About me

Hello! My name is Hannah Holstein and I am 22 years old. I am currently working on my masters degree in Medicine at the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), and in my free time, I enjoy making art. As a child, I always loved animals and spent hours crafting, so it's no surprise that I now enjoy painting animals. I like to combine different elements within my paintings to express my feelings and ideas visually. The power and beauty of nature, the role of humans within it, the struggle we all face to find ourselves in this society—each painting tells its own story.

I started drawing and painting when I was 11, although I already enjoyed being creative before that. Initially, I mainly drew horses with graphite pencil. Then, I saw what other people were creating with colored pencils on the internet, so I bought a set of them. Shortly after, I made my first commissioned drawing.

Around the age of 15, I began painting with oil paints and started selling my paintings. I also chose art as a subject in school and learned about art history.

A few years later, I started face painting, initially just for friends for Halloween and carnival, and later at parties.

My favorite medium is oil paint, but I also enjoy painting with acrylics. Additionally, ink and chalk are often incorporated into my works. This mixed media approach gives me to freedom to express myself with a plethora of different colors and textures.

It is my dream to one day pursue a professional career as an artist. Although I love biology and medicine, creating is a feeling that is not easily replaced by anything else. I would love to start a farm where I can rescue farm animals and provide them with a comfortable life. When I am not busy making art or studying, I advocate for the better treatment of animals and for the climate. A small portion of the proceeds I make from my art goes to charities involved in animal welfare. If you'd like to know more about me, I invite you to follow me on Instagram @hannahholstein_art.