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David Measures (1937- ) From childhood, David Measures developed a deep interest in natural history. He trained as an artist at the Slade School of Fine Art, London. During this time he was heavily influenced by the work of such artists as Bomberg, Matisse, Cézanne and Picasso. Later he became an art teacher at Nottingham College of Art, and it was during this time that he combined his love of natural history and art to make detailed observations of nature out in the field. Measures developed a disciplined approach to his studies and would only draw an insect or bird while he could observe it - as soon as it flew away he would stop drawing. He would also try to stay with an individual butterfly for as long as possible, and on a single page he would draw and note the behaviour of a butterfly from its morning roost until the end of the day. The use of ball-point and marker pens enabled him to work fast in the field, allowing him to continuously draw an insect or take observational notes. He also used a small watercolour box. Measures recognises that his style might appear as unfinished; however, his intention is not to produce a scientific representation of nature but instead record an authentic personal reaction to his observations of nature. His style has influenced the work of other natural history artists who have appreciated the immediacy and fluid style of his drawings.
In 1984, Measures spent the summer conducting a detailed study, observing and drawing butterflies at Southwell, in Nottinghamshire. This drawing is typical of the artwork resulting from this project and depicts his observations of two comma butterflies recorded over a 90 minute period. The drawing has been executed in ball-point pen and watercolour. It is accompanied by extensive observational notes in which he records how the resident comma butterfly was visited by a second comma and then how the intruder was chased. Such are the encounters and interactions that fascinate Measures and he tries to capture this fascination on paper.
The wings of the comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album) have a distinctive jagged outline that is unique among the British butterflies. The upper side of the wing is an orange-brown colour, with black and yellowish brown markings, and the lowerside has a white comma-shaped mark. This mark is the origin of the British common name, comma butterfly. The Comma is a common butterfly in the British countryside and is frequently seen in gardens during the autumn when it is attracted to over-ripe fruit. Find out more about British Butterflies and their conservation.
The David Measures Drawings Collection In 1997, David Measures presented his collection of 57 drawings to the Natural History Museum. This collection provides an important example of a more emotional response to nature and makes an interesting contrast to the scientific illustrative work of other twentieth century artists.
Exhibition and publication details Measures' portfolio of drawings from this project were published in his book, Butterfly Season (1984).
References and further reading Brooks, M., & Knight, C. (1982) A Complete Guide to British Butterflies. Jonathan Cape: London. 159 pp. Measures, D. (1984) Butterfly Season. Arlequin: Chelmsford. 141pp. |
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