About Barbara 

I am Barbara van Rheenen, an artist and illustrator based in Holland. 

As a child I grew up in Amsterdam.

Besides reading and dreaming drawing was something I did a lot. It made me feel special.

I believe art is not something that is suppose to only look nice, it is also something that is supposed to make you feel something.

I therefor always try to put emotion in my work. 

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Passion and Inspiration

In 2002 I made my first picture book: "David en de Walvis". 

Seeing my first story being published made me find out what my biggest passion is: drawing and making art.

After the second picture book I made several educational childrens books, some of which I have written myself, and did single assignments for museums, a NGO and a chocolate shop. 

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In 2017 my husband and I moved to the countryside, this expended my horizon a lot. Nature has always been a big inspiration for me and living close to it really improved my work.

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Also

Personal growth is very important for me, I keep myself educated by following workshops and (online) courses. 

Besides working as an illustrator I  had a lot of different jobs, from 2007 till 2016 my husband and I started and run our own company, this taught me to think more commercial and to  focus and work hard. 

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It also taught me to keep following your passion, now a days 

I am back to the drawing table feeling more passionate than ever. 

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