Hi There Reader... Back again for week two…told you we were doing this more often. This one’s a mix of where to go and what to read, with a small new addition you’ll start to notice along the way. Cheers,

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier Artful Rating: 4 Brushstrokes​ 🎨🎨🎨🎨

I finally picked up Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier - a book that had been sitting on my “want to read” list for years. It completely pulled me in from the very first page. It’s a quick read, but one that lingers. Although the story is fictional, centered on a young girl who becomes a maid in the household of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, it’s grounded in the known facts of the time. Chevalier brings 17th-century Delft to life so vividly that you can practically walk the canals and catch the sharp, unmistakable sights and smells of the meat market along the way.

What I found especially fascinating was the glimpse into the (presumed) artistic process…those small, tactile details that make it all feel real. I knew, in theory, about the use of animal intestines for storing paint, but I didn’t realize that practice was reserved for the most expensive pigments, carefully sealed with a nail to preserve every bit. It’s those kinds of details that elevate the story, along with the way light, color and composition are described with a artist’s sensitivity.

Chevalier builds her narrative around Girl with a Pearl Earring, one of Vermeer’s most iconic works. Vermeer himself remains something of a mystery; he lived in the 1600s and left behind only about 35 known paintings, many depicting quiet, intimate interior scenes. The girl in this particular painting is unknown, and the work is considered a “tronie”, more a study of expression than a formal portrait. That ambiguity gives the novel its space to imagine the background and story. It’s a beautiful blend of fact and fiction, and if you have even a passing interest in art, history or the creative process, it’s well worth the read.

P.S. You’ll notice something new in this section going forward: a simple rating system to go along with each book. I’m calling it Brushstrokes. Think of it as a quick, visual way to capture how strongly I’d recommend something. Each rating will be paired with a set of palette marks 🎨…because, well, we don't use stars around here.

🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 5 Brushstrokes → Worth the journey

🎨🎨🎨🎨4 Brushstrokes → Highly recommend

🎨🎨🎨3 Brushstrokes → A good stop along the way

🎨🎨2 Brushstrokes → A quick sketch

🎨1 Brushstroke → Pass this time

May's Best Destinations

San Diego, California Easy Coastal Living May is a near-perfect time to visit San Diego. The weather is comfortably warm without the peak summer heat, and while the coastal “May Gray” mornings can roll in, they often give way to bright, sunny afternoons. It’s an easy time to enjoy the coastline, wander through Balboa Park or explore neighborhoods like La Jolla without the heavier summer crowds. There’s a relaxed, open-air rhythm to the city in May…perfect for taking it all in at your own pace.

Cusco, Peru Clear Mountain Skies May is an ideal time to visit Cusco, right at the start of the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The skies are typically clear, the air is crisp and the surrounding mountains take on a striking, sunlit beauty that feels almost otherworldly. It’s one of the best times for exploring nearby sites like Machu Picchu, before the heavier crowds of peak summer arrive. Its blend of Incan history and Spanish colonial architecture feels especially vivid under those bright May skies.

Paris, France Soft Golden Light May is one of the most beautiful times to experience Paris. The city feels fully awake; gardens and tree-lined boulevards are in bloom, café terraces spill out onto the sidewalks and the light has that soft, golden quality artists have chased for centuries. The weather is comfortably mild, making it ideal for wandering without a plan, whether along the Seine River or through neighborhoods like Montmartre.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Historic Spring Revival May is one of the best times to visit Philadelphia. The city comes alive with spring color; parks and historic squares are in bloom, and the weather is mild enough to spend hours walking without a plan. It’s an ideal time to explore landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, then wander into vibrant neighborhoods filled with cafés, galleries and street art.

The Artful Traveler journey continues on Patreon, where new destinations, lessons and creative explorations are shared. You can follow along for free, join as an Atelier Insider, or join for full access to everything inside the Atelier.