Mars
The dot to the right of the grayish rock is Mars. I'm somewhat disappointed in myself for not staying up to watch the occultation, but am fried enough from catching this view after midnight. Time for more coffee.
Allen’s hummingbird with moonrise and bird of paradise blossom
Allen’s hummingbird claiming his perch
In anticipation of Perseverance landing safely on Mars today, I headed back in time with this mixed media piece I made in 2004 titled Her Desher, as "the red one" was known in ancient Egypt. I’ve made quite a bit of celestial-inspired art since my days of watching the shuttle launches and playing with my space LEGO. There’s very little indication that I’ll be growing out of this behavior. And I still have said LEGO in case I feel the urge to celebrate that way.
Robin Street-Morris. Her Desher. 2004. Transparent watercolor and colored pencil on 300lb hot press paper. 8.5” x 11” (22 x 28cm).
Mars made a more recent appearance in The Conversation. It was visible above a moon cast red by a climate fire in San Diego's East County. The crows are locals who had paid a visit to the back fence that afternoon while I watched the smoke billow.
Robin Street-Morris. The Conversation. 2020. Transparent watercolor and powdered soft pastel on 300lb cold press paper. 14" x 20" (36 x 51cm).