Helix Nebula, Oil on Canvas, 36x36 in
 
Here sits the Helix nebula at approximately 655 light years from Earth. Formed by a dying star shedding its outer layers, this planetary nebula is estimated to have formed 10,600 years ago and continues to expand at a rate of 31 km/second. Inside the helix nebula lies hundreds of knots—comet-shaped molecular gas clouds, each measuring approximately the size of our solar system.
 
The helix nebula was painted in oils using photographic inspiration from ESA/Hubble. Each star was meticulously placed in its precise location beside this exploding star.