Drawn to the Universe

Welcome! Drawn to the Universe is a column devoted to astronomical sketching that I write and illustrate for Astronomy Now in the UK. The column features a step-by-step guide to sketching a different astronomical object each month. My goal is to inspire visual observers to get out and sketch. I want to provide newcomers with the tools and techniques they can use to get started. For more seasoned sketchers, I'm also trying to introduce a variety of different methods that I hope will encourage experimentation. For those that don't relish the idea of drawing anything at the telescope, I hope it still provides an enjoyable insight into the process.

We want to encourage participation and feedback. If you have a question or technique you would like to see addressed, please email Astronomy Now at editorial2010@astronomynow.com. If you have a sketch you would like to share for consideration in the column, or in the Reader Gallery, submit it to gallery2010@astronomynow.com.

Each article concludes with the finished sketch shown in positive format (white on black). Since many of my sketches are drawn as negatives (graphite on white paper), I want to use this space to show side-by-side comparisons of the negative and positive final sketches. The full discussion and illustrated steps can of course be found in the magazine. If you are in the US but don't subscribe, Astronomy Now can be found at your local book store a few weeks after subscribers receive their copies.

I also want to extend a special thank you to Eric Graff for his regular help in proofing things for me.

I hope you enjoy the column.

Jeremy