Drawn to the Universe
JULY 2010 – Moon with Earthshine

Sketch of Crescent Moon and Earthshine

Sketch of Crescent Moon and Earthshine

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July 2010 Astronomy Now thumbnail

The stunning view of a thin crescent moon cradling a bubble of Earthshine is irresistible. This column describes the use of white and black charcoal pencils on black paper to capture the scene.

Subject: Crescent Moon with Earthshine
Issue: July 2010 Astronomy Now
Basic Media: White and Black Charcoal Pencils on Black Paper
Featured Technique: Creating a disc of subtly featured of Earthshine paired with the stark terrain of a thin crescent moon.
Suggested Materials:
  • Smooth, black cardstock such as Daler-Rowney Canford
  • White and black charcoal pencils
  • Blending stump and artist’s chamois
  • Sheet of blank copy paper
  • White vinyl eraser pencil
  • Craft knife
  • File folder, compass and paper clips
  • Spray fixative such as Winsor and Newton’s Artist Fixative
  • Clipboard and observing light