Early Life and Education
Norman Teeling was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1944, into a cultural environment that would profoundly shape his artistic sensibilities. His formal education at the National College of Art and Design Dublin’s School of Fine Art provided him with a rigorous foundation in traditional artistic techniques and art history.
During his time at the college, Teeling studied under several distinguished Irish artists who would influence his developing style and approach to painting. Among his most significant mentors were Maurice MacGonigal P.P.R.H.A (1900-1979), a prominent figure in Irish art who served as President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, Carey Clarke P.P.R.H.A, and John Kelly RHA (1932-2006).
Teaching Career and Professional Development
Following his graduation, Teeling embarked on a teaching career that lasted twelve years across several Dublin colleges. This period was crucial in his development as both an educator and practicing artist, as teaching required him to articulate artistic principles and techniques while maintaining his own creative practice.
The teaching years allowed Teeling to establish himself within the Dublin art community and develop professional relationships that would prove valuable throughout his career. During this period, he continued to paint and exhibit his work, gradually building recognition for his distinctive impressionist style.
International Animation Career
After twelve years of teaching, Teeling made the significant decision to pursue opportunities in the animation industry. This career transition reflected both his artistic versatility and his willingness to explore new creative challenges. The animation industry provided Teeling with exposure to different artistic techniques and collaborative creative processes.
Teeling worked as a background artist for Don Bluth Studios, contributing to feature films during a period when the studio was producing some of its most acclaimed animated works. His collaboration with Fred Wolf Films included work on popular animated shows such as Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, Zorro, and The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor.
The international scope of Teeling’s animation career took him to Norway in 1990, where he traveled to develop his first animated feature film, “Gurin with the Foxtail.” His animation work extended to several studios in Germany and Italy, providing him with broad international experience and exposure to different artistic approaches.
In addition to his commercial animation work, Teeling also created content for RTÉ, the Irish state television broadcaster, and produced “Fearless Film” for Children’s Television in Dublin. This work allowed him to contribute to Irish cultural production while maintaining his connection to his home country.
Return to Fine Art
Following his successful career in animation, Teeling returned to fine art practice with enhanced skills and broader perspective gained from his international experience. The transition back to painting allowed him to apply the technical skills and creative insights gained during his animation career to his personal artistic practice.
This return to fine art marked the beginning of the most productive and recognized period of his career, during which he would create his most significant works and achieve international recognition. The combination of his formal art education, teaching experience, and animation industry background created a unique foundation for his mature artistic practice.
Norman Teeling’s 2006 book, Norman Teeling Paints The Irish Landscape In Oils (ISBN 978-1-905989-01-0), is a well-regarded instructional guide cherished by En Plein Air artists. It features nine step-by-step oil painting demonstrations and high-quality reproductions of Teeling’s Irish landscape artworks. The book, published by Norman Teeling and Nicholson and Bass Ltd., is praised for its many stunning artwork plates and remains a valued resource for artists and enthusiasts.
Artistic Philosophy
Teeling’s artistic philosophy centers on what he describes as “the elevation of the spirit and the celebration of life.” In his artist statement, he articulates a romantic vision of art’s purpose: “Painting to me is about many things, the most important being the elevation of the spirit and the celebration of life and when I paint a picture, or indeed look at a picture by another artist I want to be elevated, I want to escape from the mundane and enter a world of the romantic whether it be an interior or a landscape.”
This philosophical approach places Teeling firmly within the romantic tradition of landscape painting, emphasizing emotional response and spiritual connection to subject matter over purely observational recording. His focus on light as inspiration reflects the influence of impressionist principles: “Finally, for me, my inspiration is light and through it I try to celebrate my inner world.”
Contemporary Practice and Recognition
International Recognition
At 81 years old, Norman Teeling continues to maintain an active artistic practice, as evidenced by his current gallery representation and ongoing market presence. His longevity as a practicing artist demonstrates both physical vitality and continued creative development.
His membership in the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association represents international peer recognition, connecting him to an international community of plein air painters and providing exposure to American collectors and art enthusiasts.
Gallery Representation
Teeling’s professional standing is reflected in his representation by prestigious galleries in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His primary representation in Dublin is through The Trinity Gallery, while in London he is represented by Barbara Stanley Gallery.
This professional representation provides access to serious collectors and institutional buyers while ensuring professional presentation of his work in key art markets.
The Gift of Music
Norman Teeling is a multifaceted artist, and has made an indelible mark on the Irish music scene as an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, and composer. His musical journey began in the vibrant 1960s Dublin scene, where he played with notable bands like The Difference, captivating audiences with his dynamic performances. Teeling’s talent shone through in the late 1970s when he fronted Norman Teeling’s Thunder Band, performing at high-profile events like a fundraiser for the Phoenix Park Peace Festival. His songwriting prowess was showcased in 1978 when he composed both sides of the Jim Power & Taurus single, “Only Yesterday” and “Night Time Has The Habit Of Dragging On,” a release cherished by new wave collectors. Teeling’s ability to blend rock, blues, and jazz elements established him as a versatile and influential figure in Irish music.
In the early 1980s, Teeling embarked on a prolific solo career, releasing the infectious single “Health Freak” in 1980 on Muscle Records, followed by “Nag Nag Nag” in 1981 on Phaeton Records, featuring a studio track with Eric Bell (formerly of Thin Lizzy) enhanced with live audience effects for an electrifying feel. His two solo albums on Phaeton Records, steeped in blues rock, showcased his instrumental virtuosity and lyrical depth, with the first album blending rock, blues, country, and jazz influences. Teeling also led Hank Halfhead & The Rambling Turkeys in 1985, infusing his performances with humor and energy. His 1978 unreleased LP, “Ashes In The Wind,” recorded with the Norman Teeling Band at Keystone Studios, remains a testament to his ambitious creative vision, with tracks potentially influencing later works.
Teeling’s passion for jazz found expression with the Norman Teeling Trio, whose 2010 album “Jazzing At Midnight” (Anew Music) is a masterful collection of standards like “Summertime,” “Scrapple From The Apple,” and “Bluesette.” Featuring Pat Henry on bass and Philip Rennicks on drums and keyboards, the album highlights Teeling’s deft guitar work and the trio’s seamless chemistry, earning praise for its sophisticated yet accessible sound. His later project, Crushed Rose, formed with Pat Henry and Wayne P. Sheehy, produced the 2012 album “Crushed Rose” (Teelo Records) and a music video for “Ten Long Years,” showcasing Teeling’s enduring vocal and guitar prowess. This endeavor underscored his ability to evolve while staying true to his blues rock roots.
Norman Teeling’s musical career, spanning over five decades, reflects his relentless creativity and dedication to his craft. From the gritty stages of 1960s Dublin to the refined jazz clubs of the 21st century, he has consistently pushed boundaries, collaborating with talented musicians and exploring diverse genres. His recordings, from the raw energy of his early singles to the polished elegance of Jazzing At Midnight, remain a vibrant part of Ireland’s musical heritage. Teeling’s legacy as a musician, much like his celebrated work as a painter, is defined by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.