Garstin Norman Paintings

Norman Garstin (1847-1926) was an Irish artist whose work spans a variety of genres, including landscape, portraiture, and genre painting. Born in Cahirconlish, County Limerick, Ireland, Garstin's artistic journey began after a diverse range of careers, from mining in Spain to working in an architect's office. His eclectic early experiences contributed to the depth and variety of his later work as an artist. Garstin's education in art formally started when he moved to Antwerp to study under Charles Verlat at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, followed by further studies in Paris at the Académie Julian under William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury, which was a common path for many artists seeking to refine their skills during that period.

Garstin's artistic style was heavily influenced by the impressionist movement, which is evident in his use of light and color to capture the transient effects of nature. He was also influenced by the works of James McNeill Whistler and Edouard Manet, whose styles can be seen in Garstin's approach to composition and brushwork. Despite these influences, Garstin developed his own distinctive style, characterized by a subtle use of color and light, often focusing on the landscapes of Cornwall, where he spent much of his career. Penzance became his home, and the unique quality of light and the Cornish landscape were constant sources of inspiration for his work.

Garstin was an integral part of the Newlyn School, a group of artists based in the Cornish town of Newlyn who were known for their realistic depictions of local life and landscapes. This school included notable artists such as Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley, with whom Garstin shared a commitment to painting en plein air, a technique that involved working outside directly from the subject. One of Garstin's most celebrated works, 'The Rain it Raineth Every Day', exemplifies his skill in capturing the atmospheric conditions of a moment, showcasing his delicate handling of light and mood.

Throughout his career, Garstin exhibited widely, including shows at the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon, gaining recognition and accolades for his contributions to British art. Despite his success, he remained a modest and dedicated painter, committed to his artistic vision until his death in 1926. Garstin's legacy is preserved through his contributions to the Newlyn School and his influence on the development of British landscape and genre painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.