Life Studies: Stories

by Susan Vreeland

In Life Studies, Susan Vreeland has written a deeply moving, richly textured collection of stories that explore art through the eyes of ordinary people. Rather than focusing directly on great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists like Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, Vreeland shifts her lens to those on the periphery—their lovers, servants, children, and neighbors—showing their personal stories as they play out against the artists’ lives. Counterbalancing these historic stories are an equal number of contemporary tales in which her characters—a teacher, a construction worker, and an orphan—encounter art in meaningful, sometimes surprising ways.

When a disillusioned banker sees his daughter through the eyes of Renoir, his senses and zest for life are awakened. Morisot’s wet nurse sacrifices her own child so another mother can paint. By modeling nude, a wife discovers her deeper, more compassionate self. In one enlightening summer, a young girl encounters Picasso and death. Together, the stories in Life Studies are a fascinating exploration of human frailty and resilience. These tales marvel at the lasting strength and meaning of art in our lives, revealing art’s healing effect on the soul. Crafted with the skill of a master painter, Life Studies is a dazzling addition to Vreeland’s outstanding body of work.

Genres: Art, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Historical, Art History, Book Club

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Susan 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.

Reviews

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Ferbrache · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Purrfectlypatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nataša · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 :)

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lani Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sofia Fresia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

**** for "Then" section of book

[Jennifer Prim · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vreeland has written a book of short stories about those people on the periphery of famous artists, like Manet, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Modigliani - their neighbors, nannies, future wives, groundskeepers, daughters. This was a fascinating way to view these famously selfish men; their art didn't only touch future generations and influence art for over 100 years - they were people with families and communities, too. I didn't know that Manet died of syphilis (as did his father!) - these men were from rich and established families; this medical cause of death was hushed but the family knew. I had never heard the story of Modigliani and his tragic life. I didn't know that boys threw rocks at Cezanne. Most of these men put their art first, at the loss of everything else. Women fell in love with these men, recognized their genius, and forgave them for always loving them less. In the second half of the book, Vreeland sets the stories in modern time and shows how art touches the lives of ordinary people. My favorite story was "Respond" about a woman with a preoccupied husband who becomes a nude model for an art class, "the delicious terror of standing peeled in front of strangers and declaring with her body: This is me. Respond." The instructor tells them to look at her and figure out what made her an individual. She took the class because her husband recommended that she do so; on some level it was his idea. He is a scholar of current events, of the impacts of colonialism, of famine, of genocide. She has the realization that he cares more deeply about the world than she does, which could feel to her as if these other families mattered more than her. She recognized her own selfishness; it was as if being seen and sculpted (objectified?) opened her eyes to her own narrow point of view. A beautiful story...

[Blue North · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of short stories - stories from the past, as well as, contemporary tales that all highlight the power of art. First we get fictionalized glimpses into the lives of some of the impressionist and post-impressionist masters - Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Manet and Modigliani. Then more modern tales on how art influences the lives of rather ordinary people. At the end I found myself contemplating how those masters of the first half of this collection have influenced my rather ordinary life. My appreciation for, study of and attempts at creating art are surely a testament to what this book points to, art creates timeless connections. Also, those masters were some very interesting characters.

[caffeinated reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Martina Manni · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sylvia · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ann Newland · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.