For a young artist, Norman Long has achieved significant recognition. In his first year at Newcastle University, he was a prize winner in the Singer and Friedlander/Sunday Times Watercolour Competition. Upon graduating, he was made Artist in Residence at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham.

In his 5 years as an independent professional, Norman has had 4 solo shows and completed scores of commissions from life. He spent 7 weeks painting landscapes in California, culminating in exhibitions on both sides of the Atlantic.