Novels with art at their heart

Some of my favourite novels, are about art and artists, so I thought I'd share reccommendations.

THOSE I'VE READ AND LOVED...

Vanessa and her Sister by Pria Parmar

A door into the lives of the Bloomsbury Group. The author has cleverly woven together what we know about the real 20th century artists from their letters and diaries - and formed it into a thoughtful and inspiring human story.

a novel based on the artist Vanessa Bell

Notes on an Exhibition by Patrick Gale

A beautiful and haunting story of the creative soul and drive. Cornwall is the backdrop to the lives that revolve around the protagonist, an artist and mother. Full of evocative descriptions of artwork too.

Notes From an Exhibition, Patrick Gale

The Muse by Jessie Burton

I was totally hooked by the suspense of this novel with its interwoven stories and vivid artistic references. Sheds light on the gendered injustices for artistis in the (surprisingly recent) past. Also an inspiring call to action for those with creative block.

Jessie Burton, The Miniaturist

The Last Painting of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith

I adored this book. A real page turner, uniting all that is fascinating about paintings, process and the dark art of forgery - with all that is intriguing about people. Excellent characters are like portraits jumping from the page.

You can smell the paint in this one...

Illyrian Spring by Anne Bridge

One of the least well known and absolute best books I've ever read, words won't do it justice. A very subtle portrayal of an enchanting escape, where art and romance lead the way through the Balkans and towards personal enlightenment for two star-crossed characters.

Perhaps my favourite book ever, or close.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

An epic read that sticks with you. DT bravely builds a story around characters that are incredibly flawed and yet keeps you yearning for a good ending... one painting ties it all together.

You must have heard of this one?!

The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild

Such a skilled writer, the pace of this book is a work of art in itself, I could barely put it down. HT creates a rich tapestry of characters and events around the London art scene and you won't want to leave.

Hannah Rothschild is a fantastic writer, I've loved all her books.

The Lancuna by Barbara Kingsolver

An all-time favourite of mine. I reccommend all of BK's books to everyone, but this one where ACTUAL Frida Kahlo is a main character, has to be my favourite. A Mexican fiesta of life awaits you, dive in.

I've loved Barbara Kingsolver since my teens.

UPDATE:

Just read the wonderful...

Matisse Stories and The Children's Book both by AS Byatt

ON MY 'TO READ' LIST OF ART FICTION

Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Any more reccommendations on the theme?! I'd love to hear!