Els Van Egeraat Bio My name is Els van Egeraat. Born and raised in Bergen op Zoom,The Netherlands, with its beautiful skies. I studied for 5 years at The Royal Academy of Art in 's-Hertogenbosch. Painting and drawing is my life. Having the luxuary to withdraw and express yourself . Working for over 30 years as a children’s book illustrator my focus gradually changed towards painting and especially experimenting with techniques and materials. It feels like one big playground to me! Lately I am trying out different images: abstract forms , let myself be lead by the material. My way of working is always in progress and is still developing. Looking for cooperation with other artists and widening my horizon. There have been quite a number of projects en exhibitions in the past and there still are. Never a dull moment! Loving faces and hats this inspires me to translate these subjects into all sorts of techniques. Playing with materials such as old magazines, painted paper, wallpaper etc. Artist statement Watching the world around me in wonder and surpise, the way a child does. When the rain leaves puddles I always see the clouds reflected in them, a world within a world. I feel the need to translate this feeling into drawings, paintings and collage, every day is a new adventure! Qualifications Graduated from the Art Academy in 's-Hertogenbosch, Holland. Illustrator of hundreds of published childrensbooks. Recently donated my illustrations tot the Museum of Literature in The Hague.