Norton was exposed to the arts at a young age through family members such as well-known artists, Earl Fausett, his grandfather, and Lynn and Dean Fausett, his cousins. Norton began his formal arts education in high school, and continued into college. He attended Western Wyoming College, and Brigham Young University where he studied under Conrad Schwiering. He later traveled to Perth, Australia, on a church mission, where he stayed for two years and continued his informal training in painting. His informal education also includes trips to museums in Canada, the United States, and Russia.