Deep-sky objects present a variety of challenges as sketch subjects. The irregular shapes and delicate appearance of emission nebulae require a soft touch with the pencil. With star clusters, there is the constant temptation to randomly tap out a hundred little pencil marks and call it a drawing. Galaxies sometimes present an amalgam of fine and high contrast features.
The links below will take you to illustrated tutorials on sketching deep-sky objects. The strategies and techniques described helped take my drawings to a new level, one where they more consistently capture the essential aesthetic quality of the observing experience. And along the way, I've become a better observer. My hope is that I can help others advance their enjoyment of visual astronomy by sharing what I've learned.
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Revised: June 14, 2003 [WDF]