Artists in Residence

by Melissa Wyse

[annieb123]

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.