What is astro-drawing?

It’s a practice that combines observation and the art of drawing. This discipline consists of representing on paper what one observes with a telescope or refractor.

An ancestral practice

Long before the invention of photography, astronomers documented their observations through drawing. From Galileo to the present day, this tradition continues and offers a more organic approach than astrophotography.

Why draw?

Since 2020, I have been practicing astronomy and, in parallel, drawing which I have been “exploring” since the Covid period that allowed me to work and refine my line with study and observation drawings. So it was quite natural that about three years ago, I combined these two passions to start astro-drawing. My first attempt was the M51 galaxy, made with my 200mm telescope. Since then, this practice has enriched my observation nights by giving them a more creative dimension. To go further and fuel my thinking, I wanted to ask some questions to personalities who have particularly marked me in this field.

Astronomical drawing develops the sense of observation and allows you to notice details that the eye often overlooks during quick observation. It’s also an excellent way to keep a personal and living record of each session under the stars.

Inspiring personalities

Through these portraits, I wanted to introduce you to people who have inspired me in my astro-drawing practice:

My astronomical drawings

Here are some of my drawings made during my observations:

I would like to particularly thank the people interviewed because without them I would not practice astronomy as I do today.

Raphaël - La 3ème Dimension