“Hello! I’m Paul Veenvliet, an illustrator dedicated to celebrating the world of animals and plants. My passion for nature drives me to share this fascination through my illustrations, aiming to inspire others to connect with the environment around them. I believe that understanding the intricacies of nature is essential, and one of the first steps is identifying the various species that inhabit our world.
While human activities can lead to fewer individuals of certain species, they more often result in a shift in diversity, making it crucial to recognize the changes occurring in our ecosystems. As we witness the gradual loss of this wonderful diversity, the ability to identify species becomes even more vital.
Much of my work focuses on creating identification keys and resources for books, as well as guiding others in nature ( see www.slovenia-nature-guide.si for my work as nature guide). I strive to ensure that my illustrations not only serve as educational tools but are also aesthetically pleasing, inviting you to venture outdoors and observe the beauty of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Let’s explore and appreciate the incredible diversity of our world together!
While human activities can lead to fewer individuals of certain species, they more often result in a shift in diversity, making it crucial to recognize the changes occurring in our ecosystems. As we witness the gradual loss of this wonderful diversity, the ability to identify species becomes even more vital.
Much of my work focuses on creating identification keys and resources for books, as well as guiding others in nature ( see www.slovenia-nature-guide.si for my work as nature guide). I strive to ensure that my illustrations not only serve as educational tools but are also aesthetically pleasing, inviting you to venture outdoors and observe the beauty of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Let’s explore and appreciate the incredible diversity of our world together!
I was born and raised in the Netherlands, where my connection to nature began. In fact, my great-grandfather even owned a Dutch windmill—a piece of my heritage I learned about through stories from my mother. I honoured that connection by creating a drawing of the windmill from a vintage photograph, though it sadly no longer stands, having burned down long ago.
The Netherlands has transformed rapidly over the years, with many remnants of the past now little more than memories. Nature, once abundant, has diminished significantly, overshadowed by efficient agriculture, sprawling roads, and expanding cities. In this rapidly changing landscape, I spent my childhood catching small fish in straightened ditches and chasing grasshoppers along the dykes that shield the land from flooding.
There’s a saying that you only realize the value of something when it becomes rare. This rings especially true for nature in the Netherlands. The Dutch take great pride in preserving the wild spaces that remain, even as challenges like population growth, pandemics, and climate change loom large. Despite these pressures, I remain in awe of the incredible natural beauty that still exists around the globe.
Today, I live in Slovenia, where I am fortunate to encounter the very animals and plants I once only read about as a child. This journey deepens my appreciation for the natural world and inspires my work as an illustrator.
Formerly located in the town of Hoogland, this windmill was owned by my great-grandfather. It serves as a cherished connection to my family’s heritage and the rich history of the Netherlands. Although it is no longer standing, its memory continues to inspire my appreciation for the cultural and natural landscapes of my homeland.
This illustration was created when I was just 6 or 7 years old. At that young age, I didn’t fully appreciate that I was observing multiple species, but I vividly recognized and celebrated the beautiful variations in their colors. This early experience sparked my lifelong fascination with the diversity of nature and the intricate details that make each species unique.
This childhood drawing captures my fond memories of catching Three-spined sticklebacks, a common species I often encountered as a boy. These small fish sparked my curiosity and love for nature, reminding me of the simple joys found in exploring the waterways of my youth.
