Back to the Artist Page

Joseph B. Nordmann Biography

Joseph B. Nordmann was born in Decatur, Illinois in 1922, moving later with his parents to Ohio. His early interests were drawing, playing musical instruments and science. Science won out, and he attended Bowling Green State University, obtaining a B. S. degree in chemistry.

Following this, he obtained a masters degree in organic chemistry from the University of Southern California. Since 1943, California has been his home. As a professor he wrote chemistry texts and won the Manufacturing Chemists Association National Medal for excellence in chemistry teaching.

Simultaneously, he owned and operated the first environmental analytical laboratories in California, in Van Nuys. During WW ll, he was employed as a chemist in defense related jobs.

He began oil painting as a hobby in 1949 with private lessons from California
impressionist painter Paul Conner. Later, he studied with the renowned
artist Nicolai Fechin and still later with Charles Movalli, Edward N.
Ward and Van Waldron. After retiring from chemistry teaching in 1978, he became a full-time artist and writer.

In 1984 he moved to the Monterey Peninsula where he continues his painting career. He has taught art in adult school and given workshops and numerous painting demonstrations to art groups. He is particularly noted for his
impressionistic rendering of buildings. He has had one man exhibitions
at the Carmel Art Association where he is an artist member.