Novels About Artists
I love reading novels about artists. There are contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and thrillers on this list that I love. These are my absolute favorites.
If you are looking for novels about art, I have a list of my favorites as well. I love that at least one main character in each of these books is an artist. I was also shocked by the number of thrillers on this list!
I hope you love this post as much as I loved making it. Is there a novel about artists I should be adding to my TBR? I always love your recommendations.
The Best Novels About Artists
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Historical Fiction Novel About Artists
Age of Light by Whitney Scharer- Jump to Section
The Best Fiction Novel About Artists
Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise- Jump to Section
Best Thriller Novel About an Artist
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Historical Fiction Novels About Artists
The Age of Light
Author: Whitney Scharer
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction novel is about real-life photographer and model, Lee Miller. I had never heard of Miller prior to this book, though I was familiar with her lover, Man Ray.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lee Miller made some life choices that I can’t say I agree with, but I found her to be a strong, feminist woman ahead of her time. This book is a five-star read, but be warned – there are some erotic scenes in the novel.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Books of 2019 / Jazz Age Novels / Novels About Artists / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: May 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, The Jaipur Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
To escape her marriage, Lakshmi travels to Jaipur to find work as a Henna artist. It’s 1950, and her intricate tattoos make her the trusted henna artist and confidant of the wealthiest women in the city, all while keeping her own secrets. Until she is confronted by her husband one day, and her carefully built life is threatened.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
I really enjoyed this historical fiction set in 1950s India. I knew little about the artistry and meaning behind henna prior to reading, and I learned a great deal about henna, herbal remedies, and Indian culture while reading this book. Henna is an incredible art form, and we were so excited to include this fantastic novel about art on our list.
Because of the descriptive writing, I could picture everything so vividly. The plot and the class structure in India, in particular, would make an excellent book club discussion.
Adaptation Details
Frieda Pinto is slated to produce and star in the Netflix TV series. No release date has been set yet.
Find this book in: Novels about Artists / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
Plot
This particular romance is set in 1920s England and is the third in Ms. Dunmore’s women’s suffragette series. Hattie Greenfield, artist extraordinaire, is forced into marriage with Lucian Blackstone, a self-made man (V frowned upon by nobles at the time.)
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that she is an artist and travels to Scotland for her honeymoon. While the romance itself is swoon-worthy, it’s the depth of non-romantic topics that make it a joy to read. I learned so much about the coal industry and the perils to coal communities in the process.
Find this book in: Books like Outlander / Books About Scotland / Novels About Artists
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
Author: Gregory Maguire
Year: 2009
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
You may recognize Maquire from his most famous work, Wicked. This fairy tale retelling reimagines the story of Cinderella. In this version, set in 1700s Holland, Cinderella’s father is a painter. Told by one of the stepsisters, this story is a much different take on the classic tale and is filled with references to art.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love seeing classic fairy tales told from an alternate point of view.
Find this book in: Novels About Artists
Contemporary Fiction Novels About Artists
Saoirse
Author: Charleen Hurtubise
Year: 2026
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Growing up in Michigan was so terrible for Sarah that she stole a passport and someone’s identity and escaped at 19 to Ireland. There, she goes by Saoirse and lives with her husband and daughters in a life she loves, creating artwork that helps her process her trauma. When her art gets unexpected acclaim, the new spotlight she’s under threatens to unravel the secrets she holds close and threatens to bring the danger she escaped from with it.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse, Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I was consumed by this book from the opening scene on the airplane to Ireland. Saoirse’s life was harrowing and traumatic, and watching her come into her own was deeply moving. My anxiety was at an all-time high when her past began to catch up with her, but the ending left me satisfied in a way I wasn’t sure would be possible. #Gifted by Celadon Books
Find this book in: Novels About Artists
Plot
Set in Sag Harbor, a young girl is gifted with the entire estate of a famous artist. Her mother and the artist’s former partner are left bewildered and a battle for the estate ensues. Bea is the crotchety older art dealer and form partner who is fighting like hell for what she thinks is hers. She was a joy to hate!
Why Jackie loves it
I had the pleasure of reading Jamie Brenner’s newest book a bit early, and it didn’t disappoint. With a cover like that, it’s clearly the perfect summer read!
Find this book in: Novels About Artists / Books Set at the Beach
The Art Forger
Author: B. A. Shapiro
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Claire Roth is a young artist who has been blacklisted from the art community after being named “The Great Pretender”. Claire painted a picture for her former lover who claimed the work as his own. When he broke up with her from guilt, Claire tried and failed to claim the art as her own.
Years later, she is working as a painter who paints reproductions. When she is given a chance to forge a painting for $50,000 and her own private gallery show, Claire jumps at the chance but does not realize what she is getting herself into.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book long ago and it is one that still resonates with me years later. This is one of my favorite novels about art because of the unique story and fantastic writing.
Find this book in: Books About Con Artists / Books Set in Museums / Novels About Artists
Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste NG
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: September 2017 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nobody in Shaker Heights was prepared when Mia, a single mother and artist, rents a house from the Richardsons. When friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, the town becomes divided and Mia and the Richardsons are on opposite sides.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion, Miscarriage, Racism
Why Jackie likes it
I have mixed feelings about this family drama book about motherhood. There was nothing I didn’t like. It is a great story and is written well. I think I was expecting to be completely blown away because of all the hype. Ng has depth to her characters and looks at highly emotional issues. I ended up really liking the book once I got past the beginning.
Find this book in: Books About Motherhood / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2017 / Novels About Artists
Thriller Novels About Artists
My Husband’s Wife
Author: Alice Feeney
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Eden Fox was out for her nightly jog when she came home to Spyglass to find that the key to her house didn’t fit in the lock. When a woman who looks like her answers the door, her husband insists that the stranger is his wife. Eden watches as the woman attends her art gallery opening with her husband. With no keys, phone, or ID, she has not idea how to prove who she really is.
Six months earlier, Birdy inherited Spyglass from a long-lost grandmother. Inside, she finds a letter addressed to her grandmother with the name of a clinic that can predict anyone’s date of death.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, cancer, coma
Why Jackie loves it
I was so excited to read this book because I love Alice Feeney. The beginning gripped me immediately, and I hoped that the rest of the book would continue to be just as good. It did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this thriller that is filled with so many twists, turns, and secrets. The book was not predictable and did not follow a pattern (that is often the case with authors who write many books in the same genre). I think this is one of the best books Feeney has written!
Find this book in: Alice Feeney Books in Order / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Novels About Artists
Still Life
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the first book in the New York Times best-selling series of Chief Inspector Gamache. I fell in LOVE with the Inspector, the town of Three Pines, a small Canadian village just north of the US, and its residents. Louise Penny CAN WRITE.
The mystery was great (and I didn’t solve it) but what got me the most was Penny’s writing style and reflections on the human psyche. This first Louise Penny book has Chief Inspector Armand Gamache searching a piece of art for clues after the painter, Jane Neal, turns up dead.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best detective books I have ever read. You will fall in love with Three Pines and the people who live there. The wonderful community in this series is the best of what cozy books should be. If you love mystery novels and have not read this series, what are you waiting for?
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Best Mysteries of all Time /Jackie’s Favorite Books / Best Winter Books / Adult Versions of Favorite Childhood Books
The Kill Artist
Author: Daniel Silva
Year: 2004
Genre: Thriller
More info: Gabriel Allon #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Gabriel Allon is living his life in Cornwall as an art restorer after retiring from The Office, the Israeli intelligence. When a terrorist who has a history with Allon (his nemesis) goes on a killing spree, Allon is dragged back into service by his old master, the venerable Ari Shamron, who is now the head of The Office.
Allon is now part of a manhunt that spans the globe in a race against time. Will the terrorist cause more destruction and death before they can catch him?
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in the Gabriel Allon series. If you are reading Daniel Silva’s books in order, you will want to start with this book to get to know the characters from the very beginning. I love the character of Gabriel, who is both an art restorer and a spy!
Find this book in: Daniel Silva Books in Order / Novels About Artists
Expert Tip
If you are looking to find a book you will love, these are my tips:
- Have a look at the book description. Kirsten and I read all of these books.
- Take a look at who read the book. Are you a Kirsten or a Jackie?
- Have a look at the trigger warnings and also what other lists we have each book on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novel about artists?
In each of these books, one of the main characters is an artist. These are fiction books centered around the art world. There are historical fiction, contemporary fiction, mysteries and thrillers on this list.
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Epilogue
Which novels about artists are your favorite?
