The Astronomy Art Attack Workshop: A Celebration of Creativity and Science with Lee Nightingale

The Flamsteed Astronomy Society hosted Astronomy Art Attack: A Beginners Workshop, an event designed to introduce participants to astronomy-inspired artistry using coloured oil pastels. Throughout history, civilizations have used art to interpret celestial wonders, and this workshop continued that tradition by offering attendees a chance to create their own interpretations of the night sky.

Preparations began earlier in the evening, with Bobby Manoo, Clive Inglis, and Lee Nightingale arranging tables and setting up art materials in the main hall of Mycenae House. As 17 participants arrived, including guests from Royal Museums Greenwich, they took their seats in pairs, ready to explore the fusion of art and astronomy. Bobby welcomed everyone warmly, emphasizing that the workshop was designed for beginners and not about achieving perfection but enjoying the creative journey. He reassured attendees that any artwork could be considered abstract and encouraged them to embrace the process with confidence.

The session was led by Lee Nightingale, a self-taught artist specializing in pastel and graphite techniques. She introduced the group to the evening’s challenge—creating an aurora scene with oil pastels—and started with a blank sheet, guiding participants step by step. Her artwork was projected onto a screen, ensuring that everyone could follow along.

Lee demonstrating the art techniques image by Bobby Manoo

As attendees blended colours and experimented with techniques, Bobby moved around the room, providing individual guidance, answering questions, and fostering a relaxed, creative environment.

Art Session in progress Image by Bobby Manoo

Midway through the session, a short break allowed participants to chat, observe each other's progress, and engage in discussions about different art techniques and astronomy concepts. The enthusiasm was palpable—laughter and smiles filled the room as people shared insights and admired each other’s work.

Getting the techniques down Image by Bobby Manoo

As the workshop approached its conclusion, participants displayed their finished artworks with pride, reflecting on the skills they had learned and the creative journey they had undertaken. A group photoshoot captured the moment, reinforcing the sense of community and shared discovery that had been fostered throughout the event.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in future workshops. Some suggested celestial themes like the Orion Nebula and Jupiter, highlighting a desire for more in-depth artistic exploration.

After class group shot with Lee Image by Bobby Manoo

The Astronomy Art Attack workshop was more than just an art class—it was a gateway to deeper engagement with the night sky, a space for creativity, learning, and connection. By merging artistic expression with astronomical inspiration, participants discovered new ways to appreciate the cosmos, reinforcing the idea that science and art are not separate pursuits but deeply intertwined paths of discovery.

For those who missed this session, there’s good news — we may look into options for running this event again, perhaps towards the end of the year or early next year. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned creative, this is your chance to explore astronomy through the lens of artistry, connect with like-minded individuals, and let your imagination take flight.

After class group shot with Bobby Image by Bobby Manoo