Blood Water Paint Summary
Joy McCullough

Blood Water Paint Overview

Joy McCullough's Blood Water Paint is a historical novel in verse about the painter Artemisia Gentileschi set in the year 1611. Artemisia's mother tells her daughter reimagined tales of the Biblical figures Judith and Susanna before she dies. When Artemisia is 17, she attempts to paint the Biblical women, but her dreams are thwarted when her trusted teacher rapes her. Taking courage from her mother, Judith, and Susanna, Artemisia comes forward with the truth, but is subjected to a torturous trial that has the potential to end her art career for good. The novel explores the bonds between mothers and daughters, misogyny, story, class, and the power of creation.