Welcome!

My name is Anne-Lieke Faber, illustrator and writer. Together with my family, I live near the Cape Forests in the Netherlands. During long walks, my daughters and I love to discover the beauty that surrounds us. From the first frogs hopping around in spring, to tiny mushrooms hidden in the grass, and the scent of our garden bustling with butterflies. The splendor and diversity of nature are woven into all my work. It’s my passion to share this sense of wonder with others.

Childhood Dreams

From my earliest memories, my life has revolved around creating. “Even if the house is on fire, Anne-Lieke will keep on crafting,” our neighbor would often joke. Even now, I can completely lose myself in my creative bubble, forgetting the world around me.

I knew early on what I wanted to be: a writer and illustrator, just like the Dutch artist Marjolein Bastin. I had a scrapbook full of her work, cut out from my grandmother’s old magazines. I dreamed of one day retreating to my own studio, where I could capture nature on paper.

I had another big dream: to work for a wildlife organization to help protect nature. Some time ago, I realized that both dreams had come true, and I’m deeply grateful for that.

Nature Conservation

After earning my Master of Arts at Utrecht University, I decided to use my love for stories and art to support nature conservation. For the past ten years, I’ve done that as an editor and illustrator for Birdlife Netherlands, an organization that moves mountains for birds and their habitats.

The Richness of Nature

Through my work in conservation, I’ve learned so much about the incredible diversity and importance of different species of animals and plants. The more you know, the richer your experience of nature becomes. Did you know, for example, that besides the ‘common’ ladybug, there’s also a bright yellow lemon ladybug? Once you know that, you start seeing them everywhere!

Picture Books

My debut picture book, ‘Mushroom Friends’ (Paddenstoelenvriendjes), will be released in October 2024 by Lemniscaat, one of the oldest and most renowned children’s book publishers in the Netherlands. With twelve enchanting illustrations and rhymes, I invite young readers, (grand)parents, and nature lovers on an adventure through the magical world of mushrooms. From the regal fly agaric to the melting ink cap.

Inspiration

Nature is an unlimited source of inspiration for me. Whether I’m walking through a leafy forest or a colorful flower garden, I’m always discovering new stories. Thanks to the vivid imagination of my daughters, this inspiration has only grown stronger. Their excitement when we spot the first parasol mushroom during autumn, fills me with immense joy.

Materials

For my illustrations, I prefer working with Winsor & Newton watercolors and Faber-Castell watercolor pencils on high quality 300-gram watercolor paper. A simple 6B graphite pencil is an essential companion. All my work is drawn and painted by hand.