Colleen Runne is a fine-art–driven illustrator specializing in illustrated books and narrative storytelling for both adults and children. Her work blends classical painterly discipline with contemporary visual storytelling, resulting in luminous, emotionally resonant imagery crafted for modern publishing.
Credited on select projects as Dreamweaver in Residence / Visual Alchemist, Colleen brings breath to the unseen—painting the spaces between words with a refined, story-first approach. Her foundation in commercial art, illustration, and photography is shaped by deep study of the Old Masters, including extensive sketching and analysis at the Louvre.
Working across analog and digital processes, Colleen builds cohesive visual worlds with an emphasis on character continuity, mood, and narrative flow. Her illustrations are guided by artistic authorship, visual control, and a painter’s sensibility—honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
Her work has been published and featured in leading editorial outlets including Allure, W Magazine, and Vogue.