Barbara van Rheenen
Artwork & illustrations
About Barbara
I’m Barbara, an illustrator and artist based in the Netherlands. I grew up in Amsterdam, where—between books and daydreams—I was always drawing.
Passion
When my first picture book, “David en de walvis,” was published, something fell into place. I knew this was what I wanted to do: tell stories through images.
When I’m not in my studio, I’m outside. Walking through nature with my white shepherds, finding inspiration in quiet moments and small details.
About my work
I can’t create what I don’t feel. Emotion is the starting point of everything I make.
Since moving to the countryside, my world has opened up. Nature surrounds me—its shapes, its colors, its rhythm. It inspires me and brings a sense of calm that flows into my work.
Before becoming an illustrator, I co-founded two companies. It taught me to work with focus and to think practically—but also to trust my own path.
Alongside illustration, painting is where I can truly lose myself.
