Ben Norris biography provided courtesy of “California Watercolors 1850-1970” By Gordon T. McClelland and Jay T. Last.

Ben Norris (1910- )...Born: Redlands, CA

Studied: Pomona College (California), Harvard University, Sorbonne (Paris)

Member: California Water Color Society, Philadelphia Water Color Club.

Ben Norris grew up in Southern California and graduated from Pomona College. He was awarded a scholarship to attend Harvard University studying art history and watercolor painting. This was followed by art classes in Spain, Italy and at the Sorbonne in France. When Norris returned to Southern California in 1934, he began regularly painting watercolors out on location with friend Tom Craig. In addition, he took art classes from Stanton MacDonald-Wright. For about a year he painted California Style watercolors of Los Angeles regional scenes and produced animation art at the Harmon-Ising Studios.

In 1936, Norris moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and began a 30 year career as an art instructor.

...extended biography is available in McClellands "California Watercolors" book. Ben Norris biographical information:

Interview with Ben Norris, 1997

Claremont Fine Arts Gallery, Claremont, 1997 Who Was Who in American Art.