The story

Larry was born in Zimbabwe and grew up on a farm resting at the base of the Great Dyke range. He began drawing as a very young boy, learning from his grandmother who gave him his very first set of oil paints. Hunting and fishing trips to the Zambezi Valley with his parents sparked a love of nature for Larry that has burned throughout his entire life. From a young age he would disappear alone into the farm and surrounding hills with his dog and gun returning a day or two later, a habit that likely resulted in his many expeditions in later life.

After receiving the Catasus Medal (the Society of Animal Artists most prestigious award) he began his career under the generous mentorship of the late Simon Combes (1940 - 2004). Combes helped Larry master his skill with oil paints resulting in a series of exhibitions held in galleries in New York and London . He now has an established Gallery in the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe, The Larry Norton Gallery.

Larry’s work has taken him all over Africa, whether doing fieldwork or gathering materials during lengthy and precarious expeditions. A year-long trip in a light aircraft with bushpilot Tom Claytor in 1991 led him through eighteen countries across North, East and West Africa during some particularly politically unstable times. His exploration of the continent continued as he traveled the length of the Zambezi river, during the filming of National Geographic’s “Life of the Zambezi, from its Source to the Sea.” He has continued with many field trips in and around Southern Africa. These include several journeys to photograph and sketch the Okavango Delta, trekking deep within Botswana’s Moremi national park and kayaking the Lugenda river in Northern Mozambique.

Today he lives in the cozy town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, stationed between two national parks and the waterfall itself. When he is not in the studio Larry can usually be found kayaking the Zambezi rapids or escaping into the surrounding bush. His work does follow him home however, as a herd of warthogs have recently taken to pushing their way under his fence to visit the artist for a snack and scratch every couple of days.

Larry continues to capture the infinite moments of rugged beauty that his home provides, each brushstroke showing us what can be created if you truly love your subject matter.