Through The Air Force Art Program I Was Privileged To Be At Cape Kennedy For The Launch Of Apollo Nine. The Immediate Impressions Were The Over Whelming Size Of The Machines, The Dedication Of The People Involved, And The Tension And Excitement Leading Up To The Lift Off.In My Painting Countdown The Flight Suit Of The Astronaut Seem To Convey The Elaborate Precautions Necessary For The Safety Of The Crew And The Success Of The Flight.The Portrait Of Col. Mcdivott Is A Tribute To The Courage And Imagination Of All Astronauts, But Especially For This Crew As They Were The First To Test The Manned Space Vehicle (The Lem) That Was Incapable Of A Return Flight.