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The Schedule of upcoming Portrait Master workshops with Igor Babailov. Registration online. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Intensive Portrait Master Workshops o schedule a 3-Day Master Portraiture Workshop in your area, please Contact us or email: info@babailov.com T UPCOMING 3-Day Portrait Master Workshop Your ultimate guide to Portraiture Little School House Farm in historic Franklin, TN 4068 Carters Creek Pike, Franklin, TN 37064 April 10 - 12, 2026 9:30 a m - 4:30 pm One-on-One instruction, Life models, Master demonstrations Workshop Fee: $750. To Register and to secure your place in class, please make your Registration deposit of $250. (Registration deposit is non-refundable, balance payable on or before the first day of the Workshop ) Registration deposit $250. (Secures your place in class) Tuition balance $500. (Balance payable on or before the first day of the Workshop) HOTELS in the AREA To be announced shortly PLEASE NOTE: Due to highly individualized attention, the workshop space is limited, and registration is on a 'first-come first-serve' basis. 2-Day Drawing Workshop in Rome, Italy In the Footsteps of the Master COMPLETED If you happened to be in Rome on these dates, join Igor Babailov in this adventure of making spontaneous drawings from life of beautiful historic sites and architecture, ancient street scenes and monuments in the 'Eternal City' of Rome, Italy. Watch him draw, get inspired, and receive personal One-on-One instruction. "Visual Art education is about 'seeing', and I believe in leading by example, so to inspire my students and before they get to their own works , I do a quick, yet detailed, portrait demonstration from life." - Igor V. Babailov Timelapse of a 2-hr Step-by-Step Portrait Demo from Life The Igor Babailov 3-Day Master Portraiture Workshop is a rare opportunity to learn the insights of portraiture and advance your skills in painting and drawing portraits from life under One-on-One instruction by Igor Babailov. Working from LIFE in the A cademic tradition of the Great Masters improves your fine motor skills, visual memory, ability to better see and understand the portrait subject's form, character and essence, and successfully depict their 3-D appearance on a 2-dimensional surface. It prompts you to think and work faster and make the right split-second decisions instantly and on the spot, and not waist time on fixing mistakes. It ultimately liberates you from dependency on photography, helps to discover your individuality as an artist and advance your unique artistic skills to the new levels. If one can comfortably draw and paint a portrait entirely from life, one will always be able to work from photographs as well, and not the other way around, this is the reality! The workshop features: beautiful life models, master demonstrations and One-on-One instruction by Igor Babailov. "In Visual Art, it's better once to see, than one hundred times to hear! " - Igor V. Babailov Each day begins with a brief inspirational "how to" Portrait Demo from Life, to inspire the students to create their own work of the same model, under one-on-one instruction by Igor Babailov DAY 1: 1.5-hr DRAWING demo DAY 2: 2-hr PASTEL demo DAY 3: 3-hr OIL demo PLEASE NOTE: Due to highly individualized attention, the workshop space is limited, and registration is on a 'first-come first-serve' basis. Don't miss the exciting opportunity to study with Igor Babailov! About the A rtist F requently A sked Q uestions The Babailov Palette & Art Supplies Letter to Artists The Drawing Skills in Portrait Painting Igor Babailov's Formal Academic Lineage to the Great Masters CONTACT US

Master-drawings from LIFE by portrait artist and master draftsman, Igor Babailov - Portrait Drawing, Figure Drawing, Plein Air drawing, drawing studies, realistic portrait drawing, portrait study, study of character, old master techniques, graphite drawing, charcoal drawing, drawing on black paper, Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA MASTERY of DRAWING " ainting does not exist without drawing and it is drawing from life that gives the exact measure of the painter. If one can draw [from life], one can always paint! " P ~ Pietro Annigoni, Royal Portrait Painter Self-portrait in the mirror Chief Justice Annette Ziegler Supreme Court of Wisconsin Portrait study from life Pope Benedict XVI Gen. D. Petraeus, U.S. Military Commander ~ DRAWING studies from Life ~ A vital step in preparation for OIL portraits See Portrait Procedure CLICK on drawings below to see them CLOSER Pope Benedict XVI Pope Leo XIV Nelson Mandela Fr. Arne Panula Senator Michael Pitfield Pope Francis Col. Christoph Graf Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Samuel Alito Thomas Monaghan Gen. David Petraeus Nikita Mary Prime Minister Mark Carney Justice O'Toole Hadley Arkes Dr. Paul Stumb Lawrence Glaubinger Daniel Melissa Fr. Larry Dunham Alex Geacintov Dr. Jeff Balser Judge Seth Norman Bill Gallo Vincent Pitta

Studio of Igor V. Babailov - world-renowned portrait artist in Nashville, official portraits of Presidents, Popes, British royalty, Justices. Distinguished private, corporate and museum collections around the world. Igor V. Babailov Commissioned Portraits & other works of Art Master of Fine Arts / Ph.D. (NASAD) Hon. American Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) Knighted Chevalier of the Order of St. Anne (est.1735) Honorary Doctor of Letters "A great Portrait Painting stands far beyond AI and photography!" Igor V. Babailov Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA/Ph.D. (NASAD), D.Litt (Hon.Causa) , World-renowned Portrait Artist, was selected to paint legacy portraits of Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, Prime Ministers, Fortune 500 CEOs, Nobel Prize Laureates, members of noble families and Royalty, and three Popes for the Vatican. Acknowledged as Maestro by the Vatican curator, in his life-time professional and illustrious career as a portrait artist, he has created over 2,000 commissioned portraits, grand scale multi-figure paintings and other works of art for museums, official public, distinguished private and corporate collections around the world. He is the only portrait artist in America to have received The Ellis Island Medal of Honor with his name read into the Congressional Record. ENTER The Ellis Island Medal of Honor Please CLICK above for details NEW Book Legacy Portraits Get your autographed copy with the personal dedication. O nly on this website. In this new book, LEGACY PORTRAITS , Igor Babailov shares his upfront and close experiences of meeting and painting people from all walks of life: from schoolchildren to Fortune 500 CEOs and Supreme Court Justices, from sport legends and movie stars to Presidents, Prime Ministers and Popes in the Vatican. This one is the official portrait of Justice Samuel Alito by Igor Babailov, Collection: U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. The Only Living Artist Vatican Splendors Museum Tours Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by Igor Babailov Collection: Vatican Museum, Rome Highest Honor for Portraiture from Royalty Times Square, New York City What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting PORTRAIT PROCEDURE The Master Approach TESTIMONIALS Share

Portrait Art BOOKS on the life & illustrious career of portrait artist Igor Babailov - his portrait encounters with some of the greatest people of our times. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA BOOKS LEGACY PORTRAITS Hardcover, 240 pages INTRODUCTION by FOREWORD by Amb. Michael Novak Elizabeth Lev In this new book, LEGACY PORTRAITS , Igor Babailov shares his upfront and close experiences of meeting and painting people from all walks of life: from schoolchildren to Fortune 500 CEOs and Supreme Court Justices, from sport legends and movie stars to Presidents, Prime Ministers and Popes in the Vatican. Official portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by Igor Babailov (selected by the Pope to represent his Papacy at the Vatican Splendors international museum tour) Collection: Vatican Museum, Rome. Buy Your Autographed Book Here Title Legacy Portraits Hardcover, 240 pages Author: Igor V. Babailov Price: $145. U.S. (Plus $14.95. Shipping & Handling - in the U.S.) (Plus $38.95 Shipping & Handling - Canada & Internationally) U.S. buyer Canada & International buyer Special Exclusive Feature (only on this website) : Autographed by the Artist with the personal dedication Please allow up to two weeks for delivery in the US and Canada, and 3-6 weeks for international deliveries. Books are non-refundable. Tiki Barber Pope Benedict XVI General David Petraeus, U.S. Military Commander, CIA Director What people are saying "An impressive array of subjects and deft paint handling.” ~ Dr. James H. Billington, The Librarian of Congress “Most of us at the age of FOUR can not even spell ‘portrait’, and he already painted one.” ~ Joan Lewis – EWTN NEWS, Vatican Bureau Chief "His talent and ability to capture the likeness of his subjects so precisely, is truly inspirational to us all." ~ Isadore Sharp, Founder and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts "Marvelous portraits!" ~ Dr. Henry Kissinger "The Michelangelo of today!" ~ Frank Military, Legendary Music Publisher for Frank Sinatra, and others. GREATEST PORTRAIT MOMENTS by Igor V. Babailov Hardcover, 170 pages Life Portrait of Nelson Mandela in the book "Greatest Portrait Moments", featuring Igor Babailov's 80-plus portrait encounters with some of the greatest people of our time. This book is in stock. Please contact us to see if it is currently available THE WORLD OF IGOR BABAILOV by Vyacheslav Zakharov (in Russian) This book is in stock. Please contact us to see if it is currently available CONTACT US

Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, by Igor Babailov. Collection: Vatican Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Vatican Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (oil on canvas, 50"x 42") Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf, 35th Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, appointed by Pope Francis, was commissioned to Igor Babailov for the historic portrait collection of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Commanders' portraits. Commander Graf with his portrait Collection: Vatican Life portrait sitting and life studies of the Commander's armors in preparation for the official oil portrait Official collection: Vatican Official Vatican Pontifical Swiss Guard Seal, presented to Igor Babailov by the Commander Igor Babailov - Vatican portrait sitting with the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican works Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Official Portrait of Pope Francis Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II The Vatican Splendors exhibitions The Sacred Art Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Igor Babailov's published article about Beauty verses Ugliness, Relativism verses Traditional Values, and Good Art verses Bad Art. The Resurrection of Realism – Beauty will Save the World By Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Published in the Faith an d Culture online publication and The Epo ch Times It is not a coincidence that the very last thing we ever expect to see in church, is Modern art or an abstract painting, such as a blank page, a single brick or splashes of paint, as some sort of “intellectual” revelation to message one’s ego. Why? Many of us would immediately answer that it just does not belong there, and they are right, it doesn’t. Since the Renaissance, realistic art has played a leading role in education and particularly Christian education. Whether it is in the Bible, churches, or Catholic publications, an illustrated history of Christianity has been presented by realistic and life-like images, those that the viewer can relate to and understand. A strong realistic work of art can clearly convey a theological message, materialize the word of God, and serve as a powerful vehicle of communication to the masses. Hence, artist theologians such as Rafael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and other Renaissance masters, painted religious works to educate, uplift and strengthen the faith. A definition of an ‘Artist’ was very clear in the past. Applied only to visual artists, it was also synonymous with ‘Skill,’ as the artist was someone who could do something that nobody else could do. VS. BEAUTY UGLINESS "Madonna Litta" (1490), by Leonardo da Vinci "Woman Standing - Pink" (1955), by Willem de Kooning Today, in times of Relativism, anyone can be labeled an “artist,” such as a cook, karate expert, dentist, butcher, or anyone. The term Artist has lost its sacred meaning. We often hear from the defenders of Modernism that ‘art can be anything and anything can be art.’ However, this just does not go well with our Christian heritage and culture, and portraying the Blessed Mother as a chaotic splash of paint or a deformed piece of sculpture, would stand against our visual perception of the Mother of Christ and, in general, our Christian teachings about the sacredness of life and the Beauty of Creation. A story comes to mind about a family of four children, driving on a road, along the fields with tree groves and rivers passing by. They were playing a game where each child were to name the ‘best,’ in their opinion, artist in the world. One child said it was ‘Picasso,’ another child mentioned ‘Van Gogh,’ then the third child named ‘Monet’ and the fourth child sat quietly looking out of the car window and admiring the nature flying by. Then he said, “Look at the sun and the birds and clouds in the blue sky, and the shapes and colors of the leaves and all the different trees. I think that the best artist in the world is God, who created it all.” Indeed, no one ever can create anything better than the masterpiece that He created. As an artist myself, I often think of that story, realizing that we artists realists are trying to reproduce the Beauty of God’s Creation on our canvases and, as artist theologians, we explore the nature of the divine. We know that we will never be as good as God in His skill, but at least we try to get as close as possible to that Master perfection. In other words, we treasure and glorify the Creation of Life and its Beauty. We go to schools and embark in traditional training of direct communication with nature to study all the “sciences in art,” as described by Michelangelo, Raphael and many other great masters after them. We strive to enhance our skills in drawing from life, because Realistic art is the only kind of art that requires skill, especially when it comes to exploring and capturing life in all its beauty and complexity, in the way it is and without exaggeration. I was fortunate to have received the core of such a traditional training and, unlike many debaters out there who are experts at expressing their opinion about art, I rely on my credentials which give me the artistic license, if you will, to support my remarks. A child prodigy, I painted my first portrait at four. I began my formal sixteen-year (1974-1990) fine art education at the age of nine and continued it at the specialized art lyceum for gifted children, followed by the Ph.D. levels of study at the renowned Surikov Art institute, all under the Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757) which recently also elected me as the Honorary foreign life-time academician. The curriculum of all my studies, besides such mandatory subjects as Human Anatomy, Perspective and others, also included History of Art from Prehistoric to Renaissance to Modern Art. So, we students were well aware of all the ‘art movements,’ styles and techniques, involved in every period of art. In our broad art education, we acquired the power of knowledge and the more we learned, the clearer was realization that masterfully executed realistic works of art can not be put on the same page with meaningless and helpless dribbles of paint, as we unfortunately often see today in schoolbooks. This is where the damage to the mind begins, resulting in total confusion of one’s thinking such as: If this one is a ‘masterpiece’ and this one is also a ‘masterpiece,’ what example should I follow? But in reality, it is not that complicated, as long as we remember that we live in a world of contrasts: plus verses minus, light verses dark, beauty verses ugliness. The concepts of Relativism are based on questioning what is already known, but what if it questions the moral values that helped humanity survive throughout its existence? Modern art goes hand in hand with Relativism, where common moral sense is demonized and instead ‘choice enlightened’ and socially acceptable often tasteless, unethical and even criminal behaviors such as abortion and euthanasia are championed as rights, choices, privileges and freedoms of expression. So, here is the question. Is Moral Relativism the tool of the devil and therefore the fundamental element in the art of Modernism, where God’s perfect form in human anatomy and nature is broken and defamed, and death and ugliness are celebrated over life and beauty? The answer is obvious. I would like to expand further and use Genesis Chapter 1, as the basis for the moral value of realistic painting and its vital role in following God’s commandments and in promoting and preserving life as He created it. In Genesis Chapter 1, it says that God created heaven and earth when the earth was without form or shape and in darkness. He separated light from darkness, and at the end of each day, “God saw it was good,” hence, God SAW goodness. Modern critics of the school of the Renaissance and Realism in general, claim that there is no creativity in depicting man or nature in its true form, yet that is exactly what God did in his creation of heaven and earth, nature and all beings. God created the template, the blueprint of Realism in art, where light and dark are separated in tonal values, and those who are familiar with the traditional school of art know that study of ‘tonal values’ in nature is the fundamental principle of Realism. After the viewer sees the realistic painter’s work, they become enlightened and SEE goodness, like God did after each stage of His creation. They see goodness also in the most tragic and sad paintings such as Christ on the cross and where a painting depicting pain and suffering, will move us to compassion and love. Realism is prayer, gratitude, honoring God’s creation. This is not the case in the inherent pessimism of Modern art, the art of ugliness and death, where future does not exist. Artistic talent is often referred to as a ‘gift from God’ and should be treasured as one and not taken for granted. For an artist, it also comes with sacred responsibilities, as the mission of Visual Art is not to celebrate selfish expression of one’s depressive feelings by primitive means. It must propagate goodness and beauty and not evil’s ugliness. And yes, even the horrors of war and devastation can be portrayed with signs of Hope, which helps us get through difficult times, so goodness will eventually prevail. Art must educate in a positive way and the artists have this very moral obligation before their viewers and God Himself, who gave them talent. “The works of art speak of their authors,” - said Pope John Paul II. In his letter to the Artists in 1999, His Holiness wrote, “To all who are passionately dedicated to the search for new ‘epiphanies’ of beauty so that through their creative work as artists they may offer these as gifts to the world,” and then His Holiness quotes from Genesis 1:31, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” A very Holy man, John Paul II was outspoken about the “culture of death,” warned about its consequences, and liked to quote the famous words of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “Beauty will save the world!” Resurrection of Realism by Igor V. Babailov In the cataclysm of today’s debates and what is happening in the arts, I decided to create this work and my original composition depicted in this article. The angelic young child in the center represents the beauty, innocence and purity of Realistic art. Since the mid 1950s, it has been oppressed by shallow and weak art education and self-appointed art critics, kept for decades under the darkness of Modernism. In my painting, Modernism is represented by the ugly creatures from Picasso’s ‘iconic’ painting called “Guernica.” It portrays the moment when the film of darkness begins to heat up from beneath, like a volcano it bubbles and melts, and the divine light of Realism breaks through this captivity of cold darkness to breath the long awaited air and new life. I entitled this work “Resurrection of Realism.” In my lifetime professional career, I have created thousands of drawings and paintings and have painted more than 2000 portraits, which also included the official portraits of Presidents, Prime Ministers, British Royalty and three Popes for the Vatican. I particularly enjoy the Portrait genre because it celebrates the beauty of the most perfect of God’s creation, humanity. Perhaps this is why the worst assault on Beauty of Creation by Modernism is actually directed to breaking and mutilating the human form. I never give preference to which I prefer to paint more, adults or children. I just love people from all walks of life and love to find and accurately capture the unique characteristics of their outer and inner world. After all, it is our uniqueness that makes each of us beautiful, as we are all God’s children. I wish to leave my readers with a warning for the future. The more we surrender our God-given talents, skills and ability to re-create the Beauty of creation, the more we break the human form and distance ourselves from nature and the further away we go from God. We become disobedient to His laws and expectations and reverse, if you will, his original creation, reverting into the darkness and emptiness, to which He brought light, form and life. Modernism takes us in the opposite direction, into nothingness and reverses the process of Creation ‘from darkness to light’ and instead it takes us ‘from light to darkness.' Educating our youth and teaching them to recognize Beauty, promoting the classical art school of master skills and drawing from life, are the safeguards for common moral sense to prevail to keep the traditional values alive, so that the Beauty will indeed, save the world. About the Author: Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA (PhD), D.Litt (Hon.Causa), is the world-renowned American artist, Honorary American Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757), invited speaker, and scholar of the sacred arts. His recent articles and interviews have been published in the National Catholic Register (USA), Zenit (Italy), Nasz Dziennik (Poland), The Times of Malta, to name a few. He is a recipient of The Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2022) and the author of his recent book Legacy Portraits with an Introduction by Michael Novak, which accompanies his distinguished clients’ portraits in public, museum, corporate and private collections and libraries around the globe. For more information, visit: www.Babailov.com

World-renowned portrait painter and figurative artist, scholar and teacher, Igor Babailov, Hon.RAA, shares his academic expertise in traditional art education with his fellow artists and art students. Igor V. Babailov Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA(PhD), D.Litt.(Hon.Causa) Commissioned Portrait Painter Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) - official Ph.D equivalent, College Art Association (U.S.A.) Honorary Life-Time Member of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) Knighted Chevalier of the Order of Saint Anne (founded in 1735) Honorary Doctorate - Cumberland University Letter to Aspiring and Professional Artists Dear Friends, ALL of the greatest Masters in the history of art regarded formal academic training as indispensable for the development of the highest professional skills. My teaching experience is a direct result of my own years of studies (1974-1990) in the consistency of the academic discipline and established historic curriculum at one of the world's oldest and acclaimed fine art academies, the Russian Academy of Arts (est. 1757). Having started my formal art education at the age of nine, I continued to study within the academic art system for the next sixteen years and had become very familiar with countless challenges one may face in drawing, painting, composition, etc. Therefore, based on my own vast experience of being a formal student for many years, I understand and know exactly what the students need in any given situation, as well as how to successfully resolve any complicated issues they may have, right on the spot. Students posses and are enriched by the skills and knowledge that their teachers pass on to them. If their teacher had not received an extensive classical education, it is most likely that the students would then be limited to only acquire their teacher's 'style and approach', and the fruits of their labor could result in their becoming 'beggars in knights armor' so to speak, as the roots of deeper knowledge and skill, vital for the development of artistic individuality, would not be introduced. "Painterly" and "Photo-realistic" in contemporary portrait painting Have you ever had a feeling, when looking at contemporary realistic paintings, particularly portrait paintings, that they could be divided into two polarized categories: some seem 'dried out' and resemble photographs, and the others look somewhat 'incomplete' in so called 'bravura' of painterly brushstrokes? A true realistic painting in the tradition of the Masters will not look like a photo, and visible brushstrokes will not be chaotic to draw the unnecessary attention either. The brushstrokes must follow the form and correspond to the bone and muscle structure underneath the skin, to guide the viewer's eye in the right direction and in search of the subject's inner-world, instead of intentionally destructing from possible mistakes in proportions. Speaking of proportions and anatomy... the arms and hands in the portrait, especially HANDS, which were described by the Masters as "another portrait", must always be impeccably drawn in proportion to the body with the expertise of the anatomic structure, to assure their equal life-like appearance in the portrait. This is why the works of the great Masters, such as Sargent and Zorn, are strong and never cartoonish, as they have the substance of anatomic strength and uncompromising loyalty to the accuracy of drawing in every area of the painting. Today, unfortunately, the 'painterly style' is quite often used by portrait artists to camouflage any errors in anatomy and proportions; so, we should not follow blindly the praises for such a "style" without keeping in mind that the above mentioned Masters did not just paint, they "drew with brushes", as I like to say. The great Italian Master of the 20th century, Pietro Annigoni stated: "Painting does not exist without Drawing, and it is Drawing [from life] that gives the exact measure of the painter. Drawing never fails, but often the artist does." Let us remember this! Mother's Love (Oil, Grisaille manner) by Igor Babailov The Power of Proper Art Education One can compare art education to the solid foundation of a house, as once it is built properly, it will hold any shape or form you will place on it. This is why it is not sufficient to acquire just any art education, it must be rather a proper classical art education. As in parallel with painting, it also teaches you DRAWING which IS the core of any strong realistic painting. Having a broad and well-rounded academic formation, is a source ofstrength for every artist. First and foremost, it is the application of the academic principles in every subject we draw that we must learn to see. Wouldn't you like to have total confidence in yourself as an artist and to be able to draw and paint realistically entirely from life and/or from your imagination, absolutely anything and be totally comfortable without the use of the camera, when portraying any subject in any genre: portrait, landscape or multi-figurative composition? The academic method, or someone's "style"? In art education, the academic method of learning is universal and also economical. It saves you time and money in the long run and the trouble of trying to build what you need, out of bits and pieces from various workshops by different instructors who, due to the lack of their own education, teach their "approach", instead of classical foundation. Different instructors' personal approaches and their often complicated palettes, may 'clash' with each other and result in confusion and an unclear direction for students. It is like attempting to learn how to write using both hands at the same time. How far would you go? If you want to learn fast and efficiently, proper academic instruction in the principles of classical academic curriculum, should be your focus. It is accessible, straight forward and recognized for its most effective teaching of composition, perspective, foreshortenings, anatomy and tonal values. All the Masters of the past did just that. Despite their different geographic backgrounds, they all went through the same universal academic art training, as prerequisite for the development of high drawing skills, artistic individuality and, eventually, becoming the Masters. Bouguereau, Zorn, Repin are known for their very distinct individual styles, yet that was not what they learned during their academy training, not the 'styles', but the very same alphabet of the academic art language, and spoke it fluently in their own ways. Zorn Studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts Bouguereau Studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris Repin Studied at the Russian Imperial Academy of Arts Sharing the Historic Russian School of Traditional Art Education Since 1974 through 1990, I was very fortunate to study and receive distinguished art degrees from the Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757). My friend Amb. Michael Novak, Templeton Prize recipient and world-renowned American scholar, once stated: "One good thing that came out of the Iron Curtain, was the outstanding Russian art education!" When Modernism was already marching for decades throughout Western Europe and North America, the Russian School of Art was the only historic school in the world, which remained free of Modernist influence, as behind the 'iron curtain' it kept its academic roots intact and preserved the best of classical academic education. Art education is like reading the Bible, over and over again, building on what you know and always learning something new. That is why my classes are not limited to so-called 'levels' of instruction. I share with my students the IN-SIGHT of my formal art education, which covers a broad spectrum of critical issues, highly beneficial to all artists, students and professionals, who aim to improve and polish their skills in drawing and painting. Leonardo da Vinci once wrote, 'Poor is a student, who doesn’t go further than their teacher.' Just like Leonardo, I also believe that there must be no secrets whatsoever and I share with my students one hundred percent of everything I have learned during my own academic years in the classrooms and studios of the historically acclaimed Academy. For God, Gold and Glory The Arrival of Christopher Columbus and his crew in the Americas (oil on canvas, 72" x 79") by Igor Babailov Master Workshops' Agenda My workshops contain two important parts: The Instructor's Demo and The Students' Practice after observing the demo. In Visual Art we learn by seeing. In fact, that is how we learn. Therefore, within my workshop program, I do three separate 1.5 - 3 hour (quick and highly detailed) life demonstrations in Drawing, Pastel and Oil, each in the approach of the academic training. This is a great opportunity for students to witness the progression of portraits from life in different mediums, from start to completion. My goal, as your instructor, is to simply show you and teach you 'right' from 'wrong', so you can quickly get on the right and your own artistic path towards advancing your individual skills where 'the sky is the limit'. Following my demo, inspired students work on their own pieces, and every student receives my personal and individual attention according to their needs and specific requirements. For more information and to see the schedule of my upcoming workshops, please refer to the Workshops page on my website www.Babailov.com . To register, please inquire at info@Babailov.com or you may register online HERE . I look forward to seeing you in class! Most sincerely, SHARE THIS © The essay herein is the intellectual property of Igor V. Babailov and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from Igor V. Babailov. Any attempt to plagiarize the written material of this page will violate the international community's laws and ethics.

Official portrait of Luke Gregory, M.A. - CEO, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, by artist Igor Babailov, in Nashville, TN, Distinguished scientists, doctors, Healthcare Industry leaders. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Luke Gregory, MBA, MHA, MA CEO, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital Collection: Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN Luke Gregory, MBA, MHA, MA CEO, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville, TN (Oil on Canvas) Portrait unveiling at the artist's studio with distinguished healthcare Industry leaders. OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait comments and reviews. What dustinguished clients are saying about portrait artist Igor Babailov. Client testimonials. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA TESTIMONIALS “Most of us at the age of FOUR could not even spell ‘portrait’, and he already painted one.” Joan Lewis EWTN NEWS, Vatican Bureau Chief ***** ***** "An impressive array of subjects and deft paint handling.” Dr. James H. Billington 13th Librarian of Congress ***** ***** "We will will take a great pride in displaying your work [Portrait of George Washington] for generations to come." James C. Rees Executive Director, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Est ate and Museum, Mount Vernon, VA ********** "Dear Igor, Laura and I send our best wishes. May God bless you." George W. Bush 43rd President of the United States of America **** ****** "I know the President well and this beautiful painting captures his conviction and sincerity." Karen Hughes Personal Advisor to President George W. Bush ********** “Superb portraits. An artist whose work will be studied and admired for years to come.” Steve Forbes ********** “Everyone who has seen my portrait has been very impressed, and my response has always been: “Igor is an artistic genius! And a really good person to boot.” Thanks for this wonderful work!” Samuel A. Alito, Jr Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States ********** ”I am especially indebted to Igor Babailov, a truly gifted artist, who has done a remarkable job on my portrait.” Brian Mulroney 18th Prime Minister of Canada ********** ”When I see this portrait, I see me — not someone else’s conception of me. What a remarkable gift to have had Igor capture me as I see myself.” Clarence Thomas Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States ********** ”This work is inspired ... It touches, so touches my heart!” Pope Francis ********** "Mr. Babailov has an uncanny ability to get inside the souls of the subjects of his paintings, at the same time as he somehow finds a way to capture feature of their eyes or smile or tilt of head, quite startles the onlooker, it appears so real." Michael Novak The Templeton Prize 1994 ********** "This portrait [ Pope Benedict XVI ] is much more than an image, it is a painting of a presence. It catches the Pope’s shyness, physical presence and s trength... one of the best portraits of the Pope I've ever seen!" Archbishop Pietro Sambi Apostolic Nuncio to the United States ********** "Igor Babailov's talent and ability to capture the lik eness of his subjects so precisely, is truly inspirational to us all." Isadore Sharp Founder and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts ********** "We chose you to paint the portrait, because there is no 'formula' in your works, as they each capture individuality." Joan E. Stein-Streilein, Ph.D Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School ********** "Thank you for painting the Pope [ St. John Paul II ] younger in his appearance, because he IS young and strong in his spirit, surrounded by the youth who had followed him, always replying generously to his call for a life of fait h and love. How many experiences, how many feelings reflect the expression of the symbolism which is found in this painting? It is impossible to put them all in words..." Archbishop Luigi Ventura Apostolic Nuncio to Canada ********** "It is not every day that a man sees himself captured by the hand of such artistry. Please know that it was my honor to be the subject of one of your works." General David H. Petraeus U.S. Army Commander, CIA Director ********** Our state is very proud to have outstanding artists like yourself among its resid ents. Governor Bill Haslam The State of Tennessee ********** "I am complimented often on the portrait and its position of prominence in the Courthouse. Of course, it is really a compliment intended for you." Hon. Joseph P. Sullivan Justice, Supreme Court of New York ********** "Thank you again for the wonderful portrait. I was glad to hear that you were able to stop by the office to see the painting on display." Rudolph W. Giuliani Mayor of New York City ********** "Thank you for the wonderful portrait painting!" Hillary R. Clinton U.S. First Lady ********** I was amazed by the likeness and the detail of his work. I am humbled and honored that he used his expertise to create my portrait. He is truly a Master. One of the most famous and gifted artists of our century! Judge Seth W. Norman Drug Court “pioneer” in the U.S., Nashville, TN ***** ***** "Marvelous portraits!" Dr. Henry Kissinger ********** “Seeing my portrait, painted by Igor Babailov, is like looking at myself in the mirror.” Mikhail Kalashnikov Inventor of AK-47 ********** "The best painter I've come across in my lifetime...The Michelangelo of today!" Frank Military Warner Chappell Music, inc. Legendary music publisher and life-time friend of Frank Sinatra ********** Dear Igor, Your beautiful portrait of me has made Maria and me so very happy. It totally captures the romantic feeling of my nature and your amazing talents shine through this and all your portraiture that you do. I especially appreciate your inspiration to bring Chopin into the painting, what better companion could any musician have. In warm friendship and heartfelt thanks, Byron Janis American Pianist ********** "I have known Mr. Babailov since he successfully completed my portrait in oil. Great talent, remarkable personality!" Robert "Bobby" Hull Hockey Legend ********** "Babailov's paintings, particularly his portraits, embrace and strengthen our traditional values and love for life." Senator Michael Pitfield Canada ********** Dear Igor: Heartiest congratulations on this magnificent honor! Your great portrait of the Holy Father [Pope Benedict XVI] is an immortal masterpiece! Warmest best wishes, John Howard Sanden, American Portrait Artist ********** "Igor Babailov has done a very superior job, which has been admired by the whole family and many good friends." Senator and Mrs. Douglas Henry Tennessee ********** “To capture a likeness is an incredible feat, but to capture personality is pure magic. He's an example of how art can unify so many varied peoples separated by such vast distances. I commend him!" Joe Drexler, 9/11 Firefighter (Ret.) F.D.N.Y. ********** "His work is definitely of museum quality. The full-length portrait of our debutante daughter hangs in our salon, next to famous painters of the 17th Century, such as Lucca Giordano, Mattia Preti, Andrea Vaccaro. How fortunate we are to have among us such a wonderfully skilled artist." Ambassador and Mrs. Ramiro Ruggiero Rome, Italy ********** "Thank you for your labor of love! We know God sent you to us." The Rogers family St. Simon's Island, Georgia ********** "I have told many people that my life has been filled with "Forrest Gump" moments. Having my family portraits painted by Maestro Babailov is another one -- perhaps the biggest one!" David Gibbs , Nashville, TN ********** "We will always be grateful for our providential meeting; and for your time and care in getting to know our children, and rendering them in such breathtaking ways." The Eberstadt family , Washington, DC ********** "This inspirational work has greatly impressed me and without a doubt remains outstanding in every way." V. Roger Lalli, Ph.D. Scholar, Renowned artist, Buffalo, NY **********

Portrait artist Igor Babailov - one-page biography for media inquiries, Presidential, Royal, Popes, Celebrity, Honors, Nobility, Art Education, Children Charities, Nashville - New York - Washington - Naples - Vatican. IGOR V. BABAILOV , Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA (Ph.D), D.Litt.(Ho n.Causa) ABOUT THE ARTIST For Media Inquiries ( o ne-page BIO ) Igor V. Babailov , Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA(PhD), D.Litt (Hon.Causa) , world-renowned American portrait artist, recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2022), is one of the most sought after portraitists of our times. Deemed Living Master by his contemporaries, he was selected to paint legacy portraits of three living Presidents of three countries, two living Prime Ministers, members of the noble families and British Royalty, and three living Popes for the Vatican. His notable commissioned portrait subjects include: President George W. Bush (George W. Bush Presidential Library), U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito (Supreme Court of the United Sates), First Lady Hillary R. Clinton (Clinton Presidential Library), Pope Francis , Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II , now a Saint (all three for the Vatican), Prince Andrew The Duke of York (Buckingham Palace, London), Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney (Parliament Hill, Ottawa), Prime Minister Jean Chretien (Power Corporation), Nelson Mandela (Presidential Collection, South Africa), Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York (Giuliani Partners); Isadore Sharp , Founder & CEO of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts; Mark Carney , Governor of the Bank of England; The Honorable Joseph P. Sullivan (Supreme Court of New York), Actor James Gandolfini , Baseball Star Reggie Jackson , Football Stars Boomer Esiason and Tiki Barber , Hockey Star Bobby Hull , Legendary Film Director Akira Kurosawa (commissioned by Kurosawa Productions, Japan), and many other prominent figures for prestigious collections. In 2009, the new portrait of George Washington by Igor Babailov was officially inducted into George Washington’s Mount Vernon Museum. The same year, U.S. General and later CIA Director, David Petraeus, presented the artist with the Award ‘For Excellence’ for the work on his official legacy portrait (Collection: West Point Museum). In 2010, Vatican Curator, Roberto Zagnoli, acknowledged Igor Babailov as Maestro when his Vatican portrait of Pope Benedict XVI was selected by the Pope for the Vatican Splendors international museum tour. Babailov was honored to be the only living artist in the exhibition, as his papal portrait hung alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance. In 2012, Igor Babailov was elected an Honorary American Academician of Painting into the historically acclaimed Russian Academy of Arts (founded 1757 ). In recent years, previous recipients of this honor included designer Pierre Cardin, HRH Princess Chantal of France and the American artist, Andrew Wyeth. In 2015, the TN Senate and House of Representatives passed Resolution No.69 “To recognize Igor Babailov and celebrate his artistic achievements.” This bill was signed into Law by Governor Bill Haslam. In 2019, Igor Babailov was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by one of the oldest and historic U.S. universities, Cumberland University (founded in 1842). In 2020, for his life-time achievements and contributions in the arts, Igor Babailov and his family were granted Hereditary Nobility with the official Coat of Arms, by Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria, Head of The Imperial House of Romanov. In 2022, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor that ranks as one of the most prestigious awards in America. Recipients of this honor are read into the Congressional Record and include eight U.S. Presidents, several Nobel Prize Laureates, leaders in business, arts, politics, and other. The ability to create multi-figure murals is traditionally recognized as the highest achievement of the artistic expertise. Besides being a prolific portraitist, Mr. Babailov’s uniqueness as an artist is also evident in his large-scale Old Master-like compositions such as the historical painting, “For God, Gold and Glory” , depicting the arrival of Columbus and his crew in the Americas (permanently featured in the Peruvian Encyclopedia). His multi-figure painting “Be Not Afraid” , the official historic portrait of Pope John Paul II, now a Saint, was commissioned in commemoration of the World Youth Days. It is in the collection of the Vatican Museum and by the personal decree of the late Pope, it is displayed in Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence. His epic painting “MERCY - Our Shared Humanity” , portraying a diverse crowd with many children of various cultural and religious backgrounds, is currently underway and it is dedicated to the timeless issue of ongoing global humanitarian (often man-made) disasters and to its innocent victims, children. Child prodigy, Igor Babailov began his formal classical art training at the age of nine, the same age as Raphael, studying with leading Masters of traditional painting and drawing. In the span of 16 years (1974-1990), Babailov attained the highest level of fine art education and received his Master of Fine Arts degree (official Ph.D. equivalent in the U.S.) under the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757), which taught and gave the world many outstanding Masters of portraiture, including Repin, Serov, and the great American artist, Whistler. Babailov’s fine art education especially contributed to his unparalleled skill in academic drawing (or drawing from life ), which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. Recipient of numerous national and international awards and honors , Babailov is an advocate for timeless values in the academic tradition of portrait painting. He has taught at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy and has been invited to lecture and demonstrate his artistic skills at universities, art venues and private clubs. Knighted Chevalier of the Order of St. Anne (est.1735) , Igor Babailov is a member of the National Arts Club in New York City, member of the Russian Nobility Association in America, and Distinguished Fellow at the Catholic University of America; he is active in charity works, especially those for children’s causes. Vatican awarded him the Pontifical medal of Pope John Paul II and the International Academy of Culture and Art awarded him the Order “For Service to Art” (The Golden Star). He was bestowed with the State title ‘Honored Artist of Udmurtia’ in Russia and recognized as Drawing Master in Canada and Living Master by the Art Renewal Center in the U.S. EXTENDED BIO

Beautiful Portrait Paintings of Beautiful Women - Distinguished Corporate & Private Art Collections, by Portrait Master Artist Igor Babailov, Nashville - New York - Washington - Naples Women UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA PORTRAITS of WOMEN (selected portraits) Chief Justice Annette Ziegler - Supreme Court of Wisconsin Portrait study from life (graphite) Portraits in Oil "Portraits of women occupy a special place in my portfolio. They are mothers, daughters, wives, entrepreneurs and distinguished professionals. I am always honored and humbled to paint their portraits, as I am grateful for their devotion and enormous gift of strength and inspiration they share with the world." ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA CLICK on portraits below to see them CLOSER Theresa Menefee Ann Lemire The Baroness Mother's Love Martha-Ann Alito Lady in a pink hat Dr. Julie Hudson First Lady Hillary Clinton Hon. Lisa Wood Amy Debbie Trudeau Senator Marsha Blackburn Julia Bianchi Terrie Isabel Owen Elizabeth Dinkel Maria Bartiromo Dori Sawatzky Dr. Rebecca Stafford Ruth Gjessing-Newman MAMA Mary Kirby Irish Woman Hannah Barker Young woman from Nashville Mary Anderson Rachel Gibbs with her dogs Izzi Eberstadt Mary Eberstadt Kate Eberstadt Zandi Eberstadt Dusan Desmarais Joannie Calia Porth Kaye The Graham family Jill Lindene Kaufmann Dorothy Geen Awarded "Outstanding Achievement in Portrait Painting" - International Portrait Competition, Atlanta, GA (1993) Woman with her dog What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting PORTRAIT PROCEDURE The Master Approach

Through his formal art education, Igor Babailov belongs to the direct Teacher-Student Lineage of world-famous artists, Repin and Serov. IGOR V. BABAILOV Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA (Ph.D), D.Litt (Honoris Causa) Famous Teachers DIRECT 'Teacher~Student' ACADEMIC LINEAGE I gor Babailov painted his very first portrait at the age of four (4) and received his first lessons in art from his father, Valery Babailov , who was the student of renowned artist Aleksey Kholmogorov . Child prodigy, I gor Babailov began his FORMAL art training at the age of nine ( 9) and, in the span of sixteen years (1974-1990), he attained the highest levels of the academic art education, receiving his Master of Fine Arts degree, MFA (official equivalent to Ph.D. in the U.S.) under the acclaimed Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) that gave the world many outstanding artists, including American artist James McNeill Whistler. Through a chain of professors in his academic ancestry, Igor Babailov belongs to the Academic Lineage of the world-famous Masters of Portraiture, and he is a third generation direct descendant student of Ilya Re pin and Valentin S erov. CLICK on photos below for info on this Teacher~Student Academic Geneology Serov Yuon Levitan Repin Chistyakov Arkhipov Kulikov Kramskoi Babailov Kholmogorov Tsyplakov Danilichev Zabelin Chirkov Kibrik Pavlov Korin Korovin Gerasimov Deineka Shatsky Babailov International Students of Igor V. Babailov Nota bene: The academic lineage herein stands far beyond inspirational moments of occasional interactions with master-artists (i.e. attending their public portrait demonstrations or visiting their studios, etc.) and/or inspirational stories of such, told by art mentors, their teachers, or close artist friends. This lineage represents the unbroken chain of art professors who served as mentors of each other within the system of the academic curriculum and consecutive academic lessons, passed on DIRECTLY from Teacher to Student during a sustained period of time of formal academic art education that resulted in earning a terminal Fine Art degree. Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA, ellected Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) shares his expertise of the highest fine art education and academic credentials with his fellow professional artists and art students in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Russia and around the globe. Share