This article is about the men’s retreat for the Knights of Columbus #294Z, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations Knights of Columbus!
The retreat started with lunch at 11:30 to 12:30. The offerings were, hotdogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. There were knights from various parishes in Lake County present at the seminar.
Topic
Four Principles Of The Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism
Jon Blevins was the moderator for the retreat, and a veteran of the host parish. With a great sense of humor, Jon started each of the four Principles with a short video of a comedy skit, reflecting the topic at hand. I enjoyed the first skit the most with the reference to the Vatican constructing a tunnel under the ocean to the White House. These skits were great ice breakers, and set the tone for learning, and fellowship.
Group discussions for Knights of Columbus #294Z
Following each of the sessions that Jon went over, we would share a point from the Principles, discussed by Jon, with the knights at each table. These were nice, and meaningful times, as it allowed for us to personalize what the Principle meant for us in our life. When we finished, we shared what each of had said at our corresponding tables with the group at large.
The Chapel
At the halfway point of the retreat, we all gather together upstairs in the chapel, sat quietly, reflecting on the eucharist in the tabernacle, and prayer.
Closure
Upon returning from the chapel, we resumed our sessions with the final two Principles, and then finished in prayer. This was near 4:30 PM, which gave us time to gather upstairs for mass at 5:00 PM.
Summary
All in all, this was and excellent program, and I glad that I attended. It was nice to meet with, and get to know other knights from other parishes. The day was a true blessing.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Knights of Columbus Men’s Retreat #294Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the Knights of Columbus men’s retreat #294Z.
Stephen F. Condren For Knights of Columbus Men’s Retreat #294Z
Artist
As an artist I have made Knights of Columbus Men’s Retreat #294Z an important part of my Spiritual growth.
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Knights of Columbus men’s retreat #294Z with artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about Lake County Housing #303Z, honoring tenants with flowers and dignity, written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations Lake County Housing!
This morning Lake County Housing Authority came to Hawley Manor in downtown Grayslake, to honor it’s senior residents by planting flowers along the parkway of the outside of the building. Their efforts have made a showcase of this fine building.
The team of workers were staff members of Lake County Housing Authority. Heading up the team was Lorraine Hocker, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer and Arron Broeski, Senior Property Manager, both can be seen at the top of the page.
Senior Citizens
Hawley Manor is a senior citizen residential facility in downtown Grayslake, just one block from the Grayslake Fire Prevention District. Since many of the residents are not able to get out and do gardening the administration of Lake County Housing Authority has taking up the banner and set things in order at the manor.
Both Lorraine Hocker and Aaron Boeski are veteran public service administrators and have the ability, knowledge , and talent to get things done, and with stealth. With smiles on their faces and garden tools in their hands Lorraine and Aaron came to make things better. Thank you!
Photos
The People
The Helpers
The Staff
Leadership
Pride
On Task
Taking The Task In Hand
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Lake County Housing #303Z
Lake County Housing #303Z Honoring Senior Citizens
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participated in the execution of Lake County Housing #303Z.
Stephen F. Condren For Lake County Housing #303Z
Lake County Housing #303Z As Beautifying Grayslake
Artist
As an artist I have made Lake County Housing #303Z a site a beauty with more flowers in the city.
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Lake County Housing #303Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about watercolor house portrait #302Z, of a property sold by Broker Cindy Kief, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery ~ the house portrait is done first as a pencil drawing and then a pen & ink, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints, note cards, and stationery. Congratulations Cindy Kief!
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor House Portrait #302Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing below shows the basic outline of the house. I really liked this view of the home because of the angle and most Importantly, because of the fabulous tree! The landscaping is outstanding and I so wanted to capture it.
The large stone as the bottom of the photo make for an excellent support to the large tree above and the house. Because of the large stones, the trees is permitted to show the glory of it’s posture as it leads you to the entrance of the house.
The pencil sketch is the most important step in the creation of a house portrait, as it is putting the foundation together.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing below show the delineation of the house. If you look closely you can see the address “25” in the driveway light. Underneath the ink you can see the outlines of the pencil sketch.
As always there are adjustments to be made. For example; I removed leaves from the tree that were blocking the view of the house. Also, I had to move the lamp post to the right so as not to block the front window.
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering below is the finished product. This brings together the pencil, pen & ink, and color.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of watercolor house portrait #302Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Watercolor House Portrait
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #302Z.
Stephen F. Condren for watercolor house portrait #302Z
Artist
As an artist I have made watercolor house portrait #302Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
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Watercolor house portrait #302Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about American Legion drawing #279Z, of Peter Kristan, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints, note cards, and stationery. Congratulations Peter Kristan!
Peter grew up in Liberyville, Illinois, and was classmates with Hollywood celebrity, Marlon Brando. Peter told me that he know him and that everyone called him “Bud”. This is the first time that I have ever known that Marlon Brando was called this. Also, Peter said that “Bud” was a quiet guy that kept to himself.
Pencil Drawing For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The day before this I had coffee with Peter at our “Cup of Joe” at the Area Coffee shop, hosted by Lake County Veterans & Family Services. As we were talking I asked him if I could draw his portrait tomorrow morning at the Post’s weekly coffee, and he said yes.
Mundelein Post #867
The next morning when I arrived at the coffee, I saw Peter, and I went up to him and said “let me settle in for a bit and then I will come over to draw your portrait.
The Drawing
Quick Sketch
It must be understood that this drawing is a sketch or vignette and not a “Studio” drawing or rendering. This is meant to be free and fresh, done right on the spot in a few minutes. All in all, the drawing took me about 10 minutes to do.
Peter was an outstanding sitter, and I will say, one of the best I have worked with in a long time. He did just as I asked, and never looked down to see what I was drawing. This is important, because I need to have the sitter looking at me in the eye at all time as I draw him to that I have the correct position of his eye balls. Even the slightest error in line placement at this point can ruin everything. The eyes are the most important element of any portrait.
Because I started the drawing with light lines making circles to place the size and scale of the figure. If you look closely you can see the light lines below the face.
As I capture more of Peter’s image, I then darkened the contour lines to give strength to his form. Following the lines, I made use of hatching and cross-hatching to give shade and shadow to the figure. This is important in bringing out the character of the sitter.
You have to be careful not to put down too many lines, just use enough to capture the spirit of the man!
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #301Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing #301Z.
Stephen F. Condren For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing #301Z a staple of my portraiture works.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #301Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
House portraits #300Z, watercolor and pen & ink for Elizabeth Henning, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery ~ the house portrait is done first as a pencil drawing and then a pen & ink, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints. Congratulations Elizabeth Henning! Order House Portraits Here.
This lovely Georgian house has been commissioned by Elizabeth Henning of her home. Because the commission entails to works of art, one in watercolor, and the other in pen & ink, it was a great way to do one in color and the other in pen & ink. The two pieces are of the same house but from different angles. The perspective of these renderings will be discussed below.
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor House Portraits #300Z
Below are two pencil drawings of the Henning home. The top sketch is of the façade, and coach entry of the home. This is truly and grand old estate and beautiful in every way. The proportions, the scale, and the position on the lot are all well done.
Of course the pencil drawings lay out the foundation of the house portrait, much like the basement of a house.
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawings below show the façade and side of the home. This property is located on a corner lot and it really showcases the architecture. I have employed the use of hatching and cross-hatching to bring out the shade and shadows of the home.
The nice thing about doing a drawing of a home like this is that you cannot go wrong. Because no matter how you draw it, the rendering always look great because of the beauty of the home. Most importantly, I always find it a challenge to get a simple suburban ranch to look like this!
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering is the final product and I have to say that it look just grand! This house is truly a lady of grace and high station.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of house portraits #300Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for watercolor house portraits #300Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portraits #300Z.
Stephen F. Condren for watercolor house portraits #300Z
Artist
As an artist I have made watercolor house portraits #300Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
Watercolor house portraits #300Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
With honor, this article is about American Legion Drawing #297Z and prints of Veterans at American Legion Post 867, Mundelein, Illinois, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations American Legion Post 867!
The pencil drawing below is a very quick study of my follow Veterans at American Legion Post 867, in Mundelein. This time was near the close of our weekly coffee and so I quickly jotted down the images that were before me. You can see Arty still sitting and reading at the table, while others are gathering for their last few words before leaving.
There was not enough time to get an account of their faces or facial expressions, but I did have time to capture the mood. When I first thought about this drawing I was not going to do it because I knew that people were already up and leaving. With so short of an amount of time, I thought that it would not be worth proceeding. However, the spirit moved me, and I picked up my pencil and started to draw!
Rendering
I am so glad that I did take the time to do the drawing, for in those last few minutes I captured a moment in history now forever gone. The drawing is full of life and character, with movement all about it.
The best drawings are not necessarily the finished, polished renderings, but often times the quick studies.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #297Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For American Legion Drawing #297Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing.
Stephen F. Condren For American Legion Drawing #297Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing a staple of my pencil drawing works.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #297Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about the Grayslake Exchange Club’s Food Frenzy #299Z, an annual event that raises money for distressed families and children, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations Grayslake Exchange Club!
College of Lake County, Saturday, 5/12/2019, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Offerings
Food, drinks, snacks, and lots of fun! As a new member to the Grayslake chapter of the Exchange Club I have to say that I was very impressed. I had just become a member this last Thursday and I cannot express to you how pleased I was with the graciousness shown to me, as though I had been around for a long time. These people really know how to make you feel at home.
With this kind of favor I could not help but offer my services to the setting up of the Food Frenzy this coming Saturday. So at 8:00 AM I was at the site ready to assist. Club members were coming in with their pickups and vans filled with tents and tables that would be used to put the event in order.
I also had the honor to meet Scot Warren, the National President of the Exchange Club for 2018 & 2019! But do not be fooled, Scot was pitching in like everyone else, by lifting tables, chairs, tents!
Weather
The weather during setup was overcast but fine. There was no rain and the temperature was nice. You only needed a light jacket. At 10:00 AM when my shift had ended I had to depart to do my services at the First Holy Communion for the Second Graders at St. Gilbert’s Parish, in Grayslake.
Later in the afternoon, after the church event I came back to check on things. The weather was getting cooler and a bit of raid started to set in. But this did not stop the program. There were a lot of people in attendance and people were enjoying themselves.
At the end of the day I returned to help take down. It was a pleasure to work with such fine, friendly, and good natured people.
Food Frenzy #299Z
Hosted by the Grayslake Exchange Club
The People
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Food Frenzy #0299Z
Photos For Food Frenzy #299Z
I took the photos that appear in this article. Please feel free to make copies from this site.
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of Food Frenzy #299Z.
Stephen F. Condren Food Frenzy #299Z
Artist
As an artist I have made Food Frenzy #299Z a place to be and get ideas for drawing.
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Food Frenzy #299Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
With honor, this article is about American Legion Drawing #296Z and prints of Veterans at American Legion Post 867, Mundelein, Illinois, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations American Legion Post 867!
The pencil drawing is of my Veteran colleagues at American Legion Post 867. We gather every Wednesday morning from 8:00 unto 10:00 AM for coffee and camaraderie. While we are conversing, I take my pencil and paper and draw.
It is not my desire to draw all the details of the scene or the room. My focus or intention is on the moving figures. In the drawing, which you can see below, I had to draft the first impressions immediately. This can be seen by the very fine, light swirling lines underneath the darker lines. There are there to catch the size, scale, and proportion of the figures.
Movement
Since the figures are moving I have to act quickly to catch their features. The person looking away from us is Marty talking with Fred. Behind Fred, reading a paper, and wearing a ball cap, at the table is Arty. I have made use of contour lines to capture the figures of the gentlemen and then set them against a backdrop of rapid shadow lines.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #296Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for American Legion Drawing #296Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing.
Stephen F. Condren for American Legion Drawing #296Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #296Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
Mundelein Police Department sponsoring the Veterans Appreciation Dinner #289Z, written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries.
Veterans were greeted to a dinner by the Mundelein Police Department, because they honor veterans. The Mundelein Police Department work with the School District, because they want to teacher honor to the children. The students served at the dinner, because they wanted to help veterans.
The Photos
Alt Image Tag
Veterans honored by Mundelein Police #289Z by artist Stephen F. Condren.
This article is about the Grayslake Arts Alliance art exhibit called May Fest #291Z, written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations Grayslake Arts Alliance!
May Fest was hosted by the Heritage Center of Grayslake, Illinois. Because the Heritage Center is right downtown on Hawley Street next door to the Grayslake Fire Prevention District, it is easily accessed by the entire community.
Grayslake Arts Alliance
May Fest was sponsored by the Grayslake Arts Alliance. Because the site is provided to us by the Village of Grayslake, we extend to the city our gratitude. The time of the exhibit was from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. Most importantly, the weather was beautiful.
May Fest #291Z
The weather could not have been better as we were blessed with sunshine and balmy weather all afternoon. People from all over Grayslake came to see what was new here at the exhibit and also to take in the good music that complimented the fine snacks offered just inside the Heritage Center. Because many of the Alliance members were in attendance along with patrons, the show had personal meaning.
Aruna N. Sarode
Among the members that were present, we had artist Aruna N. Sarode, do a plein-air oil painting of the Heritage Center right before us. Because of Aruna’s attention to detail and amazing speed astonished those of us that had the honor to see her at work. Thank you Aruna!
Analysis
Let us look carefully at this finely executed work of art. Because as an astute artist, Aruna has properly prepared her canvas board for this out side painting. Because Aruna knew that this will be done on the spot and therefore with brevity, she approaches the oil with expertise.
Canvas Board
Immediately in photo #2, you can see that she has use the correct tones to prepare the canvas board. This mix of ochre, red, and yellow are clearly seen. These tones will be the foundation of the painting. The warmth of the ochre will support the blues and greens in the sky that is above the image of the Heritage Center.
In photo #3, you can see that now that she has set down the background, so Aruna is free to build the foundation of the painting from the lower section of the canvas board. The strong yellows nicely enhance the bottom section of the oil, and follow true to the colors of the music canopy that she is in the process of capturing.
Water Tower
With supreme stealth, Aruna has detailed the structure of the water tower behind the Heritage Center. Aruna has captured this image with great success. I say this with good reason, for any object that is so salient in the composition of work of art, has to be very carefully crafted. The water tower is a difficult object to successfully incorporate into the imagery of the cityscape that she is creating.
Shade & Shadows
Because the water tower is very different form the structure of the Heritage Center and it sticks out like a soar thumb. Most importantly, this is not the case here, as Aruna has masterfully incorporated this difficult object into the composition of the painting. Because the shade and shadows of the water tower are delicately painted, they are a delight to behold.
Color
Aruna’s supreme achievement with this oil painting is her thorough understanding of the use of color. Unlike so many artists, Aruna does not utilize local color. That is: the sky is blue, the grass is green, and the flowers are red. A true master of color knows how to properly blend the color so that all of the tones are seen in every part of the painting, and that is exactly what Aruna has accomplished here.
Summary
When all is said and done, you have before you a masterly crafted work of art. This work of art is an artistic success and Aruna is to be commended.
Scans
Images for May Fest #291Z
JPEG & PDF
Scans of May Fest #291Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for May Fest #291Z
May Fest #291Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #291Z, because it promotes the arts. Because the weather was good many people came to the art fair. Most importantly, May Fest help local artist display their works of art.
Stephen F. Condren for May Fest #291Z
Artist
Most importantly, as an artist I pleased to be a part of May Fest #291Z. Because drawings of city scenes has been a long time passion of mine since childhood. Most importantly, I like doing the drawings right on the spot and not from photos.