Rien Poortvliet (7 August 1932 – 15 September 1995) was a Dutch draughtsman and painter.
Born in Schiedam, he was best known for his drawings of animals and for "Gnomes" in the famous series of books provided with text by Wil Huygen and published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. of New York City.
Being a plasterer's son from Schiedam, making a living as an artist did not seem an option for Rien Poortvliet. His parents were strict followers of the Dutch Reformed Church and were opposed to the idea of their oldest son going to an art academy.
Rien's aptitude for drawing showed early on. After primary education the young Rien worked at an ad agency, where he could make some use of his talent. He also had talent for the advertising profession because after he had completed his draft time in the Navy he rose to senior manager at Lintas, Unilever's ad agency.
Rien took more pleasure in the work he did on the side for several publishers. He illustrated various books, among them works by Jaap ter Haar, Leonard Roggeveen and Godfried Bomans. He was also a passionate hunter, which led him to drawing various nature subjects.
By the end of the 1960s, Poortvliet was able to make a living as an independent illustrator. To supplement his income, he made a book out of his drawings and watercolours based on his hunting experiences. Later on, he also made a similar work concerning the life of Jesus Christ.
Poortvliet saw himself as a storyteller in drawings. His drawings told the tale, and at most he added a short caption.
For years his works were published by Van Holkema en Warendorf in Bussum, where his "Leven en werken van de Kabouter" (co-authored by Wil Huygen, English title is "Gnomes") saw an astonishing 59 printings. With the Gnomes series Poortvliet acquired international fame. This series took on a life of its own, and was turned into an animated series in 1985.
His books were translated into English, French, German, Swedish, Finnish, Spanish, Italian and other languages.
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Some of their strengths
Rien Poortvliet has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Energetic, Bold, Confident, Extroverted, Intelligent, Imaginative, and Practical.
Bold and Confident
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Rien Poortvliet is someone who is a bold, confident, energetic, and optimistic person, who is able to combine personal warmth and charisma with intelligence. A person who sees life as a journey not a destination.
Active and Precise
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Rien Poortvliet well know them as someone who can be tough, active, and sharp, like a sword.
Ambitious and Forceful
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Rien Poortvliet as someone who is ambitious, hard-working, determined, and intelligent.
A person who has a knack for identifying opportunities, has amazing concentration and focus, who can work independently, who likes starting new things, and who is somewhat of an intellectual.
Influential and Dynamic
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Rien Poortvliet is someone who tends to be focused on spreading ideas, information, and activities.
They are also someone who is mysterious, intuitive, and diplomatic, and who has a keen intuition, charisma, and a focus on balance and partnership.
Creative and Leadership-oriented
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Rien Poortvliet tends to be someone who is a natural leader, with determination, motivational powers, and who takes obligations seriously. Who has charisma, a sense of humor, and who tends to attract attention.
Some of Rien Poortvliet's challenges
While Rien Poortvliet has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Rien Poortvliet can be Arrogant, Selfish, Status-seeking, Hesitant, Narcissistic, Impulsive, and Careless.
Arrogant and Status-seeking
One of Rien Poortvliet's key challenges is that they are someone who can come across as arrogant and status-seeking.
Relentless and Inflexible
Rien Poortvliet is someone who can be relentless, obsessive, and inflexible, who can be confrontational with work colleagues, can have difficulty communicating feelings and be somewhat reclusive, and who can be self-destructive, overindulgent, and extravagant.
Domineering and Stubborn
Finally, Rien Poortvliet also can be too rebellious, not respond to criticism well, and be too emotional and extreme about things.
