About Me

Charlie Detelich is a visual artist and astronomer creating acrylic pointillism paintings of celestial bodies. Charlie’s work aims to make the beauty of the universe more emotionally resonant by translating scientific imagery into colorful paintings. Charlie references NASA mission data and builds each painting using a metal pottery dimple tool and high volume acrylic paint. Their process emphasizes subtle color variation, often drawing out undertones that reflect their close study of planetary surfaces. Charlie aims to highlight the wonder inherent in space science and invite viewers to connect with subjects that are often experienced as distant or purely technical.

Charlie’s work has been displayed at two solo exhibitions at the Cornell Graduate Student Center and at Hound & Mare Cafe in Ithaca NY showcasing work they have been creating over the past decade. Charlie has also participated in four juried group exhibitions across Ithaca including shows at State of the Art Gallery, MIX Art Gallery, Hair Color Art, and Cornell’s Mann Library. Additionally, they are a member of the International Astronomical Art Association.

Charlie is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Astronomy at Cornell University and holds two M.S. degrees in geology and astronomy, a B.S. in geology, and is a scientist on NASA’s Europa Clipper and Dragonfly missions.