Comments on: The brush strokes of star birth

By: Musical Lottie

Musical Lottie — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:30:21 +0000

I knew because the Hubble image is one of my favourites of all the amazing images you’ve posted on your blog, Phil, but Lucy’s rendering of it is astoundingly beautiful as well.

By: Mario John

Mario John — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 05:07:03 +0000

I’m a newcomer to Bad Astronomy. I find Phil Plait’s posts to be not only educational but highly entertaining as well. Lucy West’s website led me here.

I am a good friend of Lucy West. Therefore, I can relate to Suzanne’s feelings on her matter of concern. I’ve read all the comments posted here and find most of them to be quite positive, respectful and good natured. There are a couple however that I disagree with on substance, but commentary is based on one’s opinion, and surely everyone is entitled their own.

Criticism of another’s work, without considering the artistic merit involved in creating that work, is not uncommon. It was Elbert Hubbard who said: “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” Artist’s choose to ignore that advice and in doing so their motivation to excel is fueled.

The Hubble image is wonderful, technically mind blowing, and certainly an inspirational photo. Lucy’s painting of this image shows a reverence for the subject matter as purely as did Leonardo with his Mona Lisa. Gleaning every last detail, over many long hours at the easel during the rendering of an enigmatic subject, inevitably producing a masterpiece

Comparing Lucy’s painting to a Hubble image is an interesting exercise in perception, but for the artist it’s more about capturing the fleeting essence of the subject at a brief moment in time…And that, Lucy West has done masterfully in creating “The Brush Strokes Of Star Birth.”

I can see that some here have visited Lucy’s site and are familiar with her vast accomplishments. If you haven’t I sincerely hope you will. You won’t be disappointed, especially if your a SPACE NUT like me.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:50:54 +0000

Nigel, I just think that any other comment other than something complimentary about such a beautiful likeness is hurtful to such a talented artist. Lucy is an incredibly talented, self-taught artist who pours her soul into her work. I took their negative comments to heart and became angry. I like the way you talk, Nigel, so eloquent. I am not nearly as gifted with words, as you.

By: Nigel Depledge

Nigel Depledge — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:48:12 +0000

Suzanne (12) said:

. . . some of your comments are ignorant, rude, arrogant and just plain ridiculous.

Whether or not I agree with the comments against which you rail with such vitriol, all you have is a bald assertion. Why should anyone accept what you say as truth merely because you say it?

You have not even attempted to assemble an argument to support your contention.

So, think very carefully – who is being ignorant, arrogant and ridiculous?

By: Matt B.

Matt B. — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:44:06 +0000

Perhaps for people like Mike at #3, you should try to get people’s left hands into the pictures.

By: RastaBob

RastaBob — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 23:27:15 +0000

It’s obviously the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Behold his starchy visage!

By: Jay29

Jay29 — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:26:21 +0000

I got it because of the alt text on the images. OK so I didn’t really “solve” it, per se, but you should probably take those out if you want to keep people guessing.

By: tracer

tracer — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:08:26 +0000

It looks like an angel with ginormous glowy wings!

By: Thameron

Thameron — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:31:07 +0000

“Do yourself a favor, and do what I do: surround yourself with smart, talented friends. They make life far more interesting, and far more fun to live.”

Didn’t they give this same advice in The Secret?

By: Gary Ansorge

Gary Ansorge — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:56:43 +0000

“Surround yourself with smart, talented people…”

Careful Phil. You’re starting to sound like Jerry Garcia…

Cool art…

Gary 7