Nikolay Krymov was born in 1884 in Moscow and grew up in an artistic environment. His father and older brother were both artists and teachers. Krymov showed an early interest in drawing and painting, and his father supported his passion. He studied at the School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture in Moscow, where he was taught by renowned Russian artists. Krymov gained recognition early in his career, with his works being acquired by prominent art institutions. He experimented with different artistic styles, including the influence of the "Blue Rose" movement and folk art. However, he eventually returned to a more realistic approach, focusing on landscapes and nature.

Krymov's artistic journey involved intense searching for his own style and a deep connection with nature. He strived to capture the essence of nature, emphasizing color and atmosphere in his paintings. His artistic development was greatly influenced by his admiration for Isaac Levitan, whose ability to convey the materiality of different elements of nature inspired Krymov to refine his own technique. In the 1920s, Krymov developed a method of tonal painting that allowed him to accurately depict the subtle color transitions found in nature. Throughout his career, he continued to refine and deepen his artistic style, creating paintings that captured the beauty and joy of the natural world.