Girl with Brush and Canvas: Georgia O'Keeffe, American Artist

by Carolyn Meyer

The life of artist Georgia O'Keeffe is revealed in this biographical novel -- from her childhood when she decided to be an artist, through her art education in Chicago and New York, to her eventual rise to fame in the American Southwest.

At the age of 12, Georgia O'Keeffe announced that she wanted to be an artist. With the support of her family, O'Keeffe attended boarding schools with strong art programs, and after graduating, went to live with an aunt and uncle in Chicago to attend the city's highly regarded Art Institute. Illness forced O'Keeffe to leave Chicago, but once she'd recovered, her family scraped together funds to send her to New York to study at the Art Students League. When her family fell on hard times, she left without the degree she needed. Discouraged, but unwilling to give up her dream, O'Keeffe found a different path. She became an art teacher in schools in Texas and South Carolina, honing her own craft as she taught her students. O'Keeffe never gave up her dream, no matter what obstacles she encountered--she knew she was meant to be an artist.

Genres: Young Adult, Art, Historical Fiction, Book Club, Childrens, Fiction, Historical

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Carolyn Meyer is as versatile a writer as you will find. Along with historical fiction and realistic novels for young adults she has written nonfiction for young adults and books for younger readers on topics as diverse as the Amish, the Irish, Japanese, Yup'ik Eskimos, a rock band, rock tumbling, bread baking, and coconuts. And ten of her books have been chosen as Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. In her most recent historical novels she has dealt with the young lives of Mary Tudor, Princess Elizabeth, Anastasia, and Isabel of Castilla, Spain.

Reviews

[Lexie Mbuu · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw this book, I thought it was going to be about Georgia O'Keeffe's life. And it was at first, with her family sending her to all these different schools. But all I heard about near the end was her love life. I thought that was OK, but then that was all the author talked about in this book, and I was disappointed. If an author is going to write a book from what they think is the person's perspective, don't drag on about their love life. It is kind of stupid and shouldn't be the whole point of this book

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the first person, Georgia O’Keeffe tells her story from her teen years until her golden years in New Mexico. At times it felt like forced research and not a true voice, I still learned a lot about her life and work. An interesting take on historical fiction.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of Georgia O'Keeffe retold from childhood to 40s with some fictional license to fill in details and flesh out the story a bit.

This is only not a biography because Meyer had to imagine the dialogue (and she said she made up some of the friends along the way to provide people for Georgia to talk to about her life). Meyer did EXTENSIVE research for this book and reading it you do learn an awful lot about Georgia O'Keeffe and her road to finding her specific art style and becoming famous. I had only ever read a picture book biography of O'Keeffe before that really focused on her art so I learned a lot reading this. It sounds like she had a happy childhood but then things got rougher for her after the family moved away from Wisconsin. It was a bit more of a struggle for her from then until she moved to New Mexico. Her adult love life was a mess. She did have the pleasure, though, of being an artist who was appreciated for her artwork before she died (and a lot of masters didn't experience that). It was interesting to learn what inspired her artwork that I admired. The woman herself wasn't necessarily a role model. Recommended to those who want to learn more about O'Keeffe in an engaging way.

Notes on content: No language issues that I remember. It is stated that eventually Georgia got involved with a married man, later married him after he got a divorce, and then he had other affairs after their marriage. No sexual details, just matter of factly stated. Drawings of nude or nearly naked people are talked about (not described in any kind of detail). Deaths of family members and friends from disease and accidents mentioned.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carolyn Meyer did a wonderful job of describing the life of photographer Margaret Bourke-White in Girl with a Camera. Now she has done it again with the life of artist Georgia O'Keeffe. Taking inspiration from biographies, books of O'Keeffe's artwork, and visiting key locations, she brings Georgia onto the page in an engaging story of a woman determined to be an artist. Although this is a fictionalized account of her life, the details of social expectations and opportunities available to women of her generation are correct.

Descriptions range from the various techniques she experimented with as she developed her own style, to details about the different schools she attended and jobs she took. Clothing, foods, and pastimes of the era make the setting a large part of the reading experience, just as it would have been a large influence on O'Keeffe herself.

One of the thoughts the author imagines her protagonist having captures the essence of an individual trying to find her own way, a way that did not always match the expectations of others. "I was not rebellious, exactly, but the rules felt like a dog-collar attached to a leash, and I looked for ways to wiggle out of it." It is the touches like that which make the story so captivating and believable.

I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t be born and raised in New Mexico and not know Georgia O’Keeffe. So when I saw this book while walking through the library I knew I had to pick it up to read. This was a quick walk through the life of Georgia O’Keeffe. I appreciate the glimpse into her life and while this book was probably just the tip of the iceberg it was a good story (although I think t is better suited to YA instead of JF). I would go back and forth looking up names of artists and paintings referenced in the book just to have the visual. It also intrigued me enough to read more articles about O’Keeffe. One thing I do understand was her love for New Mexico. Abiquiu is one of our most favorite places to visit. Now I need to visit her museum in Santa Fe.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disappointed to find that Georgia’s membership in Kappa Delta wasn’t mentioned - purely because I am also a KD. Probably it wasn’t a huge part of her life, but our sorority holds her in the highest regard as a former sister.

Otherwise, this is a well-researched and thorough look at Georgia’s young life. It did feel as if some aspects of the story were toned down or perhaps less thoroughly explored to make it more suitable for young readers. While the writing did not make me feel as if I truly connected with Georgia as a person, her personality was clear on the page.

[Erin Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always loved her artwork, and thought it would be interesting to read this biographical fictionalized account of her life. Meyer really goes into interesting details about what it would be to live in this time period, so you really have a sense of what O'Keeffe's life might have been like.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched YA biography. Although I am not a YA I enjoyed the book very much. The author, Carolyn Meyer, has written many historical fiction book. This one is her latest. I will for sure check some of her others.

[Mindy Tillery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia on my mind

I read this book while on an artist retreat at Georgia’s Ghost Ranch recently. A well written account of the life of one of Americas greatest artists. I love the storytelling that added to my total Georgia O’Keefe experience.

[Theresa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed reading this book.

[Stasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. For whatever reason I'm just not really enjoying Meyer's more recent novels.

[Yingnan Zhou · Rating 4 out of 5]

It provides me a new understanding of abstract art. I’m now drawn to Santa Fe.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book for young readers that spans the first part of Georgia O'Keeffe's incredible life and her journey in becoming the amazing artist we recognize today.

[Lois Peterson]

February- New Mexico

[Sherry Ciocca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Kathy]

A good story of her childhood, family, education and development of her unique style in both her art and her life.

[Kim Irmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love how driven Georgia was from such an early age. Imagine knowing exactly what you are meant to do.

[Donna Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grandson Tadd downloaded this book for me while I was visiting the family. Didn't think I would be that good. It was that good. I find myself wanting to know more about Georgia O'Keeffe.
Very well written.

[Dayanara Ryelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was both bored and interested (if that's even possible). Georgia's frequent changing of partners (or being enamored with several gentleman at once) reminded me of Catherine Howard--but at least Georgia didn't (literally) lose her head!

Either way, not one I'd recommend.