What is sketching?

[bokeh]

Could someone explain it to me please? I have no idea. Plus, could you maybe tell me how to do it? Thank you

- bokeh

[Bizibilder]

Sketching is simply drawing what you see at the eyepiece - it can include The moon, planets and DSO's - whatever you want really. it was the only way of recording things for many years as there were no digital cameras and film cameras were expensive and difficult to use by amateurs. Its a dying art these days.

[Digz]

Have you checked out the sketching section of the forum?

Assuming your not talking about something I have never heard of before its simply drawing to record your observations.

[Mike73]

Some people sketch to simply record objects they view but sketching also has lots of benefits apart from a visual record. It forces you to slow down when you observe and as a result your observing skills will improve as you really study each objects before you put them on paper.

It does seem a little strange to sketch when modern day CCD or DSLR cameras are capable of such amazing results but with sketching you only draw what you actually see through the EP which will show a much more realistic view compared to astrophotography.

You dont have to be an artist to sketch!! It really is very simple to do, a simple notepad and pencil is all you need to make a record of what you have seen.

Take a look at this site, its got loads of templates and tutorials to get you started.