Norman Long – Summer Observations

Norman Long (1976) was born in Preston and received his BA from Newcastle University. Early-career awards, such as the de Laszlo Award (Royal Society of Portrait Painters) and Artist of the Year (Artist and Illustrators Magazine) established his reputation, firstly as a portrait painter and then gallery artist. In 2008 he was awarded a scholarship for Postgraduate study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art.

There are twenty one paintings in the exhibition. The works are all oil paintings and demonstrate Norman’s versatility as an artist. Included are vibrant cityscapes, landscapes, and large figurative compositions. 

Locations painted include London, Venice and Windermere. 

Though I love to paint outdoors, never been tied to one mode of working. Even when painting the model in the studio, I am happy for photography, drawing, invention and memory to feed into the work. One hallmark of my artistic heroes such as Rembrandt or Degas is the ability to move seamlessly between observation and invention.” Norman Long 2024

The crowded streets around Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square London, feature in many of Norman’s paintings.

Sketching people unawares is one of the most exciting, unpredictable experiences an artist can have. There is an urgency to capture character and relationships before the subject moves or the light changes.”

Norman Long 2024

In contrast to the cityscapes a number of works feature the Lake District landscape, with several paintings of the wooded banks of Windermere.

An enthusiastic member of The Northern Boys outdoor painting group, Norman loves working en plein air. For figurative works, he combines painting from life with observational drawings, invention, photography and memory.

My range of subjects (portrait, figure, cafes, still life, landscape…) allows me to always feel the freshness of a beginner. The discovery of new techniques is also fundamental to my interest in making paintings.” 

Norman Long  2024

Norman lives in Lytham St Annes Lancashire.  He loves to share his expertise with beginner painters and organises online and inperson art classes. He is the author of a popular book on Oil Painting technique.

The New English Art Club have shown Norman’s work for the past six years. Along with countless solo shows, he has exhibited with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Royal Society of Portrait Painters, BP Portrait Award, Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize etc.

He is a trustee of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art.

Please note: A complete list of works in this exhibition are yet to be added.