Blood Water Paint

Blood Water Paint

Bibliography

McCullough, Joy. 2018. BLOOD WATER PAINT. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 9780735232112

Plot Summary

Artemisia Gentileschi, a young Italian girl, has a passion for painting and is one of the most talented painters of her time. But nobody knows this, as her father is the one to sign his name on her paintings, passing them off as his own. This is how 1600s Rome is. When her father brings in a well known painter to help tutor Artemisia, and that man rapes her, Artemisia must find the courage in herself to bring this man to justice, no matter the cost.

Critical Analysis

Blood Water Paint is a moving read, based on true events of the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a young woman who became one of the most well known painters of 1600s Rome. McCullough uses verse to paint Artemisia as the creative and brave young woman she was and how she decided not to be silent when, as a woman, she was expected to be.

McCullough mostly writes in Artemisia's voice, where she depicts her thoughts and feelings, from her memories of her mother to her rape to the trial that strives to clear her name, in such a beautifully poetic way. There is so much emotion and feeling in each word McCullough chooses, and this style shows Artemisia's youthful but also mature outlook on life as well as how much she longed to paint. We are also shown two stories from the point of view of Artemisia's mother, who tells about two women who took matters into their own hands when they were wronged. These two figures repeatedly show up in Artemisia's thoughts as her guardian angels and who guide her, which is good symbolism for how Artemisia's mother would have been for her if she was still alive.

McCullough's themes of bravery and longing for freedom are ones that young adults can relate to and if any young child is going through what Artemisia did, may this book help them to find their voice and use it to scare the monsters away.

Review Excerpts

William C. Morris YA Debut Award 2018

Horn Book Guide: "Told largely in verse from Artemisia's perspective, McCullough's debut is a vivid portrait of talent and strength."

Publishers Weekly Starred: "A haunting, stirring depiction of an unforgettable woman, Artemisia's story will resonate deeply with readers today and beyond."

Connections

More by Joy McCullough: Enter the Body

                                            Great or Nothing

                                            We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire

More Gender Role Fiction: Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

                                            Quiver by Stephanie Spinner

                                            Open Fire by Amber Lough

Activity: Create your own epilogue for the book. What do you believe happens after the events that unfolded?