Congratulations to John Busby

John sketching by the Firth of Forth, near his home in Scotland. In the background is the Bass Rock, whitened by thousands of Northern Gannets Morus bassanus.

The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, in Wisconsin, USA, has named John Busby as its 2009 Master Wildlife Artist. He will receive the award during the preview opening of Birds in Art on 11 September and next day, will speak about his life as a birder, educator, and artist. Sculptor Tony Angell, a previous Birds in Art Master, describes his colleague as "perhaps the greatest living bird artist who draws directly from nature.”

John has illustrated more than 35 books about birds and animals, and Peter Harris regarded himself highly privileged when John generously provided the cover painting for Kingfisher’s Fire, which tells the A Rocha story. John’s talent is well known to A Rocha supporters, as he has provided stunning illustrations for A Rocha International News and taken part in various A Rocha events. His 2005 publication, Land Marks & Sea Wings, reveals his direct and immediate response to nature on land and water as well as on the wing. His goal for every piece is "to make something memorable and true" Read more

See more illustrations by John Busby