In just 15 words, Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, who lived in the 1600s, correctly explained a beautiful night sky phenomenon that I recently saw: the lunar halo.

“The moon glows the same:
it is only the clouds
make it seem to change.”

For those who prefer science to poetry, a bright halo around the moon is caused by light refracted through ice crystals suspended in cirrus clouds located at altitudes of 20,000 to 40,000 feet. Seeing one is more common in winter when the moon is full or nearly so. But no matter how you approach it, it’s an inspiring sight.  

Tips & Techniques– Some subjects just really can’t be captured, and this may be one of them. It took me a week to figure out how to approach it and, even now, I wish it were more painterly and ethereal. Still, I wanted to record it in my sketchbook and I’m glad it’s here to remind me of that night. (Painted in a Handbook Journal with 140lb watercolor paper with Indanthrone blue and yellow ochre.)

Autumn ART IN ACTION Festival, four days of free art demos, work-alongs, and talks is coming up at Winslow Art Center, November 20-23. It’s a great way to learn and sample a variety of instructors. I’ll be offering Virtual Italy! on Saturday 11/22 at 3:15pm PT/6:15pm ET. Check it out!