"Cézanne in the Studio" primarily focuses on Paul Cézanne's series of watercolor still lifes, especially the masterpiece "Still Life with Blue Pot" in the Getty Museum's collection. The book examines how Cézanne elevated the genre of still life painting by incorporating elements typically reserved for grander forms of art.

Carol Armstrong meticulously analyzes Cézanne's unique approach to still life painting, showing how he transformed simple household objects into monumental works. She uses new photographic studies of the Getty's painting to provide readers with detailed insights into Cézanne's watercolor techniques and his creative process.

The book offers fresh insights into Cézanne's complex personality and creative process by providing unprecedented access to the rich details and technical brilliance of his watercolor techniques. It highlights how Cézanne's work challenged artistic hierarchies and revolutionized the still life genre.