Originally, I made these pieces using pastels, but I decided to switch to acrylic so that I can add more detail.
I like doing details, because I can lose myself in the intricacies.
This one was painted after the recent landing of the NASA rover, Perseverance, on the planet Mars.
Joining the rovers Sojourner, Spirit and Opportunity―sent at the same time, but the latter died― and Curiosity.
I was fascinated to find out that the markings on the parachute hold special meaning. Not only does it have the compass points providing orientation, but it gives the GPS coordinates of JPL in California and then there’s a secret message all in binary code.
So I’ve done this one before, but it’s a favorite of mine. This is of the Helix Nebula in ultraviolet light.
This is a planetary nebula, which is a type of emission nebula with a glowing and expanding shell from a red giant star.
The name planetary nebula comes from the shape and does not involve planets.
The Pillars of Creation are an active star-forming region of the Eagle Nebula.
Space isn’t as colorful as the pictures we see. Each image is colorized, sometimes a lengthy and painstaking process, so that scientists can discern different elements or features.
I appreciate all their time and effort and the fact that NASA makes these pictures accessible to all for free on their site.
This one was inspired by Haley’s Comet, which is a short-period comet visible from Earth every 75-76 years.
The last time it was seen was in 1986 and the next time it will visit will be in 2061.
This piece is after the comet Hale-Bopp which was discovered on July 23, 1995.
Passing its perihelion on April 1, 1997, it exceeded most predictions with its brightness.
Also known as the Great Comet of 1997
A glimpse of our planet and its place in the Milky Way.
