“The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.” ~William Faulkner
I’ve read two books recently which do a wonderful job of depicting the lives of some of the great art masters. It’s been a pleasure to read these fictionalized accounts and catch glimpses of the artistic process and artists’ lives. I’ve enjoyed these books so much that I want to go visit a museum and read more about artists. But, here let me tell you about the books.
First up is a review copy I received, Leonardo’s Shadow by Christopher Grey (click on title for my review). In recent years Leonardo da Vinci has been a hot topic so some of you may be feeling a bit burnt out but this is such a fresh take on the master painter that I urge you to check it out. This delightful YA novel focuses on Leonardo’s servant, Giacomo, a boy trying to find out who he is. I had to email the author after I finished the book because I was curious as to what happens next and he did say he was working on some other projects so I’ll most definitely be looking forward to those. In case you still need to be convinced, check out this book trailer.
The next book is one I chose for the Short Story challenge, Life Studies by Susan Vreeland (click on title for my review). I’ve enjoyed some of Vreeland’s books and this was no exception. In this collection of 17 stories she explores the lives, loves and art of some of the great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters. One story in particular was a favorite of mine because it dealt with Edouard Manet’s wife. Having read Mademoiselle Victorine last year, which was the story of his mistress, it was interesting to see things from the perspective of another important woman in his life.
I actually do have some other books featuring artists. The hard part is going to be choosing which one next. Take a look at my choices:
- The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber. This one focuses on Spanish painter Diego Velázquez.
- The God of Spring by Arabella Edge. This one is about French painter Théodore Géricault.
- Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier. This one is about English poet and painter William Blake.
I think I’ll try to immerse myself in some artistic pursuits this weekend. I just have to go back to Paper Arts for more paper for a book project.
Have fun shopping at Paper Arts.
I read Life Studies, but it took me TWO months. It was during my Katrina evacuation in Texas. I could concentrate on reading only two pages at a time.
I have to reread it, because I want to enjoy it fully.
Burning Bright sounds wonderful. I’ve been meaning to get my hands on that one.
Those books sounds interesting, Iliana. Will have to check them out. Have fun with your book project and I’m looking forward to viewing them once you’re done.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
That book about Leonardo DiVinci sounds really great. I think I’ll check that out. IT’ll fit right into my historical fiction kick I’m on
I enjoyed Burning Bright. (my sort-of review is here: http://bkclubcare.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/silver-club-now-defunct/)
and may I suggest Irving Stone’s The Agony and the Ecstacy? It’s been a LONG time (25+ yrs?!) since I read it but it is burned in my memory. Stone wrote on Van Gogh, too.
I love books like this!!! You’ve inspired me to pick up the Vreeland book of short stories (well, soon, as I’ve started another small book of stories first). What a great idea, since I’ve been reading a story a week. I have the Gruber book (lucked out and got it from Library Thing) as well as the Chevalier. Good luck making a choice–they all sound good.
Oooo Leonardo’s Shadow sounds good! I love books like this as well and I will have to look into these. I have Irving Stones’s The Agony and the Ecstacy but it’s so huge it intimates the heck out of me. LS sounds more my size 😉
I didn’t know Susan Vreeland had a short story collection – thanks! I was in need of another for the challenge. I have really enjoyed her fiction based on the life of artist’s, especially her latest one – The Luncheon of the Boating Party, based on the Renoir painting of that name.
Enjoy your own artistic pursuits this weekend!
Isabel – Girl, I wouldn’t count your after-Kane reading. You were reeling from all that madness! I like Vreeland’s books. They are always interesting reads. Oh and not sure if I’ll go to Paper Arts tomorrow after all. Gotta organize around here so I can actually do some bookbinding! ha,ha…
Nymeth – It does sound good right? I’ve had some hits & misses with Chevalier’s books but I’m still hopeful that this will be a good one.
Melody – Thanks! I’ll try to take a picture of the work in progress. Have a great weekend too 🙂
Nicole – This would be the perfect book for that. And, it’s such a fast read too… You just can’t wait to find out what’s next!
Care – Oh I have heard of the Agony & The Ecstasy. Thank you for reminding me of it! I’ll check out your review on Burning Bright!
Danielle – I know you love artists’ stories so the Vreeland book would be perfect. They are just so readable. We’ll have to share notes on the Gruber book 🙂
Heather – I hope you do check out Leonardo’s Shadow. You’ll have to keep me posted if you. Hmm, not sure if I’m in the mood for a chunky book either so I may have to stick with one of the books I already have then 🙂
ravenous reader – She does! Have you read The Passion of Artemisia? I think it’s my favorite of hers. I need to check out Luncheon though – that’s pretty new right? I bet it is great.
I’ve heard some great things about Burning Bright so I would probably start with that one. My accomplishment this week has been getting through 10 chapters of the book I’m reading…hooray I think I’m getting back on the reading wagon!!!! Have a great weekend girl, enjoy your crafting!
I am sorry I haven’t visited in a while… school’s in session and teaching has been the busiest in 10 years 🙂 I am going to take a group of students to China on the 16th, for ten days… I’ll be taking more books than clothes, so I’ll have some to write when I get back…
Burning Bright sounds like a good book. If it were up to me, I would pick that one next. 🙂
I haven’t read any of these books, but you make them sound very tempting. I’ve always been fascinated by Da Vinci, but haven’t read that much about him. By the way, I have moved my blog (formerly PfeifferBooknotes) to Booknotes by Lisa at http://booknotesbylisa.blogspot.com if you want to update your blogroll. I just got everything changed over and have been painting all week, so there aren’t any new posts as of yet. But, I start on my new job tomorrow, and I’ll get back into a routine soon.
Claire – Horray for getting back on a reading kick! I’ve been enjoying crafting all weekend so I need to catch up with blogland now 🙂
JCR – No problem. I can only imagine how busy you must be! Wow, and China for 10 days.You’ll definitely have to post some pictures. Oh and just think of all the book reading time on that long flight 🙂
Alisia – I’m beginning to think I should go with that one. I’m hearing good things about it!
Lisa – So glad you stopped by and thank you for your new blog address. Will definitely be visiting you there! Good luck with your new job!
I liked Burning Bright a lot (although William Blake is only a secondary character). Can’t wait to read your review! The other ones sound interesting too!
I started Burning Bright on audio a while back and couldn’t get into it, but I think it was a mood thing more than anything. It still sounds really fantastic, and I’ll get back to it soon.
Grominou – Oh good to hear you enjoyed it! I can’t believe so many people have read it. I feel like it’s one of those books that I barely even saw at the stores!
Andi – Moods can definitely affect my reading. I need to check into some audio books. I tried one and didn’t really work for me but it was non-fiction and a bit “dry”. Maybe a good mystery or something would be great for when I’m crafting.
I just read Karen Essex’ Leonardo’s Swans which is also a really interesting take on the artist and some of his muses. Though the story is about the two Este sisters who competed for his attention (and for everything else), the portrait of Leonardo in his years in Milan is fresh and insightful.