I am looking for a biography, or even a good novel, based on artists. They could be real or fictional, doesn't really matter. I'm just looking for a bit of inspiration!

"The Last Promise" by Richard Paul Evans is a fiction book.

It is very good, takes place in Italy! The main character (a woman) is a painter.

It is a very sweet story.

Currently reading The Agony and The Ecstasy by Irving Stone. It's a story of Michaelangelo's life. It takes place in Italy and has a lot of Italian interwined with the language. Very interesting.

Lust for Life by Irving Stone is the story of Vincent van Gough and as a companion to that, don't pass up Dear Theo:  The Autobiography of Vincent van Gough.  Dear Theo are the letters Vincent wrote to his brother who worked as an art merchant (for lack of a better word for someone who bought and sold art) in Paris during the time of the great impressionists.  He was a great friend to his brother and attempted to promote his art, buying a lot of Vincent's work that never sold.  I really came to appreciate the artist and his art through these books.  Of course, any of Irving Stone's books are a joy to read.  They are well researched and true to the subject.