I'd highly recommend Emile Zola's book, "The Masterpiece." It is a 19th century work involving the evolution of the Impressionists. It's actually an impressionist work itself. Being so, it's a tad experimental. The story is quite intriguing, though, and it's an easy read. You will experience the real "Cafe Guerbois," (even though it's not called that in the book), and meet many of the Impressionists themselves, (even though, their names have been changed to protect Zola), and I would assume you will meet yourself, as well. I did.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ex...&Search=Search
Don't read the introduction until you're finished with the book. It tells the ending and ruins everything.
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