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.
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.
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.
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.
It also taught me to keep following your passion, now a days
I am back to the drawing table feeling more passionate than ever.
