Diego Peñuela is a Colombian illustrator, muralist, and background painter based in Chicago whose dreamlike imagery explores migration, identity, memory, and the emotional experience of belonging. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Peñuela creates atmospheric compositions shaped by his Latin American heritage and personal experiences as an immigrant and global traveler.

Working across illustration, painting, murals, and animation, Peñuela combines vibrant color, cinematic space, and surreal visual storytelling to construct immersive worlds that feel both intimate and expansive. His work often balances nostalgia, fantasy, and emotional resonance through richly layered environments and carefully composed narrative imagery.

Alongside his independent studio practice, Peñuela has worked professionally in animation as a background painter and designer for productions including Archer and Hit-Monkey. His work has received recognition from organizations including the Society of Illustrators LA, Latin American Illustration, 3x3 Magazine, and the Red Dot Awards, while exhibiting internationally in galleries across the United States and abroad.