Author: Bill

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I’ve Always had a Keen Interest in Astronomy

I also re-process public domain astronomy images to ready them for wall art display.

Here is an example: SOLD at Pictorem as a 36×16 Canvas. Thank you, dear buyer, for your support. The image below is linked to the sales page…

side-by-side comparison shows observations of the Southern Ring Nebula
Side-by-side comparison shows observations of the Southern Ring Nebula in near-infrared light at left and mid-infrared light at right from NASA’s Webb Telescope.

In recent years, astronomy has become increasingly accessible to the public and stargazing has become a popular activity. With modern technology, anyone can explore the night sky from their own home and admire its beauty. If you want to bring that beauty indoors, using public domain astronomy images for wall display is a great way to do so. These images allow you to bring the stars and planets into your living room.

What Are Public Domain Astronomy Images?

Public domain images are photos that are not protected by copyright. This means anyone can use them for any purpose without having to pay royalties or seek permission from the owner.

Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula
Cosmic Cliffs in the Carina Nebula

Where to get the Outer Space imagery.

Sources such as NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute offer government-paid-for images in the public domain. Astronomy has long been a fascination of humans, inspiring writers, musicians, and artists alike. From the Greek gods to modern day space exploration, the stars have captivated us for centuries. For those looking to bring the beauty of astronomy into their home or office, using public domain astronomy images is an excellent way to do just that. With plenty of options available online, anyone can easily find beautiful images that are free for personal and commercial use.

NASA image of earthrise over the moon
NASA image of earthrise over the surface of the moon

However, making them suitable for prominent wall display takes a bit more than simply downloading something you like. These public domain images and resized and enhance in clarity, color and contrast so they look great as a wall display. The Print on Demand (POD) companies with whom we work offer high quality wall art and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

To learn more, click each image above or one of the links below.

Link to: the Outer Space Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: the Outer Space Collection at Pictorem

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Photo Tip for Photographing Sunsets

Make sure to always do this when you are out shooting a sunset.

It is a simple thing to do but many people miss some spectacular photographs by not doing this – and it is not at all technical. Keep your eyes moving, scanning your surroundings. Pay attention to the entire sky – not just the setting sun. Look to your right, look to your left and always, always look directly behind you. That’s it.

Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset
Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset

You should always be on the lookout for the “big picture” – looking all around you. There are changing light conditions throughout the sky and the area whenever the sun is rising or setting. Some of those changes are not remarkable but some can prove to be quite dramatic. Don’t fall victim to missing a shot by becoming fixated on the main event, so to speak.

Snow Geese? Some comments received on this photograph indicated there appeared to be a flock of snow geese flying over the Excalibur Condominium. The white “lights” in the sky are actually a reflection of ceiling lights in the restaurant where we were dining when this special scene lighting appeared against the dark sky. We were seated by a large window at Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Ocean City at 131st Street, bayside.

For more photographs of Ocean City and the beach resort area be sure to visit the Ocean City Gallery online.

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Dangerous Passage

Exploring a bit of artificial intelligence text-to-image creation…

The title may be a bit of double entendre considering that is also the title of the image used in this brief, introductory (teaser) article about the use of “AI” in the creation of art.

difficult passage - ships on a stormy sea
Dangerous Passage by ships on a stormy sea.

A possible “caption” for this image might be…

Sailing ships have always been a symbol of a bygone era. Ancient mariners faced the unpredictability of the sea each time they set sail, and this is particularly true off the coast of Cape Hatteras. With its strong winds and unpredictable currents, being caught in a storm off this notorious cape could spell disaster for even the most experienced sailor. The treacherous waters of Cape Hatteras have long been a challenge to sailors – especially in the age of old sailing ships.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence

I’ve been exploring a bit with AI image creation – but in the above piece, “Difficult Passage,” there was a good bit of post-processing involved. The original concept was text-to-image generation, for sure, but the final look and feel took extra work in Photoshop and Topaz Studio2 and the addition of the “torn apart” border framing the image.

dangerous passage framed sample
Here is how “Dangerous Passage” may look in a frame with a colored mat presentation.

Is it fair to use AI in the creation of art?

Some people claim that this is not art. At all! However, is this any different than a creative person wandering through an art museum and then going home and creating a piece from the inspiration acquired during his museum visit? Or how about a photographer visiting a popular scenic overlook and capturing a landscape or seascape similar to what he saw on a calendar? There are all sorts of “arguments” on both sides of the Artificial Intelligence issue but I believe it is up to the individual to decide…

  • Is it Art?
  • Is it not art?
  • Is it blasphemy?

Yes, it is up to the creator of the piece and each individual buyer/customer to decide.

Yes, “Dangerous Passage” is offered for sale as wall art and on a variety of home decor and apparel items. Click the image above or one of the links below to learn more and to begin shopping.

Link to: Dangerous Passage

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

What do you think about the “torn” edges? They would make it work better on a shirt design – but what about as wall art?

artificial intelligence art