Despite the existence of a wide variety of drawing media and techniques, there is until now no comprehensive treatment of astronomical sketching. This book presents the amateur with fine examples of astronomical sketches and step-by-step tutorials in each popular medium, including pencil, pen and ink, chalks and pastels, painting and computer graphics programs. This unique book can teach almost anyone to create beautiful sketches of celestial objects by following simple, illustrated, step-by-step instructions. Readers can choose a chapter related to their preferred class of object, and rapidly absorb techniques in several media. Each chapter provides useful information regarding equipment, types of telescope and eyepiece combinations, techniques for preserving and archiving sketches, and suggestions for accurate record keeping. This book could become a classic.
At some time we have all gazed through the telescope eyepiece at the magnificent rings and banded globe of Saturn, or seen long shadows reaching across crater floors at the Moon's terminator - and wondered at the sheer beauty of the sight.
It seems almost anachronistic to think of sketching when CCD imaging is available, but astronomical sketching provides an entirely different and deeply personal experience. It means spending time at the eyepiece to really look at what you can see, training your eye to perceive ever greater detail to take the fullest advantage of your telescope's light grasp and resolution.
And of course, good astronomical sketches are artwork in themselves, for display and decoration in the home or observatory.
Astronomical Sketching is as an easy, step-by-step introduction to sketching celestial objects. It brings together five talented astronomical sketch artists, each of whom has a unique mastery of the media along with the ability to teach their own techniques.
Here is a wealth of knowledge, tips and techniques for every aspiring astronomical artist!
From the reviews:
"Sketching is the best way to train the eye for visual observation and it enhances an observer's enjoyment of the night sky. This book is aimed at those who would like to discover and develop sketching techniques. The five experienced authors describe their areas of specialty, with chapters on sketching the Moon, comets, the Sun, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. ? In all, it's a super book." (Peter Grego, BBC Sky at Night, December, 2007)
