4 replies to this topic

[John Bali]

For the past three weeks in Minnesota it has been nothing but clouds.  Clears for a few hours here and there.  But soon as it gets dark the clouds roll in.  Typical here as this is the cloudiest time of year.

 

Been itching to get out to do any observing and possibly a sketch. Yesterday my first chance but was 6 PM before I could get out. The moon starting to move into the trees. In desperation grabbed the binoculars, clipboard and one pencil. I am going to do a moon sketch and nothing will stop me!

 

Get out and get to work. Had to move a couple times. 17 degrees but no wind. 15 minutes in and here come the clouds! So raced to finish the rough sketch and make notes. 

 

 

This morning redrew from my data.  184# black Strathmore paper. White, black charcoal pencils and a white gel pen. Blending sticks used as well.

 

First use of these materials. Previously all my drawings on white paper. Celestron 9 X 63 Spymaster binoculars. 

 

John B.

 

 

[bphaneuf]

Great effort and results John. We do do this to ourselves, don’t we?
Clearer skies and dry paper to you,
-b

[lwbehney]

Truly interesting!  When I click on the image of your drawing, I see you have captured a grouping of stars at the 8:00 position adjacent to the left border of your sketch. Is this a star cluster? 

Thanks for posting this fun sketch. 

[tcifani]

I gotta hand it to you, considering it was 17º I really like your sketch!

[John Bali]

Thank you for the kind words. 

 

No stars drawn. Just dust particles probably from the white charcoal pencil.  Very hard to take a photo of my work without shadows or the paper surface showing.  Also dust!  Took like ten photos and then adjusted contrast etc.

 

17 degrees with no wind not bad. Minnesotans define this temp as a "bit chilly."  For me now once it starts getting into the single digits time to head in.  50 years ago -10 no problem as could take ten steps and duck in the house. 

 

John