A Bézier curve is a type of curve defined by a set of control points. It can be thought of as a smooth curve that is pulled towards these control points, with the shape of the curve being determined by the positions of these control points. If the positions of the control points are changed in some way, the curve will alter to follow these changes.

This is a pencil-sketch version of my piece ‘Aurea’, and like that piece comprises multiple layers:

The main layer is a set of rippling Bézier curves, formed as the control points move along their own curves, traversing this path through a full rotation of the canvas. By plotting more than one of these curves, Moiré patterns emerge, further enhanced by altering stroke weights and line density as the piece progresses. Additionally, a pattern of on/off values is formed, of varying length, leading to a repeated pattern of gaps and lines.

A second layer is added: beneath these curving, sinuous lines, points are plotted close to the limit of a circle, nearly filling the canvas. Its edges coincide with one of the points of the curves, producing an eclipsed planet; the lines seeming to dip behind its horizon.

A third layer: a textured background, partially obscuring a plain-coloured canvas that forms the base of the piece.

A final layer is two lines that move around or across each other, sometimes intertwining, sometimes parting. These lines follow the midpoints of the lines created in the first layer, shifting along the lines as the piece progresses.