I've read some books about fictional musicians going through their lives, and I really enjoyed them (The Blind Musician by Vladimir Korolenko, Doktor Faustus by Thomas Mann,). I want a vibe like that, a slow story that explains their painting decisions through the events in their life.
I've read one about a painter, Klingsor's Last Summer by Hermann Hesse, that I also liked (but it wasn't really focused on his painting or his life.. I thought I'd mention it tho).
It has to be fictional!! That's the one big rule
by Username43215
2 Comments
[My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11507) is an incredible coming-of-age/growth of an artist through the lens of his ultra-orthodox Jewish upbringing and the struggles it creates with his family and community. But most importantly it feels like a very deep dive into the mind of an artist and their absolute need to paint. It’s one of my favorite books.
I’d say The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt might fit the vibe you’re looking for, it’s not purely about painting but art and the character’s life are deeply connected in a slow, reflective way. Also, if you’re open to something a bit different, memoir-style stories about creative lives can sometimes hit that same depth, even if they’re not strictly about painters.