This article is about watercolor house portrait #279Z, of a property sold by Broker Nano Engdahl of Baird & Warner, 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 Nano!
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor House Portrait #279Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing is first done for layout. As you can see in the image below, I have put the note in the right spot and moved the driveway light in a bit more so that it fits well with the landscape. I can look the whole thing over to make sure that the house properly fits in the composition. If you have changes to make this is the time to make them.
I particularly like the two oaks to the far right of the composition. The branches reach out over the top of the house with look really cool. Also, I like the fir tree on the front lawn next to the lamp light.
Pencil House Portrait Sketch
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing is where the rubber meets the road. You have to get it right the first time or you are dead! You cannot use “white out” to “fix” mistakes because the watercolor washes it away. So do it right!
Below you can see how I have gone over the lines of the pencil to keep the form the same. I do not trace the image, I merely draw with pen & ink over the pencil. The pencil sketch is a guide, sort of like a prompter at the opera house. Do not worry about making it perfect. The perfect lies in you drawing with the ink. Remember, I am drawing from the photograph not the sketch.
Pen & Ink House Portrait
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering is the last phase of the house portrait. You can easily see the work of the pen & ink below and now the fresh tones of color are applied. I have erased any of the salient pencil marks, like those on the note and part of the landscape. I like the pencil to compliment the work of art not compromise it.
Watercolor House Portrait
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of house portrait #279Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for watercolor house portrait #279Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #000Z.
Stephen F. Condren for watercolor house portrait #279Z
Artist
As an artist I have made watercolor house portrait #279Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
Watercolor house portrait #279Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
Hard to Love #280Z or Baroque Art, is an article about a lecture give by Ellenor Alcorn to members of the Buckingham Society on 18th Century Art, at the Art Institute of Chicago written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries. Congratulations Ellenor Alcorn!
The Buckingham Society is a group of members of the Art Institute of Chicago, dedicated to the museum by means of planned giving. At intervals throughout the year, the Art Institute sponsors special evens such as this luncheon, as a token of appreciation to the society.
Luncheon
The luncheon was located in the Nichols Board of Trustees Suite, located on the second level of the Modern Wing. We were provided with salad to start then a savory chicken and pasta. Desert was an orange flavored kind of gelatin with fruit, because it was the closing treat.
Ellenor Alcorn
Our speaker was Ellenor Alcorn, Chair and Eloise W. Martin Curator of European Decorative Arts. Ellenor was an outstanding speaker, because she has a gift for bringing the audience into her fold.
Invitation to Hard to Love #280Z
Slide presentation
The topic was on five prize pieces of Baroque and Rococo Art in the museum’s collection. Ellenor’s approach was innovative, because he integrated abstract images. She wanted the audience to cast a vote on weather we approved or disapproved of a work of art by means of a “thumbs up or down”. Thus, forcing us to take an aesthetic risk on the work of art prior to her discussion of the piece. Ellenor kept us on our toes!
She wanted us to look at the Baroque and Rococo on terms outside of “too much”. Also, she brought out points in each of the works of art that added new understanding to each piece taken as a whole. This was particularly true of the Meissen porcelain centerpiece.
Hard to Love lecture at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Invitation
Key notes
Below is the inside face of the invitation providing information on the event.
Hard to Love lecture at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Back Of Invitation
Provenance
The backside give information on the centerpiece of the over of the invitation.
Hard to Love lecture at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for Hard to Love #280Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #000Z.
Stephen F. Condren for Hard to Love #280Z
Artist
As an artist I hardily approve of Hard to Love #280Z as an outstanding lecture and discourse of Fine Art.
Alt Image Tag
Hard to Love #280Z an article by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about the American Legion hosting Bingo for veterans #278Z at James A. Lovell Health Care Center, Naval Station Great Lakes. This article is written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC,of Condren Galleries. Congratulations American Legion and Veterans!
Because the American Legion is an organization dedicated to United States Veterans, it has made arrangements with it’s local chapter posts to serve food and refreshments to patients at Lovell Health Care Center.
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Great Lakes Naval Command
Most importantly, the bingo event was held in Bourque Hall at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. Because Great Lakes is located in Lake County, the American Legion was there. The health care center was named in honor of Apollo 13 astronaut James A. Lovell. Three members of the Grayslake Post 659 were there to offer service. The Grayslake Post is conveniently located to Naval Station Great Lakes.
The American Legion And Bing For Veterans #278Z
Legion Posts
It was both an honor and a comfort to see the dedicated veterans from American Legion posts gathered together to help veteran soldiers in need of care. As a member of Grayslake American Legion Post 659, I was proud to be at this event. I was given money to hand out to each of the winners of binger. After about 45 minutes there was a break and all of the American Legion members stood at the concession table serving food and beverages to the veterans.
After about 25 minutes, the bingo game resumed and the prize money went up from $2 to $5. Everyone, however, was a winner! Because I was able to assist those in need, I felt like the greatest winner. God bless America!
1, American Legion Officers hosting Bing at Lovell Health Care Center.2, American Legion Officers hosting Bing at Lovell Health Care Center.
Condren Galleries Ltd. And Bingo For Veterans #278Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participated in bingo for veterans #278Z.
Stephen F. Condren And Bingo For Veterans #278Z
Artist
As an artist I observe and study the figures and the space bingo for the composition of future artwork. Whenever I walk into a space I am immediately aware of the perspective of the room and the elements in that space. For example, if you look at the hall in the photos above you can see the images of the people receding in scale to their size as you go from the lens back to the stage.
Bourque Hall
Bourque Hall is located in Building #4 on the naval base and is close to the center core of buildings that comprise the James A. Lovell Health Care Center. The interior architecture of the room is Colonial and in the front is a nice size stage for performing ceremonies and giving announcements.
The hall is rectangular in shape and offers ample room for large gatherings. There is a small kitchen and service booth in the rear of the room. For the most part we post members served the food and drinks and then we cleared the tables. Other American Legion members went back out to the veterans and finished handing out the cash prices to the winners.
Alt Image Tag
Bingo for veterans #278Z by American Legion at Great Lakes Naval Command, Condren Galleries.
This drawing is based upon the famous 1922 German film of the vampire Count Orlok by Friederich Wilhelm Murnau. The film was based on the famous novel of Dracula by Bram Stoker. However, due to copyright issues the film was banned in Germany and many of the original copies were destroyed.
Intent
My intention for this drawing is to bring out the character of Count Orlok and not to copy a photograph. If there is anything that is more boring or lame for an artist to do, it is to copy photos. The practice of copying photos is excellent when learning how to develop drawing skills, but it is only the excercise, not the art.
Count Orlok From Nosferatu By F. W. Murnau
Pencil Drawing For Nosferatu Pencil Drawing #277Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing of the count was first done very lightly and then as I progressed I used hatching and cross-hatching to bring in more detail. In the drawing below you can see the lighter sketch below the hatching.
Nosferatu Drawing By Stephen F. Condren
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing below I have increased the hatching and delineated the contour lines of the face and hand. Because of the intense cross-hatching near the edge of Count Orolk’s face, there is an added mood of suspense to the image. The cross-hatching is nice for making prints because lines show up very clearly on reproductions.
Nosferatu Drawing By Stephen F. Condren
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of Nosferatu pencil drawing #277Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries For Nosferatu Pencil Drawing #277Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of Nosferatu drawing #277Z.
Stephen F. Condren For Nosferatu Pencil Drawing #277Z
Artist
As an artist I have made drawing like that of Nosferatu #277Z a staple of my work.
Alt Image Tag
Nosferatu pencil drawing #277Z and prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about watercolor house portrait #276Z, of a property sold by Broker/Realtor, Renee Devedjian, of @Properties, 2571 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, IL 60015, 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 Renee Devedjian!
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor house portrait #276Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing is the foundation of the house portrait. As you can see from the sketch below I have captured the image of the house precisely. The photo of the home was distorted making it recede down to the left, so I adjusted the perspective to a more natural view.
All that you need in the sketch is the simple clean line. I do not busy up the preliminary sketch with shade and shadows, that is not that task at hand.
Because the large ornamental tree and flowers were blocking the right side of the house, I moved them over to the right so as to get a clear view of the entire structure.
Pencil sketch of a house portrait by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing is where the rubber meets the road! There is no turning back at this point and you have to do it right! Once the ink hits the paper it is final, just like a house closing. You cannot use white out or other gimmicks to cover over mistakes because when you apply the watercolor it washes all the white out away! What you see is what you get.
In the drawing below you can see that I have carefully followed the outline given to me from the pencil sketch from above. I enhanced the tree behind the house to have grace to the composition. Generally, I do not put ink on the background trees but this drawing seemed to call for it.
Pen & ink house portrait by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren.
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor is very carefully applied because you cannot go back and fix it. Since watercolor is transparent you can see everything, so you have to set the colors in place correctly the first time.
On both sides of the composition I have put a touch of red for the Norway Maples which are there. The sidewalk and steps are brick pavers and so I used a touch of red and brown to bring out those tones.
Watercolor house portrait by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
As a follow-up after sending the house portrait to me clients, I email them the scan of the watercolor. The scan can be put into JPEG or PDF formats for making note cards or stationary as follow-up gifts for clients.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for Watercolor house portrait #276Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #276Z for Realtor Renee Devedjian.
Stephen F. Condren for Watercolor house portrait #276Z
Artist
As an artist I have made watercolor house portrait #276Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
Watercolor house portrait #276Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
Related Links
Watercolor house portrait by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren.
This article is about watercolor house portrait #275Z, of a property sold by Managing Broker/Realtor Nick Garcia of Baird & Warner, 21130 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort, Illinois 60423, 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 and note cards. Congratulations Nick Garcia.
Nick Garcia, Managing Broker, Baird Warner, Frankfort, Illinois
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor House Portrait #275Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing of the house portrait is the first thing that I do. This is just like the basement foundation of a house, for though it is rough and crude, it is what everything is build upon.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink is then applied after I finish the preliminary pencil sketch. Due to the nature of pen & ink you have to be very careful and precise for it is most unforgiving. What you see is what you get. Also, you cannot “escape” from your errors with “white out” or other gimmicks to cover up a mistake. This is because once you put the watercolor on the paper it dissolves the “mask” and exposes the ink underneath.
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor is the last step in the process of producing the rendering. As you can see from the image below the ink clearly delineates the subject and the watercolor graciously compliment the landscape. I particularly enjoy the ornamental hedges at the center of the front lawn. The bulbous forms are a delight to look at.
Watercolor House Portrait #275Z
Scans
JPEG & PDF
As a follow-up after sending the house portrait to me clients, I email them the scan of the watercolor. The scan can be put into JPEG or PDF formats for making note cards or stationary as follow-up gifts for clients.
Condren Galleries Ltd.
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #275Z for Managing Broker Nick Garcia.
Stephen F. Condren for watercolor house portrait #275Z
Artist
As an artist I have made watercolor house portrait #275Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
Watercolor house portrait #275Z pen & ink drawing with prints by Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
Ashton Kroner of Road Home Program, spoke on what she was offering to Veterans of all walks of life, and regardless of the discharge status. The Road Home Program is affiliated with Rush Edu. The Road Home Program is an out patient program that has a treatment window of time ranging from one to approximately 25 days. Road Home Program is not a residential program. However, it works in tandem with other agencies that can assist Veterans with those needs.
Karyn Davidman
We were all honored by the presence of Karyn Davidman, Casework Director for Congressman Bradley S. Schneider. Because Karyn brought up points that were germane to women’s issues and Veterans, she enriched the discourse of this seminar. Most importantly, Karyn was able bring out the resources of the different Veterans at the table. Karyn Davidman was “Sine quo none”.
Enrichment
Clearly as different people came to the table with their life stories pertaining to women’s issues and the Military a sense of camaraderie and fellowship came to fore. Sharing, understanding, and open mindedness to all issues regarding women, the Military, was at hand. Above all, answers to difficult questions, and solutions were made manifest right on the spot by an attorney, educators, and caseworkers. Truly, this was a seminar that enriched the lives of all that attended and it can be said that we all walked away as better people from it.
Images Of Lake County Veterans Honors Women #274Z
2, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month 3, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month 4, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month 5, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month 6, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
7, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
8, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
9, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
10, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
11, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
12, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
13, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
14, Lake County Veterans And Family Services Honors Women’s History Month
Condren Galleries Ltd.
Veteran Women
Condren Galleries honors all Veteran women past and present. Because I am a veteran that served on board the USS Midway CV-41, I have made it my mission to give back to our country what it has given to us.
Denny Chimes is named after the beloved George H. Denny, President of University of Alabama. Dr. Denny had wanted to retire, so as a play to keep him on, the University erected this fine campanile tower to keep him on, and it worked!
Pencil Drawing For Denny Chimes #253Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing was done in two phases. First a light layout sketch to give the proper scope and perspective of the drawing. This drawing had to be done very lightly because it is subject to change.
Denny Chines University Of Alabama pencil drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Second Sketch
The second sketch is really the final draft to get a real feeling of how the drawing will look when the pen & ink is applied.
Denny Chines University Of Alabama Pencil Drawing
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing is the last phase of the rendering and as you can clearly see, all of the line work from the preliminary sketches are all in place.
Denny Chines University Of Alabama pen & ink drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering.
Scans for Denny Chimes #273Z
JPEG & PDF
Scans of the pen & ink drawing are available in JPEG & PDF formats.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for Denny Chimes #273Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of Denny Chimes #273Z.
Stephen F. Condren
Artist
As an artist I have made Denny Chimes #273Z a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
Denny Chimes #273Z pen & ink drawing with prints by Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about house portraits #272Z, of properties sold by Chris Veech, Broker/Realtor @Properties, 30 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, and written by artist 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 note cards. Congratulations Chris Veech!
I’m here to help your friends & family with their real estate needs and your referrals are truly appreciated. Expert referral services across the U.S. and abroad.
$80+ Million in Closed Sales
@properties Road to Rolex Recipient 2013
@properties Rookie of the Year 2011
Relocation Certified
Certified Negotiation Expert CNE
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certified SFR
Chicago Magazine Five Star Realtor
Make It Better Magazine Best Realtor Nominee
Pencil Drawing For Watercolor House Portrait #272Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing is done right after I set up the margin, which can see around the image. Because this is the interior size of the 11″ x 14″ mat that goes into the fame, it is smaller than the frame.
I always start the house portraits as pencil sketches. Now each case is different but generally I do not like to erase the pencil underneath the pen & ink. As you can see here the pencil is a 6B lead, so it is softer and easier to see. Th main point of the sketch is to act as a guide for the pen & ink that is to come. Therefore, it is critical that I have everything correct with regard to proportion and perspective.
Because each case is different I sometime text the pencil sketch to Chris for approval. This house just below was such a case. Because both photos form the MLS were form a steep perspective I suggested the soft bend, that looks almost front on, but really tips a bit to the right. I do not think it prudent to do the rendering from the right hand side as it would place too much emphasis on the garage door.
255 Hibbard Road
House portrait pencil sketch by artist Stephen F. Condren.
33 Regent Wood Road As Home Stylus Sketch
The MLS listing as well on this house was quite steep, especially from the vantage point of the garage. Thus, I reduced the angle to be more natural. I omitted the large tree/bush on the right side as it completely block the right hand portion of the house.
House portrait pencil sketch by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Pen & Ink Drawing For House Portraits #272Z
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing is the most difficult to execute as there is no room for error. When you put the ink down, that is it. What is done is done! Below for 255 you can see that I have nicely hatched the eaves so as to provide shading. If you look carefully, you can see that I have left space for the 4 decorative turnip shaped wooden balls that are on each side of the entry and again at each side of the central block of the house.
I cheated with the driveway lamp by moving it further to the right, or closer to the front, so that it would not get “lost” in the detailing of the rendering. I deliberately left space on each side of the lamp where the horizon line is seen.
Another feature that I do is to adjust the trees behind the house so as to leave the point or edges of the house clear. This can be seen with both chimneys and the right side tip of the garage. If I were to draw the trees the way that they really are they would burry the house and make it look flat. Depth of field is crucial for a successful rendering.
255 Hibbard Road
Pen & ink house portrait by artist Stephen F. Condren.
33 Regent Wood Road
I had to be very careful with this one, because the driveway is very dominant and I did not want it to take control. Because the driveway is done with nice tooled pavers I took advantage of that brick look to ease the pattern of the drive. This the nice curve at the street is inviting and not tedious.
Pen & ink house portrait by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Scans For House Portraits #272Z
JPEG & PDF
As a follow-up after the closing I sent a scan of this house portrait #272Z for making prints of any assortment. Prints for note cards, calendars, and note pads can be made from the scans. This is a great housewarming gift for follow-ups.
Condren Galleries Ltd.
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of house portrait #272Z for Chris Veech.
Stephen F. Condren
Artist
As an artist I have made house portraits a staple of my architectural rendering works.
Alt Image Tag
House portraits #272Z pen & ink drawing with prints at Condren Galleries.
This article is about Congressman Bradley Schneider honoring Vietnam War Veterans, written by artist Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. The event was to give Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to the Veterans. Mr. Schneider posed with each veteran as he gave them their certificate. Most importantly, I proudly served aboard the USS Midway CV-41, and I was the ship’s artist for the Cruise Book “Taking care of business”. Congratulations Vietnam War Veterans!
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition From Congressman Brad Schneider
Honor
I served my country with honor as I am an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Navy.
My mantra is as follows: I am a man of honor, and if there no honor in it, I am not there. Put before me anyone that will argue otherwise.
Service
The great thing about Veterans is that they think outside of themselves and direct their efforts towards others!
Veterans of the Vietnam War
Present at the ceremony to honor Vietnam War Veterans, were member of local American Legion and VFW post in all honor. These fine men and women that have served our country were there to support those that have given their lives for our freedom as well as to share in the spirit of truth and honor the service of our local patriots.
USS Midway CV-41
I joined the Navy at the very end of the Vietnam War, however, I was there in spirit. I served on the aircraft carrier USS Midway CV-41, now a museum in San Diego. Because the Midway was involved in “Operation Frequent Wind”, which was the evacuation of Vietnam, where there were many refugees on the Midway. I served my country with honor as I am an Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Navy.
Cruise Book ~ Taking Care Of Business
While serving aboard the Midway, there was an art competition for the artist of the Ship’s WestPac Cruise Book “Taking Care Of Business”. Because I was the best artist on board, I won the competition. As the artist, I was given the honor to sit before the Commander of Carrier Group Three, Rear Admiral William Newell Small , Chief of Staff, Captain David E. Leue, Captain, USS Midway CV-41, Lawrence C. Chambers, and Executive Officer Captain L. H. Grimes Jr., and draw their portraits! Further, I drew every Department of the USS Midway CV-41.
Rear Admiral Small, USS Midway CV-41, Pen & Ink Drawing by Stephen F. Condren.
Signature and note by Rear Admiral William N. Small
After the Cruise Book was published Rear Admiral Small personally invited me into his suite on board the USS Midway and to expressed to me how pleased he was with the drawing. The Admiral had a copy made of the pen & ink portrait that I drew of him. After this, right in front of me, he sat down and wrote a commemorative note on the drawing and signed it. This signed drawing now hangs in my home and is ever cherished.
Signature and note by Rear Admiral William N. Small, USS Midway CV-41, 1976.
Captain L. C. Chambers, Commanding Officer, USS Midway
The Commanding Officer of the USS Midway was Captain Lawrence Cleveland Chambers. Captain Chambers was the first Black American to command an air craft carrier. Later in his career, Captain Chambers was promoted to Rear Admiral and Commander of Carrier Strike Group Three.
Captain Lawrence C. Chambers, Commanding Officer USS Midway CV-41, pen & ink drawing by Stephen F. Condren, 1976.
Russian Bear
A short interesting story about the captain. One day while at sea the Air Boss, Commander Theodorelos, was looking out the window of his post on the island, and then noticed, with his naked eyes, a Russian Bear (Russia’s leading bomber), headed directly to the port side of the USS Midway. Immediately he sounded Alert-5 (a five minute readiness response by our F4 pilots). However, it was too late, long after our boys were in the air to escort the Russian bomber, it was long gone. I can just hear the Russians in their glory, howling with laughter.
Russian Bear Bomber. Courtesy Wikipedia.
Broken Window
Captain Chambers was notified of all this by phone, and when he heard that the Russians superseded the USS Midway without a strike force escort he took his phone and threw it at the bridge window ~ he cracked the bullet proof window! I would not want be the Operations Officer that day.
Operation Frequent Wind
The final phase of the evacuation of Vietnam from Saigon is called “Operation Frequent Wind”. The USS Midway played a vital role in this strategic naval deployment. In the pen & ink drawing below is an image of Executive Officer, Captain L. H. Grimes Jr., holding a refugee child in his arms, securing the child’s freedom. This was the drawing that won the competition and secured my post as ship’s artist for the USS Midway’s cruise book.
Captain L. H. Grimes Jr. With Child In Operation Frequent Wind Pen & Ink Drawing By Stephen F. Condren.
Helicopters Thrown Overboard
For ship security and integrity, the helicopters used for the evacuation of Saigon where thrown overboard.
Below on my coffee table is one of my copies of the USS Midway ship’s cruise book “Taking Care Of Business”.
USS Midway Cruise Book ~ Taking Care Of Business.
Location
The ceremony took place at Cook Memorial Library in Libertyville, Illinois. Because there a large number of people attending, a large meeting room in the lower level of the library where the event took place.
Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z
Congressman
The Congressman honored each of the Vietnam War Veterans with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. He called each veteran up to the podium and stood next to him for a photo-op while holding the certificate.
The Room was filled to capacity, and the presence of the military and veterans was seen everywhere.
Certificate Of Special Congressional Recognition
Photograph of Stephen F. Condren on shore, Japan, 1976
Stephen F. Condren Wearing Commemorative Service Jacket, 1975.
Photographs of the event
2, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.3, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.4, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.5, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.6, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.7, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.8, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.9, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.10,Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.11, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.12, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
13, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
14, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
15, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
16, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
17, Congressional Recognition Ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans by Congressman Brad Schneider.
Honorable Discharge
DD-214 Honorable Discharge Certificate
Thank you!
Greatly Appreciated
Dear Mr. Schneider,
I personally want to thank you for recognizing the Vietnam Veterans. Further, I want to thank you demonstrating to us your care and concern for all of us veterans that served our great country. Most importantly, I want to say “Thank you, for giving each one of us veterans here today this most honorable Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin!
God bless you and your family,
Stephen F. Condren ~ Artist
Scans
JPEG & PDF
JPEG & PDF scans of the Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z event are available.
Condren Galleries Ltd.
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is deeply honored to be part of the Vietnam War Veterans ceremony of Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z.
Stephen F. Condren
Artist
As an artist and a Vietnam War Veteran I am proud to receive this Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z.
Alt Image Tag
Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z with Stephen F. Condren of Condren Galleries and USS Midway CV-41.
Congressman Bradley Schneider #271Z honors Vietnam War Veterans by Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
