I am just learning to sketch my observations. I started out on DSO's, mainly small, dim galaxies as they were easy enough for my limited artistic experience. I generally will make a field sketch with notes then go inside and do the finished drawing on a table in better light. I am not near ready enough to tackle the planets yet but I am getting there. I noticed Sol and Carlos' drawings of Jupiter are simply jaw dropping! Do you gents make a field sketch first then the finished drawing later? If so I would love to see one of your field drawings of the planets as it may give me some guidance and insight on how to approach them with the pencil. Also, how do you handle the quickly changing face of Jupiter while you are doing a sketch? Should I just jump right in and try the gas giants? I'm afraid I might get frustrated until I get better (and quicker) with the pencil.
That said, I get great satisfaction from sketching my observations, and my observing skills have improved tenfold. It offers much more instant gratification to me than taking film images. Also, I noticed that due to my sketching I can now see detail in DSO's that most others will not notice until I point it out to them at the EP, and I imagine that it will be the same for the planets. I appreciate any pointers you could post.
Learning to Sketch
Started by vbert, 03/26/2003 02:13PM
Posted 03/26/2003 02:13PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/26/2003 03:00PM
#1
Hi Vincent,
Thanks for your complimentary words.
The drawings of mine that you see are the field sketches and were done entirely at the telescope. I usually observe for while to get my eye adjusted and then draw. During this time I can at least lightly rough in the major bands simply to get their thicknesses and distributions correctly proportioned/positioned. This roughing in is very general and details are left out. I can also visually key in on detail and features that appear on the planet's disc without committing them on paper. Most planet's spin slowly, but for Jupiter rapid rotation, I usually start on the preceding side and work my way across to the following side. I also "triangulate" various features in positional relation to each other in order to keep a spatial accuracy
I use a simple setup: Illumination from a clip on light that I got at a music store. A clipboard. White eraser. 4H and 2B pencils. An eraser shield from an art store. At first I just drew the planet discs but now I have made my own templates. This is a very economical way record and share observations.
Drawing does seem to hone one's observing skills and abilities in its own special way. There's a concentration and dare I say, a psychology connecting observing with a record on paper.
Happily, it seems that there is currently more and more interest in sketching at the eyepiece. There is a lot of combine experience and peer sharing for involved participants of this group. I am sure eveyone would help you out. Just remember, don't worry about being "artistic". Just relax and have fun.
Thanks again, Sol Robbins
Thanks for your complimentary words.
The drawings of mine that you see are the field sketches and were done entirely at the telescope. I usually observe for while to get my eye adjusted and then draw. During this time I can at least lightly rough in the major bands simply to get their thicknesses and distributions correctly proportioned/positioned. This roughing in is very general and details are left out. I can also visually key in on detail and features that appear on the planet's disc without committing them on paper. Most planet's spin slowly, but for Jupiter rapid rotation, I usually start on the preceding side and work my way across to the following side. I also "triangulate" various features in positional relation to each other in order to keep a spatial accuracy
I use a simple setup: Illumination from a clip on light that I got at a music store. A clipboard. White eraser. 4H and 2B pencils. An eraser shield from an art store. At first I just drew the planet discs but now I have made my own templates. This is a very economical way record and share observations.
Drawing does seem to hone one's observing skills and abilities in its own special way. There's a concentration and dare I say, a psychology connecting observing with a record on paper.
Happily, it seems that there is currently more and more interest in sketching at the eyepiece. There is a lot of combine experience and peer sharing for involved participants of this group. I am sure eveyone would help you out. Just remember, don't worry about being "artistic". Just relax and have fun.
Thanks again, Sol Robbins
Posted 03/26/2003 04:41PM
#2
I'm no Van Gogh with a sketchpad (don't have a scanner, so I don't post my sketches), but I started drawing Jupiter this year, only at the eyepiece. At this point I must have 25 sketches. I started drawing not for any great artistic reason or even to have a record of what I saw, but because I wanted to accentuate my observational skills. When drawing, I just find that I spend longer looking and searching for detail, and so I just see more. So I'd say, go for it, and don't worry about whether it's "good enough"!
Astronomy mag had an article recently on sketching planets- Jan. '03. Good luck!
Mary
Astronomy mag had an article recently on sketching planets- Jan. '03. Good luck!
Mary
Posted 03/26/2003 06:27PM
#3
Vincent,
Thank you for the compliment on my observing and artistic talents. It has taken me some time to develop these.
I too make a drawing at the eyepiece, as Sol points out. I tend to use slightly lighter shades (HB to 6H) in my renditions. I would suggest at your stage to stick with two shades as Sol suggests (4H and 2B). Be careful how much pressure you apply to the observing form as it is easier to apply more shade than to erase a dark shade. An artist's stump (sold at many art stores) may be useful to blend shades. A pliable eraser can remove shade as well. The clipboard with a light (e.g. clip on night light sold at many stores) is perfect for your observations. You may want to apply a pink or red fingernail polish to the light bulb if the glare is too much. Apart form this the only advice that I, or Sol, can give you or anyone else is to Practice, Practice, Practice!
You will notice that you will be seeing more detail as time goes by. This will also benefit your DSO observations as well as you are becoming a better overall observer and seeing fainter and more delicate detail in and around nebula and galaxies.
The best of luck in your future observations. We look forward to your observations being posted.
Carlos
Thank you for the compliment on my observing and artistic talents. It has taken me some time to develop these.
I too make a drawing at the eyepiece, as Sol points out. I tend to use slightly lighter shades (HB to 6H) in my renditions. I would suggest at your stage to stick with two shades as Sol suggests (4H and 2B). Be careful how much pressure you apply to the observing form as it is easier to apply more shade than to erase a dark shade. An artist's stump (sold at many art stores) may be useful to blend shades. A pliable eraser can remove shade as well. The clipboard with a light (e.g. clip on night light sold at many stores) is perfect for your observations. You may want to apply a pink or red fingernail polish to the light bulb if the glare is too much. Apart form this the only advice that I, or Sol, can give you or anyone else is to Practice, Practice, Practice!
You will notice that you will be seeing more detail as time goes by. This will also benefit your DSO observations as well as you are becoming a better overall observer and seeing fainter and more delicate detail in and around nebula and galaxies.
The best of luck in your future observations. We look forward to your observations being posted.
Carlos
Funding Member
