Except for some brief orientation, Riebo Rietema once made the conscious decision neither to take any painting course, nor adopt a mentor, opting instead to learn through experimentation and close scrutiny of the paintings of great masters. After a conservatory study classical piano and graduating at Utrecht University in another descipline, he devoted his life fully to painting and is since steadily gaining recognition. Throughout the years he has developed himself as a professional fine art painter still lifes, but also portraits, landscapes, cityscapes and also abstract work.

A first short film, called Verbeeld, appeared in autumn 2019 and presents an in depth view into the daily life of the artist.

Riebo Rietema lives and works in Oosterbeek.