zero George Hotel and it was absolutely perfect! It had a sense of intimacy and warm personality, with beautiful architecture and timeless design.
I am also always up for staying at the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. I first visited when pregnant with one of my boys and have since been back as a family of five. I can never get enough of the picturesque Colorado mountain views!
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
My favorite lipstick color is Chanel “Merry Rose.” It’s the perfect shade of natural pink, not too bold, not too bright.
I can never get on a plane without….
My AirPods, a great book or podcast, and a jacket- I’m always freezing!
How did you get into the world of art?
I found art as a creative outlet during the pandemic. What started off a a painting for my dining room quickly turned into a stack of several canvases that my friends purchased for their own homes. This lead to me starting an instagram account to share my work and it grew organically from there! Now I can’t imagine doing anything else!
What do you do to relax?
What is relaxing?! With 3 young kids, I am constantly on the go, but I love stepping out of my studio to play tennis or schedule a fun date night with my husband.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
What inspires me is this crazy, beautiful life I am blessed to live… the ups, the downs, and everything in between. The layers that build each day. The chaos. The extra special moments and the day to day routine. The beauty that surrounds us. The colors that spark emotion. And most of all my people- my heart, my world. I choose to capture the happiness, paint in the moment, and hope to share that joy with those around me through my art.
Prediction for the Color of 2022?
More shades of green! I can’t get enough of them and even when I don’t intend to, greens end up in almost every one of my paintings!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
A little mix of both! My husband & I love to go out for a nice meal followed by a glass of wine at our neighborhood wine bar with live music but back home before it’s too late!
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
That’s like picking a favorite child…absolutely impossible! I’d say though that some of my favorites are always the biggest canvases! There’s something so freeing about all the space to use and I can let my imagination run wild!
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy the piece you can’t stop thinking about. Don’t stress that it doesn’t “match” your decor. Art is an investment and something that should mean more to you than just filling a space on a wall.
