Norman Garstin was an Irish artist known for his paintings that captured the everyday life and landscapes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Cahirconlish, County Limerick, Ireland, on 28 August 1847, he led a cosmopolitan life that informed his eclectic style. Garstin's artistic journey took him across various parts of Europe, where he absorbed influences from different art movements and styles.
Educated initially in engineering, Garstin later diverted his attention to painting. In pursuit of his passion, he studied art in Antwerp under Charles Verlat, in Paris at the Académie Julian under William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Tony Robert-Fleury, and also spent time learning in Brittany and Spain. His exposure to Impressionism and plein-air painting in France had a profound influence on his style, as did the works of James McNeill Whistler.
Garstin settled in Cornwall, England, and became associated with the Newlyn School of artists, which included noteworthy painters like Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley. This group of artists was known for their naturalistic and realist depictions of rural life and the sea. One of Garstin's most famous works, 'The Rain it Raineth Every Day' (1896), exemplifies his skill in capturing the atmospheric effects of light and weather, showcasing his Impressionist leanings.
Apart from painting, Garstin was also a writer and critic, contributing articles on art to various publications. His paintings were exhibited in numerous locations, including the Royal Academy in London.
Garstin continued to paint into his later years, remaining an active member of the artistic community until his death in Penzance, Cornwall, on 9 June 1926. His legacy is preserved through his contributions to British Impressionism and the Newlyn School, as well as his influence on the generation of artists who followed.
