Art and Art related topics by artist and architectural illustrator, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, with JPEG & PDF scans and prints for Fine Art articles #002Q.
Color pencil drawing of the Chicago skyline at sunset overlooking Lake Michigan by artist Stephen F. Condren.
The genius of Christianity is that it offeresthe message of hope for a better life now, and after death. Christ (not Jesus) was the new Hero that will rescue the people from darkness, because darkness prevailed. It must be understood that back in antiquity everything was dark, because there was no electricity. The dark had a great impact on the people, because it always came back.
The message of Jesus was a way out from the darkness, because people were frightened. The message of eternal salvation was offered to any one that believed in Jesus, because that was faith.
Gospels Vs Epistles
The core of the genius of Christianity lies in the Epistles and not the Gospels, because they offer hope. Everything about the Epistles are up-beat and cheerful, because they offer salvation from darkness. The Gospels on the other hand are full of doom and gloom, because they give the account of a dead Jesus. Jesus is not the answer, but rather Christ is, because He is the savior of the world.
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Genius Of Christianity #437Z
Above is my pen & ink drawing of Golgotha, the site where Jesus was crucified. The drawing shows the images of all three crosses, because the Gospels tell us there where three crucifixions. The cross in the center is where Jesus hung, because it was between the two thieves.
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Genius of Christianity #437Z with pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
In 2018, Pope Francis met with Patriarch Ignatius Ephram II, of the Syriac Orthodox Church, and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartolomew I. The three prelates met to work out Theological differences between the Churches, because the Churches wanted unity. In 1054 AD, the East and the West Churches split, because of Theological differences. The East and the West Churches did not communicate, because they were excommunicated by the Pope.
There are more Church meetings to be scheduled with the Pope, because he is seeking Christian unity. The Orthodox Prelates were pleased to attend the meeting, because they wanted improved Church relations. Recently here has been a lot of communication between the East and West Churches, because they wanted unity. The Internet has made communications between the East and West Church better, because more people can learn about the Church.
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Pope Francis #436Z With Orthodox Patriarchs
Above is my pen & ink drawing of the Pope with the Orthodox Prelates. The Pope has made an effort to reach out to the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, because he wants to open channels of communication. Next year Pope Francis will meet other Orthodox Prelates to set up meetings on Church Theology.
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Pope Francis #436Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
In the realm of Western Christianity, I will address two groups of faith, so as to denote their core difference.
Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church offers a very deep Theology, because of it’s age. It claims a long line of Popes stemming from St. Peter, because they hold that the pope is the vicar of Christ. However, more importantly, I would like to draw upon the earnestness of the Catholic Church, because it needs to be addressed.
Modern Theologians
Bishop Robert Barron
Of the many contemporary Catholic Theologians, Bishop Robert Barron stands out. I say this because above all things he is earnest. You may not agree with his views, and you may challenge his faith, but the bottom line is that he stands for the Catholic Church, and not his own agenda.
I find this to be the case with all of the contemporary Catholic Theologian, they stand with the Church. This is good practice, because it builds up the Catholic Church, and not the individual.
The challenger to the left is the Protestant Church, because it stands in opposition to the Catholic Church.
Current Protestant Theologians
Of the many current Protestant Theologian I would like to call out Dr. William Lane Craig, because he is a salient person in the Protestant faith. Dr. Craig is the epitome of modern Protestant Theologians, because he needs to separate himself from the Catholic Church.
William Lane Craig
Unlike Bishop Barron, and Catholic Theologians, Dr. Craig is not earnest in his mission, because he is looking to set his agenda. He does not stand for any Church, but rather he stands for his own agenda. William Lane Craig actually thinks that he has the answers, but he does not. William Lane Craig thinks of himself as a righteous person standing up against evil, and opponents to his view of God, Jesus, and mankind. The bottom line is that he, like most protest Theologian, suffer from the torment of hollow, righteous faith, because they are deeply insecure. Whereas the Catholic Theologian are much better, because they are free, and do not need to act righteous.
For my money I will take stock in the Roman Catholic Church, because it true to it’s mission.
The Goodman Mansion is located at 5026 S. Greenwood Avenue, in Hyde Park/Kenwood, Chicago. Currently it is the home of James Montgomery, a prominent Chicago Attorney. The mansion was built architects Treat & Foltz in the Queen Anne style, because that was popular in Kenwood. This mansion sits right behind the famous Loeb Mansion at 5017 S. Ellis, from the famous Leopold & Loeb Murder of 1924. The home was raised in 1972, because of the infamy of the murder case. Two doors to the south is the home of President Barack Obama.
Above is a pen & ink drawing that I have done of the mansion, because it has inspired me. The detail of the house architecture is exquisite, because the craftsman ship was professional. The house has a ballroom on the third floor, because the Goodman’s like to entertain by dancing. The ballroom has a stage, because the musicians need this to perform on.
Above is a pen & ink drawing of President Barack Obama’s house on Greenwood Avenue in Kenwood, Chicago. This home is one door away from the famous Goodman mansion, of Goodman Theater fame. Attorney James Montgomery is the current owner of the mansion. Kenwood is the mansion district of Hyde Park, because it has very large homes. Behind President Obama’s home is the site of the famous Loeb Mansion, at 5017 S. Ellis Avenue, from the Leopold & Loeb murder of 1924, in Chicago.
The rendering is of the front entrance of the home, because it is the most elegant view of the house. This large home was built in the day of live in staff, because labor was cheaper back then. The house is located on the corner of 50th and Greenwood, because it is a corner lot. Greenwood Avenue at this section has a barricade on it, so as to protect the home of the President of the United States.
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Barack Obama House #428Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer was most famous as a medical missionary to Africa, however, his greatest achievements lie in his achievements as a Theologian, because he was a New Testament Scholar. He wrote the Quest of the Historical Jesus, because he wanted to explain Jesus in His historical context. Albert Schweitzer clearly proved that Jesus was a man, and not God, because he used the Historical Critical Method.
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Name #427Z
Above is my pen & ink drawing of Dr. Schweitzer, taken from an Internet search. He is often shown wearing a smile, because he loved his work. This line drawing nicely captures his expression, because I did not cross-hatch the details. The delineation of his face is clear, because I have used a thin pen line. The drawing shows only his face, because I wanted to focus on his facial expressions.
Music
Albert Schweitzer was famous as a music, and especially an interpreter of Johann Sebastian Bach.
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Albert Schweitzer #427Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
The statement “We hold these truths to be self-evident” is a creed, and nothing more. However, it is worse than a creed, because it is false, and trying to be Scientifically sound. However it is not, because it is not supported with facts, whereas creeds can never be subject to Scientific investigation.
A Fable
The above statement is a fable, the same as Noah, Zoroaster, and any other belief or religion. We believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is fine, and dandy, but it is a personal sentiment, not a Scientifically supported theory. For all theories are fact based, which makes them Science. Whereas creeds are in the same league as fables, and myths, because they are based on nothing. So too is the statement by Thomas Jefferson. It is fine, and dandy but just his opinion that has no facts whatsoever to support it, and possesses no authority at all. In fact, modern Science has made clear the very opposite of Thomas Jefferson’s ridiculous statement. Further, Jefferson had no idea how 20th Century politicians, and Academicians would take, and spin his phrase.
The Truth
It is a Scientific fact that no man is equal to another man in any capacity; physically, ethically, or spiritually. This is a fact with support clinically, and Scientifically. Like all things in life, you have to look at things in context, or as I like to say, as an artist, (and an Architectural Illustrator), perspective, because this gives you an over all view of the meaning of any statement, or work of art.
Perspective
Thomas Jefferson’s words had no bearing on Black American status as being put on “Equal” social footing as White Americans. Anyone that is trying to say otherwise is looking to set an agenda of their own. Much in the same manner as modern Theologians who are attempting to “breathe life” into the corps of dead Jesus. As much as the myth of Jesus rising from the dead is not true, so too, is the myth of Thomas Jefferson putting Black Americans on an equal social status as with White Americans. The perspective is clear, as we are in the Enlightenment, not the post Civil-Rights area in the United States.
In the same light we have the bogus sentiment that women are more beautiful, and more fair than men. When in fact this is another lie. For again, it is the rule of nature that the male, as the dominant member of the species, is also the most fair. It is the task of the dominant male to find and penetrate the female to carry on the species. The cow does not flip the coin, and take on the bull! Males are dominant in all things, for that is natures way, to the chagrin of the Feminist’s perspective (or lack thereof). From the fish in the sea, to the birds in the air, it is Nature’s decree that the male is most fair.
Male Feature Over Female
Human males have a grand, and beautiful architecture, where as the female is small, frail, and plain. The muscles of the male bring out the contour of his beautiful body, where as the female has no muscle physique. The male has long eyelashes, and beautiful eyebrows, whereas the females are nothing. Males have a beautiful face, beard, and hairy chest, whereas females have nothing. Males have magnificent pectorals, abs, and hips, whereas females have saggy tits, and flaggy hips.
Procreation
Males are the glory of reproduction, because they carry the seed of life. Whereas females are mere breeding chambers.
If I choose not to believe in the Holy Trinity, I will do so. Also, of I choose to not believe in Jesus, I will do so. And yet again, if I choose not to believe in Allah, I will do so. So too with not believing that all men are created equal, is again a personal choice, because I am a free man. The day the government attempts to make me believe what I do not, is the day that we are in the reign of terror, for we will have lost our freedom. I do not believe that all men are created equal, because it is not true. Also, I do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus, because it is not true.
Inequality For Political Agenda
Inequality of men is not racist, because it is based on individual persons, and not groups. No two men in all the earth are alike or equal in any manner. This is just a political infused statement issued in by political parties to set their agenda. More importantly, the phrase makes no sense at all, because it offers no equation. No matter what the phase, it does not work, because it does not offer a formula. Now the statement “All men are created in their efforts to worship God” works, because it offers an equation or solution to the statement.
Sobriety
The best plan in any arena, is a sober one, because you never do well by avoiding the truth. It is a harsh realty that some people are smarter than others, because that is how genetics works its codes.
Discrimination Is The Best Policy
The best way to achieve success it through competition, because it works. Harvard University does not let any applicant into the university, but rather they discriminate the applicant roster for the best students, because discrimination is the best policy, and it works. When you go the fruit stand to get an apple, you do not just randomly grab any one. Rather, you carefully discriminate between the apples to get the finest one, because this is best, and it works. Discrimination is the best policy.
Thomas Jefferson
Slave Dens
If it were true that Jefferson believed that Black men were equal with White men, why did he not promote the policies of EEOC, and institute “equality in his slave dens? He only had Black men in his dens, thus clearly showing hate for the Black race. If he were to exercise the spirit of “equality” he would have followed through with the policies of EEOC. Thus, Thomas Jefferson should have had Whites, Chinese, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups in his slave dens, but he did not. Thus, proving that Thomas Jefferson had no interest in setting the tone of “Equality” for all men, but put Whites first at the expense of Blacks. The policies of EEOC and the like are the brain-child of political parties, in setting up their agenda. Mozart did not write symphonies in the style of Gustav Mahler, and Thomas Jefferson did wright like Abraham Lincoln.
Inequality
I hold that all men are not created equal, because it is against the rule of Nature. Thomas Jefferson was wrong about the equity of men, because he was not a Genetic Engineer, or Scientist. The current United States Government Policies on EEOC should be dropped, because they discriminates against those that are better performers. When I am being cut open by a doctor, he must know what he is doing, and not the selectee from a quota list, because he would not be the best qualified doctor.
Pen & ink drawing of Thomas Jefferson.
Common Sense
Today common sense more than ever is need in all areas, especially government, because government policy promotes parasites. Parasites only make things worse, because they do not offer anything.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Above is my pen & ink drawing showing the folly of the phrase, because it is not true. Men cannot be created equal, because it is the rule of Nature. No man is the same, size, weight, or color of another man, because each man is unique. If you are you unique you cannot be equal with other, because you are made to be a single substance. I am not equal to anyone else, because I am an artist. I do not want to be equal to anyone, because I am unique.
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All men are not created equal #426Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Eyes are the soul of the human face, because they show you life. It is the eyes that express more than anything you say, for they reveal the truth. Eyes can tell you if a man is a liar, or telling the truth.
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Eyes Watching You! #425Z
Above is my pen & ink drawing of a young man’s eyes, because it shows his eye brows. In the drawing I have started it out in pencil, because you can see the pencil marking under the ink. The cross-hatch on the face is used to bring out the face, so that you focus on his eyes. In this drawing the eyes are telling you that he is focused on you, because his pupils are looking right at you.
Right Handed
When I draw the face I draw the left side eye first, because I am right handed. After I start to draw I keep the pencil moving to the center, because it keeps the scale correct.
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Eyes watching you #425Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Sharks are a large fish, because they have gills. Sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, because all sharks are fish. The Whale Shark is not a whale, but a fish, because it has gills. Bull Sharks are man-eaters!
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Sharks
Above and below are drawing of two Bull Sharks seen by Dr. Douglas Bauer, my dentist, because he was swimming with them. When he was in Florida he went swimming with sharks, because it was part of a class. These are based on two photos that hang in his office. I look at these photos every time I am at his office, so as a token of appreciation today for my visit, I drew these two pen & inks.
Pen & ink drawing of a Bull Shark.
Photos of Sharks #424Z
Below are photos that Tammy Mazzolini, the Office Manager, took of the two sharks.
Photo taken of a Bull Shark by Dr. Douglas Bauer.
Photo taken of a Bull Shark by Dr. Douglas Bauer.
Photo taken of a Bull Shark by Dr. Douglas Bauer.
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Sharks #424Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Barber of Seville #423Z, pen & ink drawing, and pencil portrait, by artist Stephen F. Condren, SAIC, BFA, of Condren Galleries. Included with the cover of Lyric Opera of Chicago Program Guide.
I am a donor and subscriber to Lyric Opera of Chicago, because they are the best. This evening I attended the Barber of Seville, because it is on my season schedule. The performance was outstanding in every way, because of Lyric’s approach to opera. Lyric Opera is World Class in all regards, because they have the support of it’s patron, and excellent leadership.
Pen & Ink Drawing Of Barber Of Seville
Below is a pen & ink drawing that I did of Act I, because it inspired me. As soon as I got home I took up my pen and started to draw. I wanted to have the line work loose, because the detail on stage are dark. The purpose of the drawing is to show the movement of figures on the set, because this makes the opera more interesting.
Pen & ink drawing of the Barber of Seville, Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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Barber of Seville #423Z pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
