Tag: Articles On Fine Arts By Artist Stephen F. Condren #002K
Fine Arts #002K is an article about the topic of Fine Arts as master artworks, from art and architecture to music and world literature, written by artist Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, at Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Because Fine Art is great, it’s posts are great!
Watercolor painting of St. Margaret’s Bay in Nova Scotia by artist Stephen F. Condren for product ~ SKU# 977.
Pen & ink drawing of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Articles on Fine Art, ranging from contemporary to ancient objects of art, cultures, and artists. Topics covering Architecture and large civic sites such as the Pyramids at Giza. The history and culture of each artist and work of art is giving high priority. Also, the religious background of the artwork at hand is giving special focus as theological elements play a vital part in art and culture.
Legendary status #541Z, or quasi-divinity, a case for doing away with the ethereal status of famous historical figures, by artist, and Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Prints & Scans Of This Drawing #541Z ~ Order Here.
This is a topic that has burned in my mind for decades, because it is important to address. No man is a god, or even close to it, because we are all mortals. Thus, when we encounter men that have achieved great things such as Einstein, Mozart, and Leonardo Da Vinci we have to pause, because we need to asses their works in the context of their times, and our times. Further, we have to asses how their works bare on our lives, because we are the recipients of their creativity.
I am not here to put down anyone, or his work, because I am here to critique, not to tear down. No man’s work is on such a high status that it has become “holy” or “sacrosanct”. However, that is what is going on all the time, because people do not know any better.
Frank Lloyd Wright
The architecture of Frank Lloyd Write is famous the world over, because he made bold new plans in his time. However, many of his building are quite ugly, and outdated. Yet, when you say this to any museum curator, or a professor of Architecture, you are looked at like you came from Mars. To even think that any house of Frank Lloyd Wright’s is ugly, or poorly executed makes you look bad, because these academicians want to elevate themselves at your expense.
Picasso
I do not like the works of Picasso, because his work is crude. That is my opinion, and I hold it, because I am a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. However, on one occasion I expressed this view to people of “culture” and “good breeding” and I was scolded! I was then told “As an artist you above all should have an appreciation of the works of a great artist like Picasso.” I followed up by telling the person that I thought so little of Picasso that I did not even waste any of my time by attending the exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. They could not handle it.
Famous Vs. Great
I prefer to use the term famous artist rather than great, because there are a lot of poor, and sub-standard artists that are not great, but surely famous. All of the works of Vincent van Gogh are crude, and mediocre drafting’s. Yet, if you express this sentiment in public you are in trouble, because you are crossing a line. Vincent van Gogh was insane, and his works show it. There is no genius in any of his tawdry works of art, because they are banal.
I am not an advocate of “Culture by the yard”, and impressing people with things that look, and sound lofty, because many things by great artists are banal, and crude. My advice is to appreciate that which calls you. because you will be better off as a person. Legendary status #541Z of any work should be dropped, and looked at for what it is. No work of any man is legendary, because legends are based on fables.
Pencil Drawing With Prints And Scans
Alt Image Tag
Legendary status #541Z, or quasi-divinity, shows a pen & ink drawing of a king’s crown by artist Stephen F. Condren, of Condren Galleries offering prints, and scans.
Pen & Ink Drawings With Prints & Scans
Artist Stephen F. Condren Of Condren Galleries, A Fine Arts Gallery
Assumption of the Virgin by El Greco #598Z, a case for Mythological Art, by artist, and Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery.
A painting that I have never liked, but needs to be addressed, because it is the greatest Old Masters work in the Art Institute of Chicago. Having graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, this painting holds a special place in my heart, because I have grown up with it.
Cupid Chastised
This painting is adjacent my favorite work of are in the Art Institute of Chicago, Bartolomeo Manfredi’s Cupid Chastised, because they are close in time period.
The painting is of the post-Renaissance Period, or Mannerist, because they distort images. The painting is weak in that it is really two paintings in one. The upper section is the image of the Virgin being assumed, because she does not ever die. The lower section is of the astonished apostles, because they are beholding a miracle.
Half Moon
The image of the Virgin being lifted on a halfmoon is almost comical, as the Church Fathers, being inspired by God, should have known that the moon is round.
Colors
The tone is moribund even though there is full spectrum of color, because all the tones are imbued with gray.
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Assumption of the Virgin by El Greco #598Z, a case for Mythological Art by artist Stephen F. Condren of Condren Galleries, offering prints & scans.
Artist Stephen F. Condren Of Condren Galleries, A Fine Arts Gallery
This article is about the Ayer Society, of the Field Museum, and the honeybee breakfast #315Z, held for members at the Cheney Mansion, in Oak Park, Illinois. Written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery ~ the rendering is done first as a pencil sketch, then followed by the finished work of art, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints, note cards, and stationery. Congratulations Ayers Society!
A case has to be made, and in the favor of Charles E. White Jr., the architect of this fine home. This home, ladies and gentlemen is a modern house. This house was build in 1913 when the Model “T” Ford ruled the road. At this time the wealthy were building houses like the “Breakers” in Newport, and “Mara-Lago” in Palm Beach, all of which were designs of a bye-gone era. However, this house is a modern state-of-the-art home with a vision of the future.
Architectural Details
What makes this magnificent house so excellent is its use of ornamentation. There are no frills and ostentatious decorations, none at all. The stone masonry on the house is used as an accent rather than a style. Here we are not being thrown back to “Queen Anne”, “Tudor”, or “Norman”, rather, we are being firmly brought into the now! There is something very “Mies van der Rohe” about this home. Just look at how clean the lines are, and how well proportioned the central block of the structure is. This home is amazing!
Oak Park, Illinois
There is no room in this article to give the proper perspective on the historic city of Oak Park, Illinois. The home of Ernest Hemmingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mary Agnes Yerkes. There are at least 25 homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park, which is the world’s largest concentration of his homes. The beauty, charm, and history truly make Oak Park, Illinois one of the greatest towns in the United States of America. Thank you!
Speakers Of Note
James Louderman
Mr. Louderman has been a veteran of the Field Museum for over 20 years and a leading authority on insects. He is responsible for the over 17 million species of insects in the Field Museum collection. While we were in the Library, James introduced to us his best friend “George Burns”, the Field Museum staff turtle (we are, of course, celebrity status). Also, after we were introduced to George, he gave us a delightful introduction to a box of black beetles, that were crawling all over his hand. James assured us that they cannot get out of the box because they cannot crawl on the plastic sides of the box which is completely open at the top, trust me, they really knew how to crawl. There were many interesting, live garden favorites on display in the Library, but on the top of my list was a very large, black, harry tarantula. After all, what party isn’t complete without a live, air-breathing tarantula to showcase the “live” entertainment? He looked just grand behind glass, and that is were he stayed!
Charles Reudebusch
Mr. Ruedebusch is the owner of CR Gardens in Oak Park, Illinois. As an expert landscaper and horticulturalist, Mr. Ruedebusch has worked for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and was also the senior gardener of the Cheney Mansion. Since Mr. Reudebusch is fluent in German, we both had a good time bantering in German after the lecture. Mr. Charles L. Katzenmeyer was standing and conversing with us as we talked about the German language. He shared with us that his mother learned German in later years and really took to it, so now he wants to learn as well. I have so say that the caliber of people gathered at this fine event were all about learning!
Charles L. Katzenmeyer
A special thanks to Mr. Charles L. Katzenmeyer, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, for sponsoring and overseeing this fine event. Mr. Ketzenmeyer was diligent in making sure that all things were in order and that everyone was well tended. With the Field Museum you can always expect the best, and they deliver more, by providing Education, History, and a revolving door to the Community. Honesty, can you imagine life without the Field Museum? Thank you!
The Breakfast
On Saturday morning, at 8:30 AM, members of the Edward E. Ayer Society, of the Field Museum, were give a most gracious and elegant breakfast. Not only were we given a gracious meal, we were escorted around the grounds by experts on horticulture on the grounds of the Cheney Mansion. After the tour, we were provided with a very educational and most enlightening talk about bees, wasps, and other loving creatures of the garden. All in all the event ended at about 11:30 AM.
As we arrived we took our name tags and attached them to our lapels and then were graciously escorted to the out porch adjacent the morning room, on the south end of the mansion, overlooking the southern lawns and gardens. After a proper introduction from Anne, director of staff, we all alighted to be served at the buffet. As always, being with fellow Ayer Society members is a good time.
Garden Tour
After the breakfast, where we were each given a jar of honey, we proceeded outside to the gardens to have a private and detailed account of the plants and insects in it. This was really a delight and both Mr. Louderman and Mr. Ruedebusch were very knowledgeable and able to answer all questions asked of them.
Lecture
Following the garden tour, we were then lead into the house, the former living room, and there was finely appointed seating arrangement for a talk on insects by both Mr. Louderman and Mr. Ruedebush. The lecture was about 45 minutes in length, and they had everyone totally engaged!
Educated Donors
During the course of the lecture, many of the members asked very good and cogent questions of Mr. Louderman and Mr. Reudebusch. My favorite point was to learn that only female mosquitoes sting, not males! Also, if you bet the head of a male Bumble Bee he will salute you! However, beware, if you do that to a female she will sting you! Ouch or Amen?
125 Moments
As a further gesture of gratitude the Field Museum gave each of us a personal edition, with our name on the cover, of the new publication from the Field Museum: 125 Moments in the Natural History of the Field Museum. This scholarly and erudite edition, on the history of the Field Museum will go immediately into my library!
Thank You!
Dear Mr. Wilbur H. Gantz, Board Chair, Dr. Richard W. Lariviere, President and CEO, Members of the Board of Directors, the Administration, and the Staff off the Field Museum, I know that I am speaking for everyone that attended by saying thank you so very much!
New Book ~ Front Cover
Front Cover of: 125 Moments in the Natural History of the Field Museum.
New Book ~ Back Cover
Back Cover of: 125 Moments in the Natural History of the Field Museum.
Invitation
1, Ayer Society Honeybee Breakfast Invitation.
Invitation Inside Panels
2, Ayer Society Honeybee Breakfast Invitation, inside panels.
Photographs
3, Stephen F. Condren, Sandra Ganakos, James Louderman & Charles Ruedebusch.
4, George Burns (center).
5, Stephen F. Condren & Sandra Ganakos.
6, James Louderman talking about the gardens.
7, Sandra Ganakos
The Mansion
Below is the main entrance of the Cheney Mansion as seen looking east on Euclid Avenue. On the far left is the Library. At the Center is the Vestibule & Entrance Hall. To the right of the entry are the windows of the Living Room, or Parlor. To the right of the Parlor is the Breezeway. This area is used for receiving guests and then escorting them to the Morning Room, or to the Terrace for tea and light refreshments, depending on the social context.
Façade of the Cheney Manson in Oak Park
Terrace
The enclosed Terrace, which is at the very south end of the structure is to the very far right in the photo, of which you can barely see the north wall. The Terrace was popular in the summer as it has a commanding view of the south lawns and gardens. Further, it gives access to the Greenhouse, and the back yard court.
Terrace Enclosure
In the vintage photo of the Cheney Mansion below, if you look carefully to the far right, you can see the south façade of the house, with the window of the Breezeway clearly seen. This now has been removed to make way for the enclosure of the Terrace that overlooks the south lawns and gardens. The new addition or structure is designed to be a year round extension of the Breezeway. Thus in the summer you can open the large French windows and take in the spectacular views of the property, and during the winter you can close the windows and turn on the heat so as to entertain in comfort.
Historic façade of the Cheney Manson in Oak Park, Illinois. Courtesy of Cheeneymansion.com.
Detail of removed window.
The white circle shows the current new addition of the enclosed Terrace.
Jackson Park Highlands
As you can see from the photos below of my childhood home in the Jackson Park Highlands, is very similar to the Cheney Mansion. This is why I feel so at home here, for it is almost a replica of our home in the Highlands, only larger in scale. Our house and the Cheney Mansion were both built in 1913, and were of the new era of electricity in homes. Prior to this all homes were built with gas lines for gas lighting. With the age of electric light the rooms of homes were much larger. Thus the very large Ballroom in the Cheney Mansion, and other fine homes of this era.
Property Lots
Our house was long on the lot rather than wide. This is due to the fact the our garden lot to the north was sold of right after the World War I. This was a common practice in many cities, Oak Park included. Thus the house that you see to the left in this photo below should not be there, but rather our garden. Our house is 4,500 sq. ft. with no ballroom. If you look closely in the photo below, to the right of the house, you can barely see the main entrance with a copper canopy over the steps. As you can see from the photo below, the Morning Room is in the front of the house adjacent the Dining Room.
State-Of-The-Art
Like the Cheney Mansion, our home was a modern, sober, state-of-the-art house! However, what was fortunate with our house was that it was smaller is scale, and thus less expensive to build. Therefore, our house was replete with the very finest appointments. The Vestibule which you can barely see on the far right is paneled in marble, and to the left there are large mahogany and glass panels with window panes looking into Grand Entrance Hall. All of the door nobs in the house were crystal except for the vestibule, which were a decorated porcelain.
Progression To Modern Architecture
In the photograph below on Bennett Avenue, in the Jackson Park Highlands stand three homes that give us a perfect sample of the change from retrograde to modern living. In the house to the right is a very retro house with Gothic overtones, truly, we are looking backwards. In the middle we have the advent of modernity with a clean cut modern home embellished with just enough detail for accent, note the Tudor entry. This is the same period as that of the Cheney Mansion, which bares Tudor elements as well. On the left is a contemporary home, though a bit dated, it makes my case.
Out Of The Darkness
We really have to appreciate what we are looking at here. For in 1913 we are virtually coming out of the darkness. We have gone from candles, to gas, to electricity in a generation! All that they knew back then was how to look back, and they did not know how to properly integrate the new technologies into the “New wine skins” of modern architecture, to put it Biblically. The Cheney Mansion era was the first era to offer electricity in the home, they were pioneers. Remember, that all of this was before Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion that forever changed the world in 1929.
Photograph of Bennett Avenue in the Jackson Park Highlands.
The Barcelona Pavilion
Photograph of the Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Gordon Sherman House (Midas Muffler)
Does this house look familiar? The front door is directly from the Cheney Mansion, or is the Cheney Mansion front door front the Sherman house? I do not know the date of the Sherman house, but the Jackson Park Highlands was chartered in 1905. This house on Bennett Avenue in the Jackson Park Highlands, was owned by Gordon Sherman, the President of Midas Muffler. His father, Nathan Sherman, Chairman of the Board, lived directly across the street from us on Bennett Avenue. We see again the birth of a modern home, with a touch of the Tudor in the gables. Notice how the window encasements and brick work are so similar to the Cheney Mansion.
Gordon Sherman house on Bennett Avenue, in the Jackson Park Highlands.
Wood Paneling
The house was wood paneled throughout, in every room, even in the large Game Room. On the vast ceilings there are two 30″ wide polished wood beams, that were 3″ thick, and that spanned the width of the Grand Entrance Hall, Living Room, and Dining Room, with thick ceiling molding of mahogany all around. Further, in the Dining Room a massive mahogany buffet was built right into the wall, and part of the structure of the house, under the stained glass window! The Library and Game Room were also paneled, but no large beams spanned the ceilings like in the public rooms.
Hearth
The hearth is not magisterial as that of the Cheney Mansion, but has a fine mahogany encasement. The wood work in our house was amazing. No costs were spared to make the inside as elegant as the outside.
Biltmore
It is my thinking that like “Biltmore” in North Carolina, all of the expense of the Cheney Mansion was put on the magnificent exterior and gardens. The inside of “Biltmore” is really more of a casual country house, and nothing like the formal, and ostentatious giant that commands you almost to grovel down as you approach it. This is all because George Washington Vanderbilt had a fixed amount of capital to work with, and did all that he could to make his farm self sustaining.
Interior
He could not afford to lavishly finish the interior of the house in the same demanding detail that he did with the outside. So seems to be the case with the Cheney Mansion, with so much spent on the property and the vast scale of the house, there had to be a point of yield. Therefore, there is no marble, and little wood paneling on the interior of the home, with the exception of the Library, just like at Biltmore.
Alcove
Also, like Biltmore the Alcove with the hearth in the Living Room is a key focal point, taking more funds from the interior design. All in all this is a most resplendent home, and is to be cherished and preserved, for this house gives all of us a vision to the future. Certainly, there is no other house anywhere in Chicagoland built on a scale like this one.Also, remember this is a city house, not a Lake Forest estate, which makes it all the more amazing!
The Morning Room
A side note regarding the Cheney Mansion Morning Room. It is always standard practice to have the Morning Room adjacent the Dining Room because it has access to the Kitchen for service. This clearly is the case with our house as seen below, for the Morning Room is in front of the house, which is in front of the Dining Room, which in turn is adjacent the Kitchen. In the Cheney Mansion the Morning Room is adjacent the Breezeway which comes off of the Living Room not the Dining Room.
Location
If that were the case the Morning Room in the Cheney Mansion should be beyond the Dining Room with entry from the Entrance Hall. However, I believe that the first owners wanted the Morning Room and Terrace to look to the south lawns and gardens, thus putting the Morning Room adjacent the Living Room.
Services
Also, since there is an alley just to the east side of the home, as it is positioned back against the alley to maximize the front lawns, there is no room on the east side of the house beyond the Dining Room, thus there is no space to build on the east side of the house. The downside of the current location of the Cheney Mansion Morning Room is that it does not have services of the Kitchen.
Had they simply turned the house 90 Degrees to the right this would have solved the problem, but that would entail cutting the property in half, the house in the center, the Morning Room and Terrace facing south, and the front lawns facing north. However, this is a radical landscaping design and inferior to the current layout. Thus, they compromised the Kitchen access to the Morning Room and Terrace in favor of the fabulous south lawn and gardens. A wise choice in the overall scheme of things.
Façade of our home in the Jackson Park Highlands, 6841 S. Bennett Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60649
Aerial view of the back yard. The Jackson Park Highlands, 6841 S. Bennett Avenue, Chicago, IL 60649.
Similarity Of Architecture
Both houses were designed by noted architect, Charles E. White Jr. (who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright). Notice the similarity of the architectural design between our house (above), in the Jackson Park Highlands, and the Cheney Mansion (below), even the same Tudor stucco pattern on the third floor, it is striking! Like Mrs. Robert’s house, the large Tudor house just to the left, we had our garden lot adjacent the structure, in our case the Lemonthal’s house to the right in the photo above, now rests on that lot. Mrs. Robert’s house, like the Cheney Mansion, is positioned wide on the lot, with an expansive view of the south lawns and gardens.
8, Overview of the south side of the Cheney Mansion.
Back Yard Court
The two windows just above the group gathered, listening to James Louderman talk on flowering vines, are to the Morning Room. To the left is the enclosed Terrace, which was a later addition to the mansion, as discussed in the vintage photos above. This is where we had our “Honeybee Breakfast”. As a rule, most Morning Rooms face south and over look a garden or scenic street view. Of course, lot location and positioning of the dwelling on the lot are major factors in placing the Morning Room.
The point is, that the Morning Room is the most used room in the house and where you receive most of your guests. Thus you want to maximize the views from the Morning Room. In the case of the Cheney Mansion, the southern gardens and lawns are the undisputed choice.
All Day Room
The Morning Room was for fall practical purposes, “The all day room”, because this room is used for entertaining friends, family, and neighbors all during the course of the day. The Living Room was rarely used as it was strictly formal, and used only for special company and events, and used only in the evening. Hence the name “Morning Room”.
The pulse of activity in the house was in the Morning Room, The Dining Room, The Breezeway (Alcove), The Terrace, and the Library. The Bedrooms were, of course, for retiring, and the Kitchen was utterly banal, never shown to, or seen by anyone.
All dining: morning, noon, and evening was in the Dining Room. Only tea and finger sandwiches were ever served in the Morning Room, or in the Library. The Ballroom, of course, was used for large scale events, that included, but not always, dancing. There is a stage in the Ballroom for the musicians to perform, for this was an era before radio, television, and the like.
9, A closer view of the Morning Room windows. For the honeybee breakfast #315Z.
Enclosed Terrace
View of the enclosed Terrace, which gives a gracious view of the south lawns and gardens. You can see from the color of the brick that the enclosed Terrace was made into a whole new room. The brick is newer in appearance and as a deeper tone of red, this matches the staircase as well.
10, View of the enclosed terrace and staircase. The honeybee breakfast #315Z was in here.
The Ballroom
If you look up to the third floor you can see the window encasement that illuminates the Ballroom. If I am not mistaken I believe that Professor Plumb did it, with the candlestick, in the Ballroom!
11, South façade of the Cheney Mansion, Oak Park, Illinois.
Grand Staircase
As we did not have access to the Ballroom we will have to be content with the exterior view of the windows. However, I do know that the area of entertainment in the Ballroom is on the south side of the space. The northern section of the third floor is used for service. The area is partitioned by the Grand Staircase.
Grand Staircase of the Cheney Mansion in Oak Park, Illinois. Courtesy Cheneymansion.com.
The Backyard Court
12, Sideview of the back yard court of the Cheney Mansion.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of honeybee breakfast #315Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Honeybee Breakfast #315Z
Honeybee Breakfast #315Z As Fine Art
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of honeybee breakfast #315Z.
Stephen F. Condren For Honeybee Breakfast #315Z
Honeybee Breakfast #315Z As Photographic Art.
Artist
As an artist I have made honeybee breakfast #315Z a staple of my rendering art.
Alt Image Tag
Honeybee Breakfast #315Z with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
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.
1. Artist Aruna N. Sarode standing with completed oil painting of Heritage Center.
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.
2. Artist Aruna N. Sarode paints for May Fest.
3. Artist Aruna N. Sarode paints for May Fest.
4. View of Aruna N. Sarode’s paints and brushes for May Fest
5. Artist Aruna N. Sarode paints for May Fest.
6. Artist Aruna N. Sarode paints for May Fest.7. Greeters for the Heritage Center8. Patrons of May Fest viewing artwork.9. May Fest Food Offerings.10. Artwork on display at May Fest.11. Artwork on display at May Fest.12. Artwork on display at May Fest.13. Artwork on display at May Fest.14. Artwork on display at May Fest.15. Artwork on display at May Fest.16. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.17. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.18. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.19. May Fest 2019.20. May Fest 2019.21. May Fest 2019.
22. May Fest 2019.
23. The Beauties of May Fest!
24. The Beauties of May Fest!
25. Artist Stephen F. Condren by his artwork at May Fest.
26. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
27. Artwork on display at May Fest.
28. Artwork panel showcasing current works at May Fest.
29. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
30. Ernest Schweit, President of the Grayslake Arts Alliance, stands by his photography.
31. May Fest 2019.
31. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
32. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
33. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
34. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
36. Artwork panels showcasing current works at May Fest.
37. May Fest 2019.
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.
This article is about Edward Jones Art #283Z, hosted by Travis M. Brown and Rick Melone, and it’s exhibit in conjunction with the Grayslake Arts Alliance, written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations Travis and Rick!
Yesterday afternoon Travis M. Brown and Rick Melone of Edward Jones financial advisors hosted an art exhibit in conjunction with the Grayslake Arts Alliance. This was a great opportunity for Edward Jones to showcase their offices along with displaying artwork of local Grayslake artists.
Edward Jones is located at 10 N. Lake Street, Suite 113, Grayslake, IL 60030. Contact information:
The reception started at 4:00 PM, and lasted until 7:00 PM with many Edward Jones clients as well as members of the Grayslake Arts Alliance in attendance.
Because the tone of the exhibit was up-beat everyone had a good time. Edward Jones offered a fine array of refreshments and things to drink. The office nicely displayed the artwork that is on display for the exhibit. This is the first of a series of exhibits that Edward Jones is doing with the Grayslake Arts Alliance.
Travis and Rick, thank you for sharing with the community the joy of Art and celebrating your successes with your community friends and colleagues at the Grayslake Arts Alliance!
Photos
1, Travis M. Brown with Wendy Petera.2, Edward Jones Art Exhibit with Grayslake Arts Alliance.3, Rick Melone with Grayslake Arts Alliance and guests.4, Wendy Petera with Grayslake Arts Alliance members.5, Travis M. Brown.6, Travis M. Brown.7, Stephen F. Condren in front of his artworks.
8, Travis M. Brown.
9, Zee Lacson and Wendy Petera.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for Edward Jones Art #283Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the exhibit of Edward Jones Art #283Z.
Stephen F. Condren for Edward Jones Art #283Z
Artist
Edward Jones Art #283Z is an outstanding example of a local business working with the art community, and enriching the tone of their business, and uplifting the character of the community. What better thing that art displays the image of a community?
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Edward Jones Art #283Z 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.
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Hard to Love #280Z an article by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about the Grayslake Arts Alliance #270Z Pre Spring Fine Arts Show & sale, written by artist Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. In the exhibition artists and painters exhibited works of art in the categories of photography, digital images, pen & ink drawings, paintings, oils, glass, watercolors, and jewelry. Congratulations Grayslake Arts Alliance!
On Saturday, March 16, 2019, the Grayslake Arts Alliance, which is a Fine Arts Association, held it’s Pre-Spring Fine Arts Show & Sale. Because the exhibit was held at the Grayslake Heritage Center and was opened from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, many of the local residents were able to attend. For that reason, the exhibit was well attended with visitors from all over the community, all of them had the pleasure of participating in something vibrant and good.
Sara Brown
Our special guest of honor is Sara Brown, Library Director of the Grayslake Area Public Library District. Most importantly, Sara is the new director of the library, and she confessed to me that she “loved to read”, I found her guilty as charged! Sara comes here, to Grayslake from California, with her husband Greg. Welcome to Grayslake Sara!
1, Sara Brown, Library Director, Grayslake Public Library
Sara came to see what we were doing at the Heritage Center, and not only did she stop in, she remained for the entire evening! Sara is a very warm and positive minded person. Because she is open to learning about Grayslake and the arts, many of the patrons took to her.
Music was provided by the Bill Chapin Jazz Studio. The exhibit was graced with the music of Bill Chapin and his Jazz Studio. Therefore, all during the exhibit the ensemble provided us with good music that smoothly blended in with attending patrons. Because the Chapin Jazz Studio added a charm to the event that made the atmosphere enriching, we are thankful. Thank you Bill!
Somethings Brewing
Further enriching the exhibit were the delicious pastries and refreshments provided to us by Somethings Brewing, right here in downtown Grayslake. Thank you Somethings Brewing!
Photos
2, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20193, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20194, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20195, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20196, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20197, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20198, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/20199, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/201910, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/201911, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/201912, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/201913, Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/2019
14, Artist Stephen F. Condren by his display at the Grayslake Arts Alliance Pre-Spring Exhibit 3/16/2019.
Medium At Fine Arts Show #270Z
Because there are so many types of work, I have listed a few samples of some medium shown at the Fine Arts Show #270 are listed below.
Pencil Drawings, Color Pencil, And Pastels
Clinker Stylus Sketch With Color
Lead and color pencil arwork was on dispaly at the exhibit. Drawings by Sherri J. Fowler, Pat King, Debbie Kalinowski, Phil Schorn, and myself were on display.
Pen & Ink Drawings
Stylus Sketch
Pen & ink art was put on display by Phil Schorn, Oliver Steven Merriam, and myself.
Watercolors
Painting
Watercolor art was on display. Watercolors were represented by Pat King, Debbie Kalinowski, Phil Schorn, Leslie Nauta, and myself
Oils
Canvas
Oils were by Debbie Kalinowski
Glass
Ceramics
Glass was on display by Paul Price.
Condren Galleries Ltd.
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries participate in the Grayslake Arts Alliance #270Z Pre-Spring Exhibit.
Stephen F. Condren
Artist
As an artist I please to have shown my pen & ink drawings and watercolors at the Grayslake Art Alliance #270Z Pre-spring Exhibition.
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Fine Arts Show #270Z artists, painters, photography, digital images, watercolors, paintings, artist Stephen F. Condren of Condren Galleries.
This article is about Loeb mansion blueprints #123Z, by artist Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, offering JPEG & PDF scans. Front Façade blueprint of the Loeb Mansion in Kenwood, Chicago. In 1924 the Crime of the Century was committed by two brilliant students of the University of Chicago, Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold. Not only were they brilliant, they were from amongst the wealthiest families in the Chicago. They lived in the ultra exclusive neighborhood over Kenwood, just north of Hyde Park in Chicago. This was and still is the mansion district of Hyde Park Township. Prints & Scans Of This Drawing #123Z ~ Order Here.
The mansion located at 5017 S. Ellis Avenue, Kenwood, Chicago, was commissioned by Albert and Anna Loeb in 1910. Though the mansion was raised in the summer of 1972, the brick wall and gate posts still remain. Note, the pedestrian post, which was to the left of the remaining post on the right side is missing. What you see in the photo below are the two posts on the left for the car, and the right post of the two pedestrian posts on the right.
The original Loeb Mansion fence and posts at 5017 S, Ellis Avenue, Kenwood, Chicago.
Photo of the mansion in 1924
Photograph of the Albert Loeb mansion at 5017 S. Ellis Avenue, Kenwood, Chicago.
Image
I drew there two architectural renderings when I was 20 years old and an Architecture Student in Mr. Jorgenson’s Perspective Drawing Class. The text book was “Geometry for Architects”. For the final project the class had two choices that they could. 1, A single watercolor rendering in the size of 18″ x 24″. 2, two black & white perspective renderings in the same size. I chose the later. As you can see from the image the rendering is done on vellum thus there is no “give” to the paper and therefore “What you see is what you get.”
Architecture
The address of the home was 5017 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60615. The style of architecture of the home is Tudor. The mansion sits on at least 6 city blocks, but I am not sure of this. The property size is similar to that of the Julius Rosenwald mansion just one block to the north on the same side of the street but at the corner of Ellis and 48th streets. The house was designed so that the front faced north and the vast garden side faced the south.
Interior
The entire eastern wing was the Living Room and right above was the Master Suite that took up the same enormous area. As you entered the front door you came into a long narrow marble hall and at the end of the hall there were a few steps up that had a door that open into the entry. The entry was adequate in size but lot large by any means and just to the left was the staircase the had a landing leading up to the second floor. There was an organ built into the base of the staircase. As you turned to your left you entered a vast space which was the Solarium that looked out onto the gardens to the south.
Today these two famous renderings hang in the collection of the Chicago History Museum. Collection ID: 2005.0118.1-.3.
Delineation
The line work for this drawing is very light because of the use of fine line mechanical pencils. At this time lead holders or mechanical pencils were the work horse of the drafting industry. There was no AutoCAD or printers.
This is an article about American Gothic by Grant Wood, by artist Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, offering JPEG & PDF scans with prints. If there was ever a painting at the Art Institute of Chicago that has World rank and international acclaim it is American Gothic by Grant Wood. This painting is so famous that it is rated as the second most widely used image in the world, second only to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci.
When we now look at this famous painting it is almost a hoot because it is difficult to see it on its own terms because of all the notoriety its has gathered over the years. This certainly was not what was in the mind of Grant Wood when he painted it.
Image
The image is simple, clean, and well-organized, it is a farmer couple standing in their work clothes in front of their farm-house. Now when you examine this more carefully the design becomes apparent. Look at the pitch-fork of the farmer, it is placed dead center in the painting anchoring the work. The shape of the pitch-fork is echoed in the seams of the denim over-alls and shirt of the farmer. His hand is firmly grasping the handle of the pitch-fork securing its position in the painting.
Even though the couple are beautifully detailed they are silhouetted against the background house and the landscape further behind. This stylization further accentuates the figures up front focusing our attention on them. However, the house with all of it’s fine details is important in providing depth of field to the work of art without making use of standard perspective practices. The best that you can say is that this a one-point perspective but that would be hard press to prove with the images up front so cleverly blocking any such vanishing point technique.
Architecture
The landscape all around is highly stylized and almost unnatural, the trees look more like sponges dipped in green paint and placed behind the house and barn. However, this stylization of the trees has a purpose in that it gives space for the house to stand and also show-case the house’s fine details (notice the repeated image of the Gothic window pains on the curtains in the window). Complimenting the images of the pitch-fork and trouser seams are the vertical panels of cedar siding on the house thrusting our eyes upward and keeping us focused in the center. The siding on the side of the house near the porch is horizontal thus putting a stop to vertical movement and keeping our eyes focused inward.
What you have here in reality is the artist’s sister and his dentist posing for the painting. Would they have posed had then known what an international sensation they have become?
