M16:  The Star Queen Nebula

  I finally got some time to sit down and work on sketching.   I got my first  view of M16 with my 15x70s and a July 4th party out in the country.  It was amazing even at 15x, and I knew I wanted to give sketching it a try.

This one was very difficult.  It took over 3 hours!  M16 has a tremendous amount of subtle detail--some of it well beyond the ability of a pencil to accurately convey it.  I wasn't truly happy as I was sitting down doing it, but when I stepped back 3-4', it came together and expressed the strong contrasts and large scale features quite well.  I've cropped it to 12"x12" and it's off  to the framer to redeem my $60 coupon!

  Next time-something simple, maybe an open cluster!

That is a stunning sketch!  

 I think you've outdone yourself this time. Simply stunning!

  Thanks Guys!

  I should probably give at least some credt to--

   Mother Nature!!!

  I think this has to be one of the most--if not the most-- beautiful, mysterious, and captivating objects in the night sky.  I'm sure I'll be revisiting it on paper--maybe an 18'x24"...

  I've noticed a phenomena akin to 'aperture fever'-- the drawing sizes just keep getting bigger...

  Fortunately paper is $.30 to $3.00 a sheet...

 Well, O.K. she does have some of the credit!

I do too have a sketch to show. It's of Saturn from last year. (Though it's on white paper.) Unfortunately I only have a camera on my Phone. I haven't got round to asking my Bro for use of his camera.

  Great!--

     I highly recommend a scanner if you can get one to use---  The resolution in the new ones is amazing....

 We do have one from an our old computer. However it doesn't like talking to this computer.

I may pop up the library.

One HELL of a sketch! Looks like a SAC or SBIG image to me. Great job!

Most impressive!  Thanks for the look of a stunning object.

L

Thanks everyone!

  next up:  the Trifid, the Rosette, and M51 (I'm planning on a 19"x19" for this!!--don't know how I'm gonna scan it...)

Here's my sketch of Saturn I was on about. I drew this from memory rather than at the eyepiece.

Well when I say memory. As soon as came in! 

An impress work of Art!  Clear Skyz, LA :)

 Stunning sketch, Cyberpatzer - just can't do that!

Beautiful work!  Well done!