Graham Noble Norwell, born in 1901 in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a Canadian painter whose life and career were marked by a passion for landscapes, a penchant for seclusion, and a love of travel. His work, though not widely known today, offers a window into the Canadian landscape and the artist's complex personality.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Norwell was the elder of two sons born to Captain John Craigie and Mary Helen Norwell. In 1914, when Graham was just 13 years old, the Norwell family immigrated to Canada aboard the "S.S. Grampian" and settled in Kingston, Ontario. His father served as Provost Marshal for Military District No. 3 during World War I, a role that brought stability and structure to the family during tumultuous times. It was in Kingston that Graham and his younger brother, Ian, completed their education.
After finishing school, Graham embarked on a journey that would define the rest of his life. In 1920, he set off on travels that took him to South America, Europe, and the United States. During his time in New York, he visited Greenwich Village, a hub for artists and writers, which left a lasting impression on him. This experience likely played a role in his decision to pursue art seriously upon his return to Canada.
Education and Early Career
Norwell enrolled at the Ontario College of Art in 1920, where he studied under some of Canada's most respected artists, including Arthur Lismer, G.A. Reid, J.W. Beatty, and Robert Holmes. His talent quickly became evident, earning him a scholarship and an Honourable Mention in Design. However, Norwell's restless spirit led him to leave the college after just one year to study in Paris and London, where he became a pupil of the renowned British painter Augustus John.
Despite his early success and the opportunities presented to him in Europe, Norwell returned to Canada, where he began to focus on painting seriously. By 1921, at the age of 21, he was already receiving favorable reviews for his work, with critics praising his maturity, confidence, and mastery of various mediums. His first solo exhibition in Ottawa at James Wilson and Company showcased 75 of his works, primarily in oils, and marked the beginning of a promising career.
Life in London and Subsequent Struggles
In 1924, Norwell was elected a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, a significant achievement that cemented his place in the Canadian art world. He continued to travel, spending time in London, England, where his work caught the attention of notable figures, including Neville Chamberlain, who purchased two of his paintings. However, despite his success abroad, Norwell's personal life was less stable. His first marriage, to the niece of Austen Chamberlain (Neville's half-brother), ended in divorce. His second marriage, to a young writer from Rochester, New York, also failed, in part due to Norwell's frequent solo trips to paint in the countryside.
These solitary excursions, while essential to his art, also contributed to his growing isolation and struggles with alcohol. By the 1930s, Norwell had settled in Montreal, where he lived in various run-down apartments and often exchanged his paintings for drinks at local taverns. His poor diet and lifestyle eventually took a toll on his health, but his love for painting never waned.
Artistic Legacy
Norwell's work is characterized by his deep connection to the Canadian landscape, particularly the Laurentians, where he spent the last six years of his life. His paintings, often devoid of human figures, capture the beauty and solitude of the natural world. He occasionally included skiers or campers in his work, but his primary focus remained on the landscapes themselves.
Despite his struggles, Norwell's talent and dedication to his art did not go unnoticed. His paintings were exhibited with the Ontario Society of Artists, the Royal Canadian Academy, and at the Canadian National Exhibition. His work was also included in several prestigious collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Hart House at the University of Toronto.
Final Years and Posthumous Recognition
Graham Noble Norwell passed away in 1967 in the Village of Val David, nestled in the Laurentians north of Montreal. His death marked the end of a life filled with artistic achievement, personal challenges, and a deep love for the Canadian wilderness. Today, while not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Norwell's work continues to be appreciated by those who discover it, offering a glimpse into the soul of an artist who found solace and inspiration in the beauty of nature.
An unpublished biography written by Gerald Shebib in 1970 and deposited in the National Gallery of Canada Library ensures that Norwell's story and contributions to Canadian art will not be forgotten. His life serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to capture the essence of a place and the complexities of the human experience.
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