Colors of the Sun

2011 06 01, 1500 UT – 1630 UT
Solar h-alpha, prominences

PCW Memorial Observatory, Ohio USA – Erika Rix, www.pcwobservatory.com
Temp: 32.3°C, Humidity 42%, SE winds 5mph
Seeing: Wilson 4, Transparency: 2/6

DS 60mm Maxscope, LXD75, 21-7mm Zhumell

Sketch created scopeside with black Strathmore Artagain paper, oil pastels

This was my first attempt at creating a color solar sketch with oil pastels. It may have worked better if the pastels weren’t so blunt and the problem of the pastels turning soft from the heat (even though I kept the box from direct sunlight). Still, I was pleasantly surprised at the colors compared to other attempts at using colored pencils or colored pastels for sketching the Sun. With a bit more practice, or if I can find oil pastel pencils), I might actually enjoy using color over my preferred method of monochrome.

2 thoughts on “Colors of the Sun”

  1. Erika,

    Your use of oil pastels for this sketch is superb. If you do find oil pastel pencils let me know; they would go a long way in avoiding some of the problems using the paper wrapped sticks.

    Frank 🙂

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