Friday Field Trips: Celestial Beauty

Remember the field trips we took in elementary and middle school?

I think they are my most favorite memories of youth.

All week long, we'd look forward to a break from our routine and the chance to get away from the classroom for a while.  I'm sure it led to my insatiable curiosity, love of learning and avid interests in science, art and nature.

These days, I still send myself out on "field trips" . . .

sometimes spending hours or days researching what I'd like to see and learn more about.

I plan where I'll have lunch or a coffee break and I always pack my camera and sketchbook.

I want you to be my "buddy" on some of these field trips, 

so today, I'm launching a new series I call

"Friday Field Trips".

I'll take you along on some of my favorite outings - places like museums, art fairs, hikes or studios.

Who knows where we'll go.

I hope you'll enjoy the "eye candy"

If you're a bit like me, the images may lead you to spend time after in 

your sketchbook, art journal, diary or easel.

Sometimes, I'll show you what's come of the inspiration for me - on field trip day or some time later.  I'd love to see if it's sparked some creative action for you....so do please share.

******

Today, we take a stunning visual tour of the universe.

I photographed all these images on my trip last week to the

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

I believe most all the images were originally taken by the Hubble Telescope.

To see them printed extra large and beautifully backlit filled me with wonder and awe.

The color and design of our universe is beyond belief.

Each supernova, cluster and galaxy an enormous abstract painting drawing you into its depths.

Heavenly.

Divinely inspired.

Exploring these color combinations on my palette will be extraordinary.

Which is your favorite?

I'm so drawn to spirals and here's the biggest one of all.....

to know that the size of it is beyond comprehension sends me into a dream-like state.

It looks alive . . . and actually . . . it is.

Energy ever expanding and moving through space.

Eternal.

To contemplate the size, complexity and mystery of our universe puts so much in perspective.

We are so small, us humans.

Our troubles and worries just a tiny blip on the cosmic scale -

yet, we are also such an important part of creation.  

"It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things 

are infinitely the most important."

- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Below are two art journaling backgrounds 

(and several detail shots of both) inspired by my trip to the stars . . . 

I always like the close ups so much better than the whole.  Huh.

The spread above is in my giant art journal (18x36).

The one below is much smaller - (approximately 16x10).

Both were done with thick layers of acrylic paints, drips of various alcohol inks, 

globs of glitter and a spray or two of water.  

I'll update you when I've done the journaling part!