Artists in Residence: Seventeen Artists and Their Living Spaces, from Giverny to Casa Azul

by Melissa Wyse, Kate Lewis (Illustrator)

This charmingly illustrated book invites readers to peer behind the closed doors of 17 legendary and contemporary artists' homes.

Peek inside Georgia O'Keeffe's adobe courtyards.

Stroll through Henri Matisse's vibrant aviary.

Peruse Jean-Michel Basquiat's collection of over 1,000 videotapes.

This book invites you inside some of the most creative and inspiring homes of all time. For the 17 artists profiled here, a house or an apartment is not simply a place to eat and sleep; they transform everyday spaces into dynamic reflections of their individual artistic passions. You will gain a deeper appreciation of your favorite artists' work and may just discover a new favorite. Richly illustrated throughout, this petite jacketed hardcover offers a fascinating and inspiring blend of art history, interior design, and armchair travel.

• DISTINCTIVE ILLUSTRATED While other books have explored the spaces that housed and inspired artists, they have been exclusively photographic. With vibrant illustrations, this book immerses readers in the atmosphere of each artist's home more than photos ever could.
• DIVERSE RANGE OF The 17 artists profiled represent a diverse cross section of eras, countries, races, genders, and artistic styles—not to mention a wide range of homes, from a New York City apartment to a renovated English farmhouse.
• A FRIENDLY INVITATION TO ART With relatable prose and vibrant illustrations, this book is perfect for anyone looking to casually learn something new.
• INTERIOR DÉCOR Readers will surely walk away with ideas for crafting their own creative spaces after reading this book.

Perfect

• Artists and art appreciators
• Art history buffs
• Interior décor lovers
• Travelers and armchair travelers
• Podcast listeners and blog readers
• Creatives in all industries

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Design

144 pages, Hardcover

Published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewed vision!

What a great idea! Looking at various artists’ residences. I know similar books have been published but I just really did enjoy this “seeing” through a different lens. Although reading this reminded me that I’d missed visiting Monet’s Giverny years ago due to it being closed for the season. Sigh! Something I’ve had a lingering regret about over the years.
Kate Lewis is to be congratulated on her extraordinary illustrations. She brought the artists’ homes alive. Her illustrative exploration deepened the book’s aesthetic experience for us. What a wonderful way to research! And then, Melissa Wyse’s very different investigative method over the years, of filling notebooks with descriptive prose about those residences!
Only for the two to so serendipitously meet at an ‘artists in residence” enclave! Brilliant!
Aspects the described homes have in common are colour and movement, a sense of touch, giving a sense of presence. The two very talented contributors reflect that joyously. They talk about their methodology of presenting the book. Hoping that through their joint writings and paintings, sometimes revisiting the homes, as giving them “a new intimacy with the creative life of each artist.” I found it invoked those feelings for me as the reader.
Cameo views from windows, spaces that wrapped the chosen artists and their residences and brought them into focus. From minimalistic to crowded, simple to complex. A gift indeed!
I found myself walking around my home, reflecting on views through windows and pleasing patterns inside and out, on textures and lines, and determining to continue to consider the aesthetic of my personal space. A revisit of the idea of a home for all the senses as Kate and Melissa alluded to. They invite us to explore the aesthetic sense of our own homes—whatever that might be, through the example of some of the artistic legends they’ve shown us.

A Chronicle Books ARC via NetGalley

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE offers a splendid look at 17 artists and their creative spaces, brought to life by Kate Lewis’ gorgeous illustrations and Melissa Wyse’s thoughtful descriptions. It’s a wonderful mini course featuring such renowned artists as Basquiat, Bourgeois, O’Keeffe, Pollock, Kahlo and Rivera, Monet, and others.

The colorful illustrations made me feel as if I had just stepped into O’Keeffe’s sunny Ghost Ranch, or Monet’s Giverny home awash in yellow, and helped me see how “spaces” impact creativity.

Also intriguing is the story of how this book came to be, as the co-authors magically found each other and realized they could combine what each had worked on alone for years. Highly recommended for art lovers of every sort!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021

Thanks to the author, Chronicle Books, and NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

#ArtistsinResidence #NetGalley

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book that offers to let readers peek inside the homes of 17 artists (current and past) but I should have read more carefully. The authors chose to write extensively about each living space and then give us watercolor paintings to accompany the text. I understand that in some cases the homes do not exist as they did when the artists were creating in them and the authors also wanted to do something new, but I really would prefer to see the spaces. In one case, Wyse wrote of how one artist wallpapered her rooms by rolling a roll of wallpaper straight up one wall, over the ceiling, and down the other wall. She wrote about how she felt in that space and I really wanted to see it. The paintings for that section show a flowered wallpaper and a few other things but if you're going to describe this cool, cocooned wallpaper effect and won't show me a photo then at least show the whole thing in the painting. Shrug.

The text is extensive and you really get a feel for each artist. There's nice diversity in the artists, and the paintings are sweet. It wasn't ultimately the book I was hoping for but it's a lovely one.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Diedra Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are no photographs in this book - it depicts all interiors in the watercolor illustrative style seen on the cover.

I think the way the publisher pitched this book provided some difficulties in adjusting to the reality of the contents. I cannot blame the writer or illustrator for that, but the way it sounded was like this was a coffee-table book filled with an inside look into the artist’s homes. It’s not that. At least, it’s not what I think of when I read those words. I realize it said that there were illustrations, but I thought they would be in addition to photographs, not instead of.

The text was interesting and filled with style contrasts, almost like the author wrote differently when talking about other artists. Perhaps it’s the way the story, or the memory, affected the writer. For example, when writing about Paula Modersohn-Becker, the style is very approachable and relaxed. But the section on Zaria Forman reads like an encyclopedia entry. I found this disconnect repeating, and it made me wonder about the cause.

The illustrations were pleasant and attractive, with calming colors in an impressionist style. I wished there were more small illustrations, like the lovely bench in Krasner’s section, interspersed between the dense walls of text to break them up.

One of my favorites was the illustration with the black couch on page 51, but at the same time it brings up a formatting problem I had with this book - there are no labels on the illustrations. It’s in the section on Bell and Grant, and on the following page is a phrase that reads: “their home’s hand-painted gray paisley Garden Room.” I think that’s what I’m looking at in that illustration, but it appears purple to me rather than gray, so I’m uncertain. Again, that’s not a problem with the artist, but something that should have been added during formatting by the publisher.

Overall, I’ll give the illustration 5 stars, the writing 4, but the misleading description and formatting problems have to bump it down to a 3. This book didn’t have to have these issues, the writer and artist deserved a better presentation.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Artists in Residence is a simply and colorfully painted book with scenes and vignettes from 15 famous residences of 17 famous artists. Due out 2nd Feb 2021 from Chronicle Books, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

There really is a nice cross section of short bios and glimpses in this collection of artists. There are no photographs, it's all painted sketches and contextual tidbits about the lifestyles and residences of artists from Monet and Matisse, Frida Kahlo (and Diego Rivera), to Van Gogh, and Basquiat. I had never really thought holistically about their works partially being a product of the places they lived and their home lives.

I especially enjoyed reading about Georgia O'Keeffe's simple life and serenity/escape in her kitchen. Somehow I had never really thought of her as particularly domestic or at home outside her own emotional strength and self reliance and the description of the scope, simplicity, and efficiency of her food growing and self-sufficiency gave me a deeper understanding of her life and maybe her art.

The illustrations are simple, in gouache and watercolor, as well as clear and appealing. There are a number of profound takeaways from the artist/authors' introduction which invite reflection and thought.

This is a really well presented and appealing book. I would recommend it unhesitatingly to students of art, art history, biography, interior decor, painting, and allied subjects. This short volume would make a good selection for library acquisition, as well as an appropriate choice for an artist's studio library.

Very well done. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Dilek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has short essays about a number of artists with some illustrations of their living spaces. Among the artists are world-famous painters like Van Gogh, Matisse and Georgia O'Keeffe, along with more contemporary names.
The book does not follow a chronological order., and each part is dedicated to one name. The words for each of the 17 artists have some biographic information, highlights from artists' lives and interviews, and some personal notes from the writer on their studios, rooms and houses. The paintings accompany the text are dynamic and colourful, and they reflect the sentiment of these special places from the eyes of the illustrator.
I read the book jumping back and forth, starting with the names I want to read the most. It was an enjoyable read as the illustrations and words make an impressive combination.
I think people who like art and want to read about the places in which various artists lived and worked will enjoy this book.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a thing for watercolor books. I love art, artists, their studios, and their homes. So, this one was right up my alley. I enjoyed it and even discovered a few new artists. Even so, I didn't love it. It was fine, good even, but I don't have the urge to own it.

[vicki honeyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightfully lovely book is a peek inside 17 artists’ homes, featuring the sweetest illustrations by Chicago artist Kate Lewis and charming descriptions by author Melissa Wyse. Enjoy a little glimpse into the living spaces and gardens of such artists as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Georgia O’Keefe, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
A dear little inspiring walk through some pretty places.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*An Advance Reader’s Copy was provided by Edelweiss in return for an honest review.

4.5 STARS

Stepping into the space of the artist was an intimate experience. One that I had the opportunity to visit through this book.

I think I’m a nosy person who enjoys seeing the way people live, the idea that their lives are so different to mine... and through this book, I was able to read about 17 homes of various artists across different eras from a time and country that I do not know much about.

While it sounds like a history lesson, it felt as if I was reading about what home meant to each of the artist. It wasn’t much about the aesthetics of the home or the interior, but the memories, experiences and stages of life. It sheds a new light on the artist, less about their achievements and legacy, but more of how their art reflected in the place they live, their surroundings, and how their lives reflect on their art. It also extends to how the artist shares art with their surroundings, inviting friends to their homes for a meal, to stay and to paint.

While I loved the unique approach of illustrations that (in the author’s words) “immerses readers in the atmosphere of each artist's home more than photos ever could,” I find myself searching the houses on Google since the watercolour paintings did not provide the impact I wished it gave. Perhaps, a small photo could’ve been included, since not many of us will have the opportunities to ever visit these homes. I really don’t think a painting could satisfy my curiousity, but if I had seen the homes, then the paintings would be a memorable keepsake.

In the book, the chapters of Hassan Hajjaj, Louise Bourgeois, Vincent Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s houses were my favourite. I also loved how the author explained the way these houses inspire a multi-sensory approach to her interior design decisions, which also inspire me to think about my own.

[Pamela Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would have been a treat to read and explore at any time, but it was a special treasure to read Wyse's essays, and immerse myself in Lewis's illustrations at this moment. I have spent a lot of time at home, but I no longer felt constrained after this book challenged me to use this limitation as an opportunity to think creatively about my space, and how I wanted it to look and function in the future.

I read no more than one or two chapters a day, since each artist shaped and used their homes differently, and I wanted to be able to fully appreciate the unique approach of each artist. Wyse provided many intimate and interesting details about the daily lives and lifestyles in the essays, and I lingered over Lewis's illustrations which included both entire rooms and unique features within the rooms. Using essays and illustrations as a springboard, I felt transported into the home each artist, and I experienced them come to life as artists and as people.

But that is only part of the story. This book is also about the creative process itself. Wyse analyses the role that each artist home played in their creative process. Wyse and Lewis share their own creative process in creating this book, and finally, they invite us to explore our own creativity, in our homes and in our lives.

[Mary | maryreadstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Artists in Residence is a lovely coffee table book that examines the home spaces of seventeen artists and how these spaces relate to their work and life. Rather than showing photographs of the residences, the book contains beautiful illustrations of the spaces by co-author Kate Lewis. The illustrations were a nice touch to pull together the artists across time period and nationality. I appreciated the diversity of artists featured - the book covers Georgia O'Keeffe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Claude Monet, and Frida Kahlo, just to name a few.

For each story, the authors hone in certain aspects of the artist's space - it was interesting to see how some artists viewed their homes as refuges from their art, while others saw the home as another studio space. As mentioned in the blurb, this book is accessible to the non-expert reader in describing each artist's work. In fact, I found that I wanted more information about each artist, as well as a more substantial conclusion section to tie everything together. That being said, this book is a nice introduction to the homes of multiple famous artists, and it may motivate the reader to take a more detailed look at a favorite artist or two.

Thank you to Chronicle Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artists in Residence is the result of the serendipitous meetings between author Melissa Wyse and artist Kate Lewis. Readers learn about how their paths crossed in the book’s introduction.

Together the two put together this title with MW writing beautifully insightful essays about the artists and Kate painting scenes reminiscent of their homes. Included are artists whom I knew well including Georgia O’Keeffe, Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo & Diego River, Lee Krasner & Jackson Pollock and others with whom I am newly acquainted as, for example, .Hassan Jajjaj, Clementine Hunter, Donald Judd. (I have not listed all seventeen here). There is an alchemy between text and visual that works.

This collaboration will be welcomed by art lovers and armchair travelers alike. I know that I enjoyed my time in these homes and with these insights.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read biographies and art books and dapple in a bit of painting too so Artists in Residence was right up my alley. I enjoyed discovering some artists that I had never heard of and it was a pleasure to read about the homes of the more famous too. It's fascinating how the passion of the artists for art dictated where and how they lived, and how they decorated or treated their homes.

A few of them lived such unusual lives that it is almost unbelievable – such as the couple who painted on almost anything in their house ha! I just had to search on the internet for photographs!

I loved the colorful and whimsical paintings, but sometimes you just want to see things as they were!

[JCS · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful book about a varied selection of artists from around the world. The author, Melissa, and illustrator, Kate, have visited some of these homes, described them, and created lovely, colourful paintings alongside. Seventeen artists and their homes have been included. Some are well known, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Claude Monet, others less so, such as Clementine Hunter and Donald Judd. All very interesting. It would have been good to see an example of each artists work as not all were familiar to me. Thank you to Melissa Wyse, Kate Lewis, Net Galley and Chronicle Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tawney · Rating 3 out of 5]

We express pieces of ourselves in our living quarters, some of us boldly, some subtly. Melissa Wyse and Kate Lewis explore the connection of living space and art for seventeen artists. It's a nicely varied selection. Wyse writes an essay on each, touching on their lives and art as well as the place they inhabited and what she sees as the connections between art and home. It's well written and I learned things. Kate Lewis provided illustrations which are evocative. They are pleasant but not especially informative. 3 1/2 stars

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange of my honest opinion.

They say a picture is worth 1000 words... and they are right! Overall, the idea behind this book is not bad and the writing is really pleasant. Unfortunately the illustrations do not have the desired effect and they do not transport me in the homes of the artists the book talks about. At all!

Nothing against the illustrator, but I just did not care for the illustrations. I think pictures would've worked a lot better with this book - and sure, have illustrations too, but don't expect them to be as effective.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really thought the book was beautiful and I love the details about each of the artist, but at no time did I relate what was written to a look at the living space until I read the biographies of the authors. I also kept wanting to see photos of the spaces they were talking about. I know that the photos were not use for a reason, but I kept wanting to reference what was being talked about with the actually space that was painted in the book. I think this would be a great table book and I would love to see another book with different artist, but I would also like to see the actual place if you can.

I would like to thank Chronicle Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this beautiful book.

[Kathy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Artists in Residence by Melissa Wyse and Kate Lewis, visiting artists’ residences and learning what these spaces meant to them. Who says you can’t travel in a pandemic?! Wyse’s descriptions of how the artists interacted with their spaces are wonderful complements to Lewis’s beautiful illustrations. And there was the bonus of discovering several artists, such as Clementine Hunter and Louise Bourgeois, with whom I was not familiar.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I think I would have liked it better if there were either real photos inside the house instead of the watercolor paintings all by Kate Lewis, or if there were paintings by the artists.
I was hoping for some artistic inspiration. I did not get inspired by this book, it was just blah.
I received this galley from NetGalley.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting, although there are some spaces you wish you could see more/different angles of. Still, it was inspiring to think about how to make your space your own and conducive to creativity.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Julie Akeman]

I picked up this book when I made my first visit to Wichita Art Museum and had to check out the gift shop area..this is a real keeper of a book. I think what I love best are the wonderful watercolor drawings of the artist's homes. I hope they can make another one. Really a great gift for the art lover or art liver and doer in your life.

[ania · Rating 5 out of 5]

`We encourage everyone to follow their own curiosities, even when they don’t point in any clear direction or to any concrete outcome. Often our curiosities lead us to our most meaningful work.’

`In the kitchen, she tore out the stove and replaced it with a two-burner hot plate and a toaster. She had decided she no longer wished to cook.’

[Brian Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of essays by Melissa Wyse about several "celebrity" artists. There's many brightly coloured illustrations by Kate Lewis. It's a visually beautiful book.
Favourite artists included are Monet, Matisse, and van Gogh. Good introductions to Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
An enjoyable peaceful read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book to read and view of artists and their homes especially as we are unable to travel to visit these places. I have enjoyed the vibrant colors on view in this book and loved the short stories of artist’s lives and their homes. Happy to have a positive book to read.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a small treasure. I like the author’s distinctive point of view. She writes in first person, referring often to herself and the painter who illustrated the book — recording their adventures and reactions as they investigated the homes of artists.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this b/c I love the illustrator Kate Lewis, and the cover is gorgeous. I was happy to find that the artists highlighted, and the stories about their spaces, were well researched and described. This book is informative, beautiful and uplifting.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with fascinating tidbits about 17 artists lives and homes. An intimate portrait into the importance of space to the creative process.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Cozy and sweet but not particularly informative. I loved the illustrations but ended up looking for photos of the homes being described.

[Robin Nenninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book with beautiful illustrations of featured artists homes with short well written biographies. It made me want to go see all of their houses/spaces/studios.

[Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my prior reading about the artists I knew in this book they did a great job of capturing their lives with solid information. This is a lovely book....