A POPULAR and well-loved artist from Salisbury who spent decades capturing the beauty of the city and surrounding villages has died, aged 61.

David Rossiter was a familiar sight to many as he sat by his easel, painting and sketching the picturesque scenes around him.

Although most widely known for his landscapes and depiction of prominent local landmarks, he had a diverse style and used a range of techniques.

He was also an accomplished musician, composing and playing the acoustic guitar with friends.

Born in St Mark’s Road, he attended St Mark’s Primary School and then St Thomas’s Boys School, excelling in all his studies.

He later lived in Winterbourne Earls, Durrington before moving to Mere in 2008.

Never having owned a driving licence and not one to use public transport, he would cycle with his easel on his back or hitchhike to where he wanted to be.

For three years in the late nineties he lived in France, soaking up the different lifestyle, learning the language and performing in a band that played a fusion of folk and reggae music.

While art was a life-long passion, he began his working life as a police cadet at 16, his father and uncle having both been in the police service.

But a job as a draughtsman soon beckoned, a post he kept for several years before deciding to follow his dream of becoming a self-employed artist.

Entirely self-taught, he would gain commissions as he painted and today his work adorns walls not only across the south west but around the world.

He died on June 4 of heart failure and is survived by his two children and six grandchildren.

The funeral is at 12.15pm on Wednesday, June 27, at Salisbury Crematorium.