7 replies to this topic

[itsjack]

Hi all,

 

I've completed my first sketch tonight, and it's of the galaxies M81 and M82. I used HB pencil, a cotton bud for smudging, and I inverted the colour. 

 

I found that M81 was very round, and had a brighter core. M82 was clearly elongated, but I struggled to see any further detail. 

 

Reflecting on my process, I kept going back and forth between my telescope and paper. I think it would've been better to memorise more of what I see first. I'm not fully sold on using cotton buds for smudging either as they were responsible for an odd pattern on M81. 

 

What are your thoughts?

Edited by itsjack, 27 April 2025 - 04:47 PM.

[bphaneuf]

Well done Jack! Placement is excellent, as are the values. If you don’t like cotton buds you might like the fined control you can get with a variety of blending stumps. I hear you concerning going back and forth from ep to sketch pad. You might try an eye patch. It helps with fatigue as you don’t have to squint, and you can switch it eye to eye to protect your dark adaptation. Your idea to spend more time memorizing what you see is certainly the right one, but going back to check is helpful at times. Keep posting your work! You’re off to a terrific start!
-b

[itsjack]

Thanks alot for your kind words! 

 

Blending stumps sound useful and I think I will try them out at some point. Using an eyepatch sounds really interesting as well, and I think that would help me alot. I was using a red torch to try and protect my dark adaptation but it wasn't perfect, so I think an eyepatch. 

 

Once again, thanks for all your help b! 

[Procyon Lotor]

Great work for a first try. You did well! What equipment were you using? I second B's recommendation of blending stumps or tortillons. Much finer control.

[bphaneuf]

Thanks alot for your kind words!

Blending stumps sound useful and I think I will try them out at some point. Using an eyepatch sounds really interesting as well, and I think that would help me alot. I was using a red torch to try and protect my dark adaptation but it wasn't perfect, so I think an eyepatch.

Once again, thanks for all your help b!

Still use the red torch while sketching, but even that affects dark adaptation, just to a lesser degree. The patch is still warranted. With practice you’ll adjust to drawing without depth perception.

Edited by bphaneuf, 27 April 2025 - 05:57 PM.

[nitsky]

CONGRATULATIONS Jack!

 

If I'm too lazy to walk around my  table and get a fresh stump, my fingers work just as good. 

 

I haven't sketched beneath the stars in over 10 years, but God willing tonight will be THE NIGHT.

Work in the morning, and getting up at 4a this morning will be my battle.

 

I have 81 and 82 on my target list, but hoping to spend most of.my time and concentration in M3.

 

Stay with it my Friend, you did awesome!

Hack

[bphaneuf]

You go Hack! Can’t wait to see it! (Sorry for hijacking your post Jack😬)

[Herodotus]

Nice sketch! Great job!