If you thought new double star observations and sketches were getting pretty skimpy around here, you'd be right. It looks like I went through most of 2009 with only one double star sketch added. The reason is that I've been trying to work on a new process for my digital drawings. The previous scheme just wasn't conveying contrast differences between bright and faint stars very well.
After some testing and long delays, I think I've got it where I want it. A new observation and illustration of Rigel is the first to get cranked out. I think it does a better job of conveying the appearance as I saw it. The observation and measurement are almost a year old, and there are quite a few more new doubles to prep. I hope to start posting them soon.