Born on 25 March 1863, the third son of Archdeacon Norris of Bristol. He was educated at Charterhouse and Trinity College before he became an art student. In his earlier years as a professional artist he shared a studio with Charles FURSE.

His earlier work included portraits in oils, but his intense love of nature prevailed, and it is as a water-colour artist that his work has long been known. He married Mabel STEVENSON of Hedgerley Park, Bucks and they had three sons.

Norris was present in St Ives on 31 August 1888 to attend the Chantrey Purchase celebratory dinner for Adrian STOKES, as shown by his bold signature on Alfred EAST's menu designed for the evening. (Tovey Fig1.4, p20) The earliest known Cornish title by Norris is found by Bednar to be 1890, his RA titles including Washing Day, Newlyn.  At the 1895 Opening at Newlyn the artist was noticed: 'sends a finely composed canal scene and a sketch of moorland which almost brings the scent of the heather into the gallery.' He died on 24th May 1942.