Solar Sketching

The Sun represents one of the most challenging astronomical objects for artists to sketch, as prominences and faculae can come and go within several minutes. The methods provided here allows readers to render the Sun's ever changing features using a wide variety of media. Capturing these quickly evolving processes requires fast, yet accurate techniques. And of course, unlike other forms of astronomical sketching, it is all done in the daytime.§§At the present time there is an increase of activity on the Sun, with the solar sunspot maximum approaching (probably around 2014). One of the best ways to become a better solar observer is to record observations through sketching. This book is for amateur astronomers with an interest in the Sun and particularly those who enjoy visual observation.§§This book fully exposes the reader to a comprehensive variety of media and their respective techniques commonly used to sketch the Sun, through a series of step-by-step tutorials in each selected medium, including scientific contributions, animations, and computer graphics. It displays current works by the co-authors and contributors. Sketch presentations, animated gifs and extra PowerPoint presentations and tutorials will be available on the Springer Extras website.§§"Solar Sketching" is a 'scope-side reference to be used by readers at all levels of experience. It is helpful for observers identifying solar features in the process. The book caters to a wide variety of readers with varying interests - including those who want to do technical sketches, use traditional media, use computer graphics or do solar-inspired artwork. Solar changes happen very rapidly, but capturing them successfully is a spectacular way of recording observing sessions.§