Featured Artist: Jen Norton

Anastasia: What is your background?

Jen: I have been drawing since I could first hold a crayon, but I’m not sure I was born with any more talent than anyone else. As a child, I was painfully shy…and drawing was the one activity I could do without having to converse with anyone. For this reason, I was always encouraged to make art, and it became a comfortable place for me to be and to express myself. Although I was always a good student in many subjects, there was no question that I wanted to study art in college. Fortunately, my parents were kind enough to let me! I have a degree in Fine Arts with a Business Minor from Santa Clara University (1987). After graduation, I wasn’t sure what to do with my art degree, but fate directed me to a graphic design career, and after a short stint in publishing, I spent 10 years as a graphic designer/art director with CKS Partners in the Silicon Valley. After the birth of my daughter, I decided to striking out on my own as a painter... not quite sure where it would lead me. 

I believe my design career has been an incredible asset to me as both a painter and an illustrator. I was able to gain the street smarts needed to meet deadlines and solve client problems. My sense of design elements drives my painting compositions. As a designer, I cherished the opportunities to use illustration in my work, but ultimately realized I’d rather create the images than hire them out. Being able to understand the needs of clients, as well as speak the language of production, is key to creating successful partnerships with creatives who hire me.

Anastasia: What is your technique?

Jen: I love the feel of real paint. I actually bought a digital tablet at one point, but after several years of using it more as an armrest, I sold it on ebay in favor of my brushes! Although I do sometimes combine or edit painted imagery digitally, my work is primarily old-fashioned paint on paper or canvas. I use watercolor, gouache, acrylic, ink, pencil and collage to create work that is both an immediate concept, as well as layered and complex. My process allows me control over the final composition, while still letting some inspired “moments” peek  through. I love work that allows me to portray ordinary moments as sublime works of art.

Anastasia: What is your involvement with the Guild?

Jen: I started going to Guild lunches about two years ago. It was a good way for me to meet people I was working with in a social atmosphere. Recently I was drafted to join the Guild Steering Committee as Secretary. I enjoy being in a room full of other creative people -- the energy is contagious.

Anastasia: Do you have a favorite client story?

Jen: I love to portray all kinds of people, so the story that comes to mind is actually a contrast between two clients. I completed an illustration for a fashion show event for a local Junior League chapter. This event was attended and promoted to their membership, which is largely upper-middle class, white, professional women. The client was very specific on the type of shoe (Manolo Blahniks), as well as the width of the figure’s heels and hips. A few weeks after completing this piece, I was asked by BET Books to do a cover illustration. BET’s audience is African American women, and the publisher mentioned that she loved my work because of how I portray large-lipped, hippy women! (Well, I paint what I know…) It was refreshing to be able to draw uninhibited curves! The fun in assignment work is being able to take direction and challenge your imagination to create something unique to the world.

Anastasia: Anything else?

Jen: I have also been exhibiting my artwork in local Galleries, Art and Wine Fairs and other venues over the last five years. This experience has helped me find focus in the type of art that means the most to me. It has also given me the chance to see how others react to my work and how it touches their spirit. I feel lucky that as an “illustrator with a painterly approach”, and a “fine artist with an illustrative style”, I am able to really connect with people through my art.