We’ve just received the very sad news that David Measures has died. I was fortunate that David was my accessor at the RCA and that he was a selfless supporter of myself and Debbie, our work and our gallery, and many other artists and students. I've had many interesting and amusing conversations with David, including the story of how his pet barn owl would bite his ankles whilst he was trying to use the loo. I last spoke to David in February and I was going to ring him to talk about his wonderful butterfly drawings, but alas have left it too late. We're both feeling very sad.

David's obituary in the Telegraph.

John Busby Seabird Drawing Week 2011


Gannets by John Busby


A field sketching and painting week based at North Berwick on the Firth of Forth

18th - 25th June 2011

Course leaders: John Busby, David Measures, Anna Kirk Smith and Darren Woodhead

This is an opportunity for enthusiasts with experience of field sketching to gather for a week of drawing and painting among many seabird sites in the area: Bass Rock, Fidra, Dunbar, St. Abbs Head, Tyringhame, Aberlady Bay. Artists can opt to do their own thing or join others on visits to seabird sites. John Busby, David Measures, Anna Kirk Smith and Darren Woodhead will all be on hand if anyone would like help or guidance with drawing or painting in the field, and we hope to offer optional evening activities.

Contact Mark Boyd for more information.

Anna Kirk-Smith has just returned from lecturing at John Busby's drawing course held on Bass Rock, Scotland. Here, alongside John Busby and David Measures, Anna taught the drawing of birds from life among the thousands of Bass Rock gannets. Some examples of her work, generated at St. Abb’s on the same trip, are below. If you would like to see these pieces and others in the flesh, they are due to be exhibited at the British Birdwatching Fair in Rutland, from the 21st to 23rd August 2009.