Picture a storyteller who spun art and history into captivating tales—meet Susan Vreeland! This American author, born in 1946, enchanted readers with historical fiction that brought painters like Vermeer and Renoir to life. With a knack for blending fact and imagination, Vreeland’s novels invite you to see the world through an artist’s eyes, making history feel as vibrant as a freshly painted canvas.
From her New York Times bestsellers to her lyrical prose, Vreeland’s work is a love letter to art’s power to transform lives. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and legacy of this literary gem.
The Making of Susan Vreeland
Born on January 20, 1946, in Racine, Wisconsin, Susan Joyce Vreeland grew up in a family touched by creativity. Her mother, Esther, studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, planting seeds of artistic passion in young Susan. The family moved to California in 1948, and it was in San Diego that Vreeland’s love for literature and art took root. A 1971 visit to the Louvre in Paris was a turning point—she stood on Pont Neuf and vowed to make art her lifelong companion. With degrees in English and education from San Diego State University, she taught high school for 30 years, weaving her love for storytelling into her classroom.
Susan Vreeland’s Unforgettable Stories
Vreeland’s novels are like stepping into a gallery where history and imagination collide. Her debut, What Love Sees (1988), tells the true story of a blind couple’s resilient love, later adapted into a CBS TV movie. But it was Girl in Hyacinth Blue (1999) that skyrocketed her fame. This bestseller traces a fictional Vermeer painting through centuries, revealing the lives it touched. Written during her battle with lymphoma, the novel’s luminous prose earned it a TV adaptation, Brush with Fate.
The Passion of Artemisia (2001) dives into the life of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi, capturing her strength as a female artist in a male-dominated world. The Forest Lover (2004) celebrates Canadian painter Emily Carr’s bold spirit, while Clara and Mr. Tiffany (2011) unveils the unsung woman behind Tiffany’s iconic lamps. Vreeland’s style—rich, painterly, and deeply human—turns historical figures into relatable characters, with art as the heartbeat of her narratives.
Her later works, like Luncheon of the Boating Party (2007) and Lisette’s List (2014), continue her signature blend of art and emotion, bringing Renoir’s vibrant Paris and wartime Provence to life. Each book feels like a brushstroke, painting history with vivid detail and heart.
Why Susan Vreeland Matters
Susan Vreeland didn’t just write novels; she invited readers to see the world anew. Her stories bridge art and literature, showing how a single painting can ripple through time, touching hearts across centuries. Four of her books hit the New York Times bestseller list, and her work, translated into 26 languages, earned her the Theodor Geisel Award four times. Her battle with lymphoma and her teaching career added depth to her writing, reflecting a life of resilience and curiosity.
Vreeland’s legacy lives on, inspiring readers to find beauty in the ordinary and history in the everyday. She passed away in 2017 at 71, but her stories continue to spark wonder, proving art’s timeless power to connect us all.
- Born: January 20, 1946, Racine, Wisconsin
- Key Works: Girl in Hyacinth Blue, The Passion of Artemisia, Clara and Mr. Tiffany, Lisette’s List
- Awards: Four-time Theodor Geisel Award winner
- Died: August 23, 2017, San Diego, California
Snag Girl in Hyacinth Blue and dive into Susan Vreeland’s world of art-infused historical fiction! Her stories will leave you seeing beauty in every corner of history.