16 replies to this topic

[itsjack]

Having had a browse through the sketching forums, I have seen some incredible sketches. I would love to one day be able to create something of a similar high quality.

I've never sketched astronomically before, and I've never been very artistic.

What do I need to get started, and what are some important beginner pieces of advice you could give people like me starting out?

(please let me know if this is more appropriate for the "beginners" forum)

[bphaneuf]

Nope. You’re in the right forum! Delighted to see that you’re starting the journey. There are many avenues to take, but the easiest way to start to my mind is pencil and paper. Just get a simple set of pencils with a variety of 3-4 hardness options, a good eraser and a sketch pad. Nothing fancy especially starting out. (I just use the printer paper on which I print my journal pages.). There are many good videos on astronomical sketching that you might want to check out. The best advice is just start drawing. Keep at it. When it’s cloudy or you just can’t wait until sunset, practice with some low res photos. Post your drawings here for advice and words of encouragement. We all start pretty much at the same place and you’re among friends. As with most any new skill, stay with it and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress. As you get more proficient you may do some experimenting with different techniques before settling on one or two. Ask questions either in the forum or DM anyone who’s work you like.
Clear skies and dry paper to you!
-b

Edited by bphaneuf, 23 April 2025 - 06:07 PM.

[itsjack]

Thanks alot for your encouraging words. I've seen some things with people using graphite or other mediums, but its good to know I can start with just pencil or paper. I haven't been a CN member for long but it genuinely seems like a really friendly community, and I really don't feel afraid asking for advice with any sketches I post here in the future.

[bphaneuf]

FYI:  The technique I came to use is pastel pencils and powder applied by brush to black art paper - also known as the Mellish Technique. However since I’m on a ladder I do a paper/pencil eyepiece sketch and take detailed notes. As soon as I can afterwards at home I’ll use those to create the final drawing.

Edited by bphaneuf, 23 April 2025 - 01:27 PM.

[Procyon Lotor]

HB pencils and white printer paper is just fine to start out, before you invest money in fancier art pencils and a sketching book. Heck, if I remember correctly some very experienced sketchers such as Howard Banich still just use HB pencil, eraser, and fingertip for smudging. Watching some videos on sketching technique can be a real help, so I highly recommend it. Don't get frustrated if they don't turn out the best at first - it can take some practice to get the hang of things. Feel free to post sketches and questions here! Look forward to seeing your work.

[billywjackson]

The people on this forum are very helpful, and the advice already given is great. As has been mentioned, there are several good YouTube videos. I'm still trying to learn this skill, but I believe it's already made me a better observer. In addition to lurking on this forum, this book had been very helpful.https://www.amazon.c...511041039&psc=1

Clear skies!

Edited by billywjackson, 24 April 2025 - 12:58 AM.

[Tony Cifani]

Hi itsjack!

Welcome to CN and The Sketching Forum. Most of my sketches are very simple, pencil on paper but sometimes I like to try other types of drawing tools when I have time and energy. I think one of the most important things you can do is make yourself comfortable at the telescope. I used to stand while observing but now I sit on an adjustable stool. For me, this makes a big difference when sketching and observing. Good luck and I hope to see your first sketch here!

[Daveatvt01]

Hi and welcome!

 

The sketching forum has some "how to" links that could be of interest: https://www.cloudyni...how-to-threads/

[azure1961p]

It's sad. I never ever found a sketching tutorial worth it's salt regarding astronomy.   I mean never.   I've contemplated doing it here, photos etc.  but it's too much effort to put it together to watch it cycle into obscurity.

So many things , cheap things and simple techniques take you so.much farther. 

 

Good luck in your endeavors.

 

Pete

[harpo80]

Awesome thread and great tips.  My last sketch was a stick figure and it barely looked human.  Tackling some of the AL observing programs requires it, so it's time for me to tackle this skill too.

[Daveatvt01]

It's sad. I never ever found a sketching tutorial worth it's salt regarding astronomy.   I mean never.   I've contemplated doing it here, photos etc.  but it's too much effort to put it together to watch it cycle into obscurity.

So many things , cheap things and simple techniques take you so.much farther. 

 

Good luck in your endeavors.

 

Pete

Here’s a good one by Cindy (warmvet): https://youtu.be/-v_ExTM-BNg 

[Asbytec]

What do you need to get started? The desire to sketch. There are artists in this forum, but I am not one of them. I started with pencil and notebook paper, then found my way to digital sketching. You'll find a method that works for you.

 

By the way, save your very first sketch. Sometimes a post will start asking people to share it. You'll be amazed how far you will have come after you develop your style, technique, and observing skill. That is what sketching is. Developing observing skill. You've taken the first step on a journey. 

 

My first sketch...

 

 

 

[azure1961p]

There's refinements in technique no one ever addresses. Or knows about

 

Incidentally , copier paper, if u r new is OK.  It is HORRIBLE however.  The paper doesn't accept graphite shading the way you truly need so your gradients become more patchy and zonal as a result.

 

I'll do a separate tutorial post.  There, I talked myself into it.  It'll be the best graphite astronomy tutorial and it's all inexpensive and you'll never go back to copier paper, and so on. 

 

Pete

Edited by azure1961p, 01 May 2025 - 10:40 AM.

[JayinUT]

Erika Rix has a nice presentation on sketching HERE. There is a wonderful book called Astronomical Sketching A Step by Step Guide in the Patrick Moore series. I have it digitally and hard copy along with sketching the moon. Alexander Massey introduced Scott Mellish's Mellish Method on this YouTube Video LINK and in this post LINK   Finally the Astronomical League has these resources posted LINK 

[Uwe Pilz]

> and I've never been very artistic.

That is not the most important point. The main reason for sketching is to record what you really saw. A simple outline may do the sketch, and it is much much better than nothing.

After some time, your sketches will get more detailed and realistic. Just start!

[Sol Robbins]

As someone who used to post a bit here, my advise is just to start. Observational skill and drawing skill will improve once both skills are put to use and for lack of a better word, compete with each other.

 

For my part, I authored 3 of the chapters in the book Jay mentioned in post 14 with 4 other great astro sketchers. Each author handled what they did in terms of subjects and materials their own way.

 

I made sure that I showed how I approach observing and how I draw and with what tools/techniques the subjects shown in each of the 3 tutorials. I also made sure the each step of the sketching process, photo with its accompanying text, would appear side by side so it can be used at the telescope without having to flip pages back and forth.

 

I only use a clipboard, a clip on music reading light, 2 or 3 pencils, an eraser that can pushed onto the back end of the pencils and an eraser shield on copy paper. 

 

I suggest not getting bogged down with analysis and simply start.

 

You will improve by comparing what you see at the eyepiece with what you sketch and visa versa.

 

Have fun.

Edited by Sol Robbins, 08 May 2025 - 07:48 PM.

[Asbytec]

As someone who used to post a bit here, my advise is just to start. Observational skill and drawing skill will improve once both skills are put to use and for lack of a better word, compete with each other.

 

Have fun.

Absolutely. We'll learn to pay attention to the subject and our observing and sketching technique will evolve. It's important to take the first step on that journey and just start sketching. You'll develop a technique that suits you. Heck, I learned to sketch with a mouse because I didn't like taking a picture of my No. 2 pencil and bond paper sketches.

Edited by Asbytec, 12 May 2025 - 06:32 PM.