Pencil portraits #110K is an article about stylus face sketches, as pencil portraits, written by artist Stephen F. Condren, SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, offering JPEG & PDF prints. Because pencil portraits are great, their prints are great!
Pencil portrait of Igor Highkin by artist Stephen F. Condren for file #300.
Holy Spirit Clorox #510Z, pen & ink drawing with pencil sketch, by artist, and Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Prints & Scans Order Here.
The Bible is a book that looks backwards, because it is written by backward thinking people. The Bible is not the inspired word of God, because it was written by mortal men. No book has ever been written that is inspired by God, because that is a myth. A better word to use is motivator, or encourager, but not inspired, because that smacks of the Divine.
Above is my pen & ink drawing of the Holy Spirit holding a bottle of Clorox over Jesus, because He is going to bleach out the myths of the Bible. Great thinkers like Albert Schweitzer, and Rudolph Bultmann have worked very hard to come closer to the true meaning of the message of the Bible.
People that believe that the Bible is the inspired word of Go are putting themselves to a disadvantage, because they are not being objective. The Bible needs to be read like a common book, because all of the miracles need to be stripped out. These miracles were meant to enhance the authority of the writing, however, they only make it less credible, because all miracles are fables.
Approach
The most important thing to understand is your approach to the Bible, because that affects how you read it. If you approach the Bible like those from the Chicago Statement of Biblical Inerrancy, then you have a very limited understanding of the task at hand. If you want to get a better understanding of the Bible read it for yourself, because others will have you read it in their way.
Proper introduction #459Z, pen & ink drawing with pencil sketch by artist, and Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA, of Condren Galleries. Drawings of Nieto, Trudeau, and Obama are included. Prints Of This Drawing #459Z ~ Order Here.
The greatest gift that you can ever give to anyone, and it is free, is a proper introduction. A proper introduction is the most important thing that you can offer anyone, because it gives the gift of safety. When you offer to introduce someone that you personally know to a person that your friend does not know, but that you know, is offering both your friend, and the person that you are introducing him to confidence, and safety. For your friend is relying upon your good name, and your steadfastness to expose him to a stranger, because this is sound.
It is never wise to meet a stranger on your own and strike up a conversation, for that can lead to peril. That is why you have so many crimes committed today, because people go to bars, and nightclubs to meet people that they do not know, and end up in trouble. God forbid even worse, hooking up online with Internet dating services, this is danger at all levels, because you have not been introduced.
Proper Introduction Pen & Ink Drawing
Presidents Nieto, Trudeau, and Obama shaking hands by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Preliminary Pencil Sketch
Presidents Nieto, Trudeau, and Obama shaking hands by artist Stephen F. Condren.
Photograph
Presidents Nieto, Trudeau, and Obama shaking hands at the North American Leaders Summit in Ottawa, Ontario.
Above is my pen & ink drawing of Presidents Enrique Pena Nieto, (Prime Minister) Justin Trudeau, and Barack Obama, being properly introduced to each other, because they do not know each other. Could there be anything safer? No. A proper introduction is the best policy above all, because it gives safety, and it is free.
Father Christian Shiu #309Z, Catholic Priest pencil portrait of him on his birthday, drawn and 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 drawing, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints, note cards, and stationery. Congratulations and Happy Birthday Father Christian Shiu!
From all of us at St. Gilbert Parish in Grayslake.
Pencil Rendering For Father Christian Shiu #309Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The pencil drawing is of Father Christian Shiu, Associate Pastor of St. Gilbert Parish, in Grayslake, Illinois. Today Father Shiu celebrated mass in the Chapel at 8:00 AM, and it was well attended. After the service all of us at mass went down to the chapel hall to celebrate Father Shiu’s birthday!
It was a most festive event that everyone helped make a success. We all knew about this event from last week when it posted at the church on the door. So each person brought something for the party in the way of cake and treats. Kate brought a beautiful cake from Jewel. I will be sure to call on her when it comes time for my birthday!
Associate Pastor
Last year Father Shiu was assigned to our parish by the Archdiocese of Chicago. He came as a transition for Father Jose, that took on the Pastoring of St. Timothy Parish in Chicago. Below is a picture of us with father Jose as his farewell party.
With the arrival of Father Shiu a whole new era for St. Gilbert has commenced. The first thing that I can tell you is that he knows everyone at church by their name! Father Shiu is very intelligent, and his great learning is complimented by his warmth of character and love of Christ and people. To know Father Shiu is to love him, and all of us here can testify to that.
Theology
I never give up on wrestling with Father Shiu over Theological concepts and points. When I talk with him he always listens (after addressing me by my name) and then hears me out. He is great to challenge and a joy to talk with on subjects, ranging from the Historical Critical Method of the Bible, to emanant Theologians such as Rudolph Bultmann, Paul Tillich, and Albert Schweitzer, and Theological issues such as Dipolar Theism and Process Theology. I always look forward to sharing with him! Father Shiu is Theologically sound, and an outstanding Roman Catholic Priest.
The Mass
Often I attend the 8:00 AM mass, and I am always pleased to see Father Shiu as the Celebrant. Father Shiu possesses a rare gift in his manner in which he renders the mass. There is something very sacred about his deportment and gestures, not to mention his wonderful singing voice! The Archdiocese had better watch out, because I am afraid that they may lose Father Shiu to a major entertainment network with his outstanding musical skills! It is hard to turn down those millions.
Portrait
Shortly after the blessing, I had the honor to draw the portrait of Father Shiu. I had brought with me by art supplies and kindly asked him to pose for me, and he accepted. Father Shiu is an excellent model and did exactly as I had requested of him, that being not to look down at the drawing as I sketched.
I had my 6B lead pencils with sketch board and other art supplies. Then, off to work! As I drew him we had a delightful conversation about art and the rendering of figures. I expressed to him that it is more difficult to draw children and young people because they have no lines on their faces. We also talked about Chinatown in Chicago, where he is from. Our family has been going there for decades, and we most often ate at Won Kow, managed by David Ho. We also talked about foreign languages, as Father Shiu speaks Spanish. I bantered around with him in Spanish and German with great delight as I drew.
Photos
As I drew Father Shiu, others gathered around to watch. I had told father that I was just going to draw a quick barroom sketch rather than a polished studio rendering, and to please relax and enjoy the process. Cathy came over and took many photos of me drawing Father Shiu, and even took the drawing and placed it on the drawing board and did a nice flat screen image shot of it. As I returned home I took the drawing of Father Shiu and made of a scan of it, which you can see here.
Video
All in all it was a wonderful morning, and we all delighted to share in the joy of celebrating Father Christian Shiu’s Birthday.
Happy Birthday Father Christian Shiu!
Pencil drawing of father Christian Shiu.
Group photo for father Christian Shiu on his birthday. My sketch board can be seen on the table.
Group photo for Father Jose.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of Father Christian Shiu #309Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For Father Christian Shiu #309Z
Father Christian Shiu #309Z As Fine Art
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of Father Christian Shiu #309Z.
Stephen F. Condren For Father Christian Shiu #309Z
Father Christian Shiu #309Z As Figure Drawing
Artist
As an artist I have made Father Christian Shiu #309Z a staple of my figure drawing art.
Alt Image Tag
Father Christian Shiu #309Z, Catholic priest Pencil drawing by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
This article is about American Legion drawing #279Z, of Peter Kristan, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, which comes with JPEG & PDF scans for making prints, note cards, and stationery. Congratulations Peter Kristan!
Peter grew up in Liberyville, Illinois, and was classmates with Hollywood celebrity, Marlon Brando. Peter told me that he know him and that everyone called him “Bud”. This is the first time that I have ever known that Marlon Brando was called this. Also, Peter said that “Bud” was a quiet guy that kept to himself.
Pencil Drawing For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Clinker Stylus Sketch
The day before this I had coffee with Peter at our “Cup of Joe” at the Area Coffee shop, hosted by Lake County Veterans & Family Services. As we were talking I asked him if I could draw his portrait tomorrow morning at the Post’s weekly coffee, and he said yes.
Mundelein Post #867
The next morning when I arrived at the coffee, I saw Peter, and I went up to him and said “let me settle in for a bit and then I will come over to draw your portrait.
The Drawing
Quick Sketch
It must be understood that this drawing is a sketch or vignette and not a “Studio” drawing or rendering. This is meant to be free and fresh, done right on the spot in a few minutes. All in all, the drawing took me about 10 minutes to do.
Peter was an outstanding sitter, and I will say, one of the best I have worked with in a long time. He did just as I asked, and never looked down to see what I was drawing. This is important, because I need to have the sitter looking at me in the eye at all time as I draw him to that I have the correct position of his eye balls. Even the slightest error in line placement at this point can ruin everything. The eyes are the most important element of any portrait.
Because I started the drawing with light lines making circles to place the size and scale of the figure. If you look closely you can see the light lines below the face.
As I capture more of Peter’s image, I then darkened the contour lines to give strength to his form. Following the lines, I made use of hatching and cross-hatching to give shade and shadow to the figure. This is important in bringing out the character of the sitter.
You have to be careful not to put down too many lines, just use enough to capture the spirit of the man!
Pencil portrait of Peter Kristan.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #301Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing #301Z.
Stephen F. Condren For American Legion Drawing #301Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing #301Z a staple of my portraiture works.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #301Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
With honor, this article is about American Legion Drawing #297Z and prints of Veterans at American Legion Post 867, Mundelein, Illinois, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations American Legion Post 867!
The pencil drawing below is a very quick study of my follow Veterans at American Legion Post 867, in Mundelein. This time was near the close of our weekly coffee and so I quickly jotted down the images that were before me. You can see Arty still sitting and reading at the table, while others are gathering for their last few words before leaving.
There was not enough time to get an account of their faces or facial expressions, but I did have time to capture the mood. When I first thought about this drawing I was not going to do it because I knew that people were already up and leaving. With so short of an amount of time, I thought that it would not be worth proceeding. However, the spirit moved me, and I picked up my pencil and started to draw!
Rendering
I am so glad that I did take the time to do the drawing, for in those last few minutes I captured a moment in history now forever gone. The drawing is full of life and character, with movement all about it.
The best drawings are not necessarily the finished, polished renderings, but often times the quick studies.
Pencil drawing of American Legion members of Post 867.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #297Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. For American Legion Drawing #297Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing.
Stephen F. Condren For American Legion Drawing #297Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing a staple of my pencil drawing works.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #297Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
With honor, this article is about American Legion Drawing #296Z and prints of Veterans at American Legion Post 867, Mundelein, Illinois, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations American Legion Post 867!
The pencil drawing is of my Veteran colleagues at American Legion Post 867. We gather every Wednesday morning from 8:00 unto 10:00 AM for coffee and camaraderie. While we are conversing, I take my pencil and paper and draw.
It is not my desire to draw all the details of the scene or the room. My focus or intention is on the moving figures. In the drawing, which you can see below, I had to draft the first impressions immediately. This can be seen by the very fine, light swirling lines underneath the darker lines. There are there to catch the size, scale, and proportion of the figures.
Movement
Since the figures are moving I have to act quickly to catch their features. The person looking away from us is Marty talking with Fred. Behind Fred, reading a paper, and wearing a ball cap, at the table is Arty. I have made use of contour lines to capture the figures of the gentlemen and then set them against a backdrop of rapid shadow lines.
Pencil drawing of American Legion members of Post 867.
Pen & Ink Drawing
Stylus Sketch
The pen & ink drawing
Watercolor
Painting
The watercolor rendering.
Scans
JPEG & PDF
Scans of American Legion drawing #296Z are available in JPEG or PDF formats for making prints, note cards, or posters.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for American Legion Drawing #296Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of American Legion drawing.
Stephen F. Condren for American Legion Drawing #296Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #296Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at Condren Galleries.
With honor, this article is about a pencil drawing or sketch and prints Veterans at American Legion Post 867, Mundelein, Illinois, and written by artist and United States Navy Veteran, Stephen F. Condren, BFA-SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery. Congratulations American Legion Post 867!
The pencil drawing is done with a 6B lead. As I came into the post this morning for coffee, just after 8:15 AM, I sat with my fellow Veterans and then got myself a cup of coffee. I came into the post with my satchel that has all of my drawing materials. Because I am a Veteran I love drawing images and portraits of fellow Veterans.
Returning from the kitchen with my mug of coffee sat at a table and joined in on the conversation. Shortly after I sat down I pulled out my paper and pencils and started to draw. My subject turned out to be two dear men that sat across from me at the table.
As usual, I lightly draw out the figure then move in with more detail and accuracy. The first image that I drew was of Rich Slovak. You can see the lightly penciled in circles that make up his head. I have made use of bold contour lines to outline his head and the used hatching and cross-hatching to give shade and shadows to the form.
To the right of Rich is Glenn. I have moved the two men closer together so that they fit into the picture, in reality they are further apart. Like with the drawing of Rich, my sketch of Glenn starts out loose and light and then I focus in on the details. Glenn, unlike Rich, is waring glasses. Glasses can be difficult to work with as they can distort the contour of the face. Further, doing shading with glasses can get tedious, which defeats the point of line drawings.
Contour Lines
I like to make use of contour lines to bring out the structured of the image. I am careful to blend contour lines with the shading so that the image does not look flattened.
When I have finished delineating the images I then put a nice touch of tone to the background with horizontal lines rushing upwards. The drawing took about 10 minutes to do.
Pencil drawing of American Legion Post 867 Veterans.
Condren Galleries Ltd. for American Legion Drawing #288Z
Fine Arts Gallery
Condren Galleries is pleased to have been to participate in the execution of watercolor house portrait #000Z.
Stephen F. Condren for American Legion Drawing #288Z
Artist
As an artist I have made American Legion drawing #288Z a staple of my portraiture works.
Alt Image Tag
American Legion drawing #288Z pen & ink drawing with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren at 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 is about Victor Carranza #2399B Pencil portrait of a young man by, which is for sale at discount with prints by artist Stephen F. Condren, SAIC, of Condren Galleries, a Fine Arts Gallery, offering JPEG & PDF scans. This portrait of Victor Carranza was done at Phoenix Club in Elk Grove Village near Chicago, Illinois.
Pencil Portrait Art
Pencils are used for this drawing. I used a 6B lead to give me thicker softer lines.
