Astronomy

image: Tulip Nebula 2016 Oil on Panel 20x20 inches
image: Horsehead Nebula 2012-2015 11x12 inches
image: 2014 oil on panel, 8x8 inches. Private collection
image: Tarantula Nebula 2017 20x20 inches
image: 2014 oil on panel 8x8 in. Private collection
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The Astronomy painting series attempts to manually render a highly virtualized view of the cosmos. False color mapping, which is used to depict gas emissions, sound waves, and other phenomena invisible to the naked eye, is converted into layers of oil and pigment. The images are based on first-hand stargazing and the iconic 'Astronomy Picture Of the Day', a daily astrophotograph posted on NASA's website. As luxury objects, these small paintings also refer to the baroque and rococo obsession with the precious and intricately executed, while seeking to remain painterly in the physical sense.