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Life Studies: Stories
With her richly textured novels Susan Vreeland has offered pioneering portraits of the artist’s life. Now, in a collection of profound wisdom and beauty, she explores the transcendent power of art through the eyes of ordinary people. Life Studies begins with historic tales that, rather than focusing directly on the great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters themselves, render those on the periphery—their lovers, servants, and children—as their personal experiences play out against those of Manet, Monet, van Gogh, and others. Vreeland then gives us contemporary stories in which her characters—a teacher, a construction worker, and an orphan for example—encounter art in meaningful, often surprising ways. A fascinating exploration of the lasting strength of art in everyday life, Life Studies is a dazzling addition to Vreeland’s outstanding body of work.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Susan Vreeland
15 books1,077 followersSusan Vreeland was an internationally renowned best-selling author and four-time winner of the Theodor Geisel Award for Fiction, the San Diego Book Award’s highest honor. She wrote historical fiction on art-related themes, and her books have been translated into 26 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 13, 2015
Chi ama l'arte come me, chi rimane estasiato come me di fronte ai capolavori che la pittura e la scultura hanno saputo donare e regalare, rimarrà entusiasta e ammirato da tanta traboccante bellezza.
La Vreeland, già scoperta e apprezzata in altre sue opere, ha dedicato a questa ricerca dodici anni di duro lavoro. Dodici anni di un lavoro ricco, denso in cui ci apre le porte, le case di artisti o meglio di coloro che, in un modo o nell'altro, hanno contribuito a renderli tali. Conosciamo meglio, attraverso le testimonianze di nutrici, mogli, figli, amanti, coloro che li hanno reso grandi: Renoir, Manet, Monet, ecc.
Entriamo in punta di piedi, nel loro mondo, nel loro studio, in cui esercitavano la professione, scoprendo soprattutto l'uomo che si cela dietro l'artista, permettendoci di sentirli più vicini.
In questo romanzo, la cosiddetta Sindrome di Stendhal è più viva che mai.
La Vreeland, già scoperta e apprezzata in altre sue opere, ha dedicato a questa ricerca dodici anni di duro lavoro. Dodici anni di un lavoro ricco, denso in cui ci apre le porte, le case di artisti o meglio di coloro che, in un modo o nell'altro, hanno contribuito a renderli tali. Conosciamo meglio, attraverso le testimonianze di nutrici, mogli, figli, amanti, coloro che li hanno reso grandi: Renoir, Manet, Monet, ecc.
Entriamo in punta di piedi, nel loro mondo, nel loro studio, in cui esercitavano la professione, scoprendo soprattutto l'uomo che si cela dietro l'artista, permettendoci di sentirli più vicini.
In questo romanzo, la cosiddetta Sindrome di Stendhal è più viva che mai.
October 10, 2016
Book on CD read by Karen White
Vreeland is best known for her historical novels focusing on various artists (Auguste Renoir, Emily Carr, Johannes Vermeer, etc). This is a collection of short stories that focus on art, but more on the people around the artist, rather than on the artist him/herself. The first half of the book is set in an historical time frame, the second half is contemporary.
We see a father’s eyes opened to his young daughter after August Renoir takes an interest in painting her. A woman who was befriended by Camille and Claude Monet (and would become the artist’s second wife), suffers through the rumors and gossip following her husband’s abandonment, and Camille’s death. A young woman hunts for clues about her father, Modigliani. A young girl is asked to water her neighbor’s plants while the neighbor is on vacation, and her eyes are opened to art she never imagined before. A teacher is faced with the possibility of miracles when a drawing by a student cannot be erased, and appears to cry. A mother recognizes that her son is growing into an adult when they both participate in a Tableaux Vivant.
I really liked some of these stories, and others left me feeling ‘meh.’
Karen White’s performance on the audio was adequate, but I never really connected to the work. I thought she did a better job on the contemporary stories.
Vreeland is best known for her historical novels focusing on various artists (Auguste Renoir, Emily Carr, Johannes Vermeer, etc). This is a collection of short stories that focus on art, but more on the people around the artist, rather than on the artist him/herself. The first half of the book is set in an historical time frame, the second half is contemporary.
We see a father’s eyes opened to his young daughter after August Renoir takes an interest in painting her. A woman who was befriended by Camille and Claude Monet (and would become the artist’s second wife), suffers through the rumors and gossip following her husband’s abandonment, and Camille’s death. A young woman hunts for clues about her father, Modigliani. A young girl is asked to water her neighbor’s plants while the neighbor is on vacation, and her eyes are opened to art she never imagined before. A teacher is faced with the possibility of miracles when a drawing by a student cannot be erased, and appears to cry. A mother recognizes that her son is growing into an adult when they both participate in a Tableaux Vivant.
I really liked some of these stories, and others left me feeling ‘meh.’
Karen White’s performance on the audio was adequate, but I never really connected to the work. I thought she did a better job on the contemporary stories.
April 2, 2024
3.5 stars
March 18, 2017
Pravo prolećno opuštajuće štivo. Knjiga koja odiše lepotom. Prva polovina mi je neuporedivo draža, jer je zasnovana na činjenicama iz života slikara - uživala sam čitajući svaku priču...
Sviđa mi se kako piše ova žena :)
Sviđa mi se kako piše ova žena :)
June 24, 2012
Susan Vreeland has taught me more about art than any "art book" or class. I've read several of her books and really liked all of them (especially Girl in Hyacinth Blue). This one had me puzzled at first. I hadn't noticed the part of the title that said "stories", so when I tried to read this as a novel, I was thoroughly confused. Once I realized that every chapter was really a different vignette, I fell in love with this book.
From Paris in 1876 to present day Laguna Beach, each story focuses on art and artists and their families and the influence art has on life -- Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Modigliani. The more modern stories show how art can change one's perceptions. The title refers to artists' renditions of the human body, so each story features a painting or paintings that feature the human form. As with all her books, this one sent me to my computer and the various museums online to view the actual paintings. What a wonderful way to learn art history and appreciation.
From Paris in 1876 to present day Laguna Beach, each story focuses on art and artists and their families and the influence art has on life -- Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Modigliani. The more modern stories show how art can change one's perceptions. The title refers to artists' renditions of the human body, so each story features a painting or paintings that feature the human form. As with all her books, this one sent me to my computer and the various museums online to view the actual paintings. What a wonderful way to learn art history and appreciation.
August 29, 2016
In this book of short stories, based on famous artists and their works, Vreeland paints a dark, joyless view of the world. Her imagined versions of the artists' stories, for the most part, are about infidelity, betrayal, cruelty, bitterness, jealousy, abandonment, disease/death, etc. Granted, writing needs conflict but reading about this side of human nature when there is so little of a redeeming quality to recommend it is not enjoyable for me. The concept is fantastic, stories based on artists' lives and their paintings, but unfortunately for me the execution is not--the portrayals are bleak and depressing.
Additionally, I think Vreelend failed her readers in not providing, within the book, a resource list of artists and paintings she used to build the stories on. You can find such a list on her website but a reader shouldn't have to go looking for it.
Not recommended.
Additionally, I think Vreelend failed her readers in not providing, within the book, a resource list of artists and paintings she used to build the stories on. You can find such a list on her website but a reader shouldn't have to go looking for it.
Not recommended.
May 5, 2009
Susan Vreeland is a beautiful writer and takes a very creative approach to her novels of great artists and their works. One of my favorite lines from this book: "How powerful a thing love is, that one loves past death, past regret, past all logic, and feels purified by that loving." ("Winter of Abandon") This book is a collection of short stories about different artists that are contemporaries (Renoir, Monet, Manet, Morisot, et al) and a look behind the scenes of some of their paintings. She speculates about how certain paintings came to be painted. What was really fun for me about this book was looking up on the web the paintings that were written about in the stories.
March 3, 2019
I loved every story, this was very compelling storytelling, and in the process of enjoyable reading, you learn a lot about art and the times in which the art was created. I’ve passed it on to a friend, who is equally spellbound by it.
August 17, 2021
Raramente leggo racconti, ma il tema portante di questa raccolta - l’arte - mi ha spinta a fare uno strappo alla regola. Il volume si compone di due parti separate da un interludio: la prima riunisce racconti i cui personaggi sono spesso famosi artisti del passato, soprattutto del tardo ottocento francese, mentre la seconda comprende scritti ambientati tra gli anni ‘50 e gli anni ‘60 del Novecento e i cui protagonisti hanno a che fare con l’arte per le ragioni più diverse. Ho apprezzato molto alcuni racconti, di più nella prima parte che nella seconda, ma ancora una volta non sono riuscita a farmi convincere pienamente. Se però amate i racconti e l’arte, Ritratti d’artista potrebbe essere un libro che fa al caso vostro.
November 17, 2023
**** for "Then" section of book
July 11, 2014
I re-read this collection of short stories in anticipation of Susan Vreeland's upcoming book, Lisette's List. Section one, stories about ordinary people who came in contact with artists of the Impressionist era touched me deeply, as Vreeland so beautifully captures the depth of emotion, the magnitude of human frailty, of love, and of loss. Each story leaves you wanting more. The story of Modigliani's daughter left me in tears, the relationship between Monet and his gardener; the tension between loyalties was so relatable, and 'Mimi with a Watering Can,' besides taking me back to my beloved Montmartre, sings with hope for a spirit near expired, brought back to life. The "interlude" fable reminds me of Susan the teacher, the master story teller, who brought such gusto and life into the characters to whom she introduced us. It was also a brilliant reminiscence of my trip to Rome, and my first glimpse of the Sistine, and even of getting lost, trying to find Michelangelo's Moses! The last section is comprised of stories of how art touches our every day lives, and a reminder to see the beauty in the ordinary, and even in the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the ordeal of a life not chosen. There is grace and beauty all around us, if we open our eyes to it, and Susan Vreeland's wonderful book is just the thing to remind us!
July 21, 2007
When I first started listening to the audio version of this book, I didn't like it. The reader's voice grated on my nerves. But as I listened (flipping channels on the radio can only be done for so many miles), I began to enjoy the stories of the everyday people in the lives of famous artists. By everyday people, I mean Monet's gardener, the Manet families' wet nurse, the little boy who threw a stone at Cézanne... Through these stories, art and artists come to life, but as side characters.
August 28, 2012
I'm always a little hesitant to start a book of short stories. More often than not I read one disappointing story and put the book aside, saying I'll try another later but then I never do b/c there are too many good novels out there to read.
Luckily this book of short stories were all great. It helped that they all had the same theme, none had horribly tragic endings, all were well written and had a great range of topics even though they all were involved with art in some way.. Amazing
Luckily this book of short stories were all great. It helped that they all had the same theme, none had horribly tragic endings, all were well written and had a great range of topics even though they all were involved with art in some way.. Amazing
December 24, 2017
Loved every single word of "Life Studies: Stories" by Susan Vreeland. Each artist's story involves the people who shared the artist's life. Susan Vreeland has proven that an artist's life is complex. No matter how passionate they are about the sacred and profane of art subjects, there are moments where the ordinary becomes extraordinary touching them as much as the paint on a palette.
I am left thinking about two friends touring the Art in Rome. It is the last wish of one friend to see the masterpieces. Their discussions about, for example, what is best, sculpture or paint, is still ringing in my ear. Not knowing the answer, I am left wanting to explore more closely the Sistine Chapel and it's ceiling which is painted by Michaelangelo. I am also left with the wild wish to visit the art in the private quarters of the Pope.
For sure, an Art journey once begun is never finished. The eye never grows tired of seeing the light in a child's eye or the many faces of a Madonna. This book of stories is a treasure. I am left reaching for my next book of Art written by Susan Vreeland.
I am left thinking about two friends touring the Art in Rome. It is the last wish of one friend to see the masterpieces. Their discussions about, for example, what is best, sculpture or paint, is still ringing in my ear. Not knowing the answer, I am left wanting to explore more closely the Sistine Chapel and it's ceiling which is painted by Michaelangelo. I am also left with the wild wish to visit the art in the private quarters of the Pope.
For sure, an Art journey once begun is never finished. The eye never grows tired of seeing the light in a child's eye or the many faces of a Madonna. This book of stories is a treasure. I am left reaching for my next book of Art written by Susan Vreeland.
April 4, 2019
The book is actually a compilation of short stories which can be divided into two main parts. The first part is composed of stories of people who had brushes with Renoir, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and Morisot. The second part is a compilation of contemporary stories of how art has seeped into the lives of people.
I think Life Studies would have been much better if it were actually two books instead of the two parts squeezed in one work. It gives the feeling that the author rushed the publication of the book.
I think Life Studies would have been much better if it were actually two books instead of the two parts squeezed in one work. It gives the feeling that the author rushed the publication of the book.
November 18, 2019
This is a collection that will appeal to lovers of visual art and those with imagination to see the inside lives of artists and the subjects of their creation. Excellent example of writing from art (ekphrasis.) I will visit galleries and view artwork with more depth seeing what Vreeland created from what she researched but also what she saw creatively. My only disappointment was that there were not reproductions of the artworks in the book. I kept going back to the author's website to see the images that inspired her stories.
September 20, 2022
These were poignant, thought-provoking stories about my favorite subject: art.
The first section contained the imaginings of past artists' lives such as Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet and Claude Monet. It was disturbing to read of their infidelity and how much pain it caused their spouses.
I actually enjoyed the Interlude and Now sections more. There is a tale about two Italian friends arguing whether Rafael or Michelangelo is the best artist. That dialogue has some genius moments. In the last section, I enjoyed the Crayon 1955 as a coming of age story.
The first section contained the imaginings of past artists' lives such as Berthe Morisot, Édouard Manet and Claude Monet. It was disturbing to read of their infidelity and how much pain it caused their spouses.
I actually enjoyed the Interlude and Now sections more. There is a tale about two Italian friends arguing whether Rafael or Michelangelo is the best artist. That dialogue has some genius moments. In the last section, I enjoyed the Crayon 1955 as a coming of age story.
February 27, 2023
Studio storia dell’arte e consiglio la lettura di questo libro ad ogni appassionato d’arte.
Traspare dalle pagine l’impegno e la cura dell’autrice che ha scritto questo romanzo dopo anni di ricerche.
Mi è piaciuto molto come gli artisti non parlino in prima persona ma anzi ci vengono raccontati da amici, amanti, mogli, collaboratori, figli. L’ho trovato veramente interessante.
E ho apprezzato tantissimo anche i diversi racconti riguardo a come, e quanto, l’arte impatta sulle nostre vite. Davvero un buon libro.
Traspare dalle pagine l’impegno e la cura dell’autrice che ha scritto questo romanzo dopo anni di ricerche.
Mi è piaciuto molto come gli artisti non parlino in prima persona ma anzi ci vengono raccontati da amici, amanti, mogli, collaboratori, figli. L’ho trovato veramente interessante.
E ho apprezzato tantissimo anche i diversi racconti riguardo a come, e quanto, l’arte impatta sulle nostre vite. Davvero un buon libro.
May 25, 2018
Are life studies drawn from a live model? Or should a life study mean learning about a person's life?
A delightful series of short snapshots into the lives of eight painters from the Golden Age, followed by an interlude featuring the lives of Tuscans Bernardo and Salvatore, and the effect that a religious experience has on their lives. Then comes the great part: stories showing the effect of various kinds of art in the current day.
A delightful series of short snapshots into the lives of eight painters from the Golden Age, followed by an interlude featuring the lives of Tuscans Bernardo and Salvatore, and the effect that a religious experience has on their lives. Then comes the great part: stories showing the effect of various kinds of art in the current day.
January 16, 2018
In the first half of the book, according to the author, almost all of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists and the people around them were miserably unhappy people. The second half deals with present-day artists or those connected with art and the lives they are living. Not very edifying or interesting to me.
December 26, 2019
A collection of short stories of fictional imagining of great paintings. Author Vreeland creates backstories for the works of Manet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and others.
Charming, original storytelling that brings a new look to famous artwork.
Reading a story here and there over 6 months allowed each to be savored well.
Charming, original storytelling that brings a new look to famous artwork.
Reading a story here and there over 6 months allowed each to be savored well.
July 16, 2021
The short stories are vignettes of historical and contemporary fiction, all connected to art in some way. She profiles the trials and tribulations of Berthe Morisot’s wet nurse, Cezanne’s neighbor boy, and a bored American woman living in Italy in contemporary times who begins modeling for a figure class. All stories are poignant, many are sad, but overall very enjoyable and creative.
October 12, 2021
I love Vreeland…she always takes me to places I’ve never been & I learn so much. This collection of short stories focuses on people on the periphery of great art & artists…a neighbor, a mistress, a model, a teacher, a supplier & a viewer, a wife. All looking at the creation or artist from a different perspective.
September 25, 2022
If I could enter a rating other than whole numbers I wold rate Life Studies and a 4.5. The behind the scene glimpses of the lives of the great impressionists artists and the settings and characters surrounding a selection of their paintings was fascinating to me. I took notes and researched the paintings. I now have a heightened appreciation of the artists and their works. Highly recommended.
March 11, 2023
This is the second time I have read these stories. Some are in the vein of her two great novels (The Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Luncheon of the Boating Party) in imagining the thoughts of Monet’s gardener at Giverny, his second wife Alice, the tragedy of Berthe Morisot’s baby’s wet nurse, the youthful dilemma of the son of the Postman whom Van Gogh painted, and Modigliani’s daughter’s sad revelations about her parents. Other stories are modern tales about no one famous or near famous. But all are flawless, intriguing, and charming. I only wish the author had written both more stories and a few more novels.
November 28, 2017
An enjoyable assortment of short stories built around the artist life motif. Most stories are told through the everyday interactions the famous have with the common folk in their lives. The result are some interesting revelations.
April 16, 2018
After reading The Forest Lover, I think I was a little tired of the artist connections, but this was well done and mostly a pleasure to read. The problem was me, I should have tucked a couple of other books in between hers.
December 26, 2018
I liked the first portion of the book more; I liked how the author imagined the lives of the artists and the behind the scenes in the making of the most famous paintings. The second and third portions of the book had well-written stories; they were just not as compelling as the first portion.
December 17, 2020
Just loved reading the first half of the book or so. The stories involving actual pieces of art or about the artist were interesting and informative. The second half of the book dedicated to stories involving art was not my cup of tea.
March 12, 2022
Susan Vreeland is a master at drawing her readers into the lives of nineteenth century artists. My favorite story in the collection is Mimi with a Watering Can, set in Montmartre and inspired by the lovely paintings of Auguste Renoir.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews