Portrait Master, Igor V. Babailov - Established Portrait Painting Procedure & Portrait Fees. Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA, KStA PORTRAIT PROCEDURE PLEASE NOTE: or a successful Portrait Painting, especially when photographic references might also be used, it is VITAL for an artist to have the enriched experience and ability to work from life, particularly DRAW FROM LIFE. Such experience enables the artist to portray likeness with the most natural and life-like appearance which truly immortalizes the person, and creates the portrait far beyond its photographic references. F ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney - official portrait sitting. Established Portrait Procedure The Master Approach in Preparation for Portrait Painting Since a legacy portrait painting is also a very much personal thing, Mr. Babailov prefers to meet with his portrait subjects, so they get directly involved in the portrait process. The initial meeting usually takes about 1.5 - 2 hours and is scheduled at the artist’s Studio or the client’s location. The overall idea, size and location where the portrait would be displayed are discussed, and Babailov takes numerous photographs to be used as references. During this meeting, Mr. Babailov also masterfully demonstrates his skill of DRAWING FROM LIFE , o ne of th e MOST IMPORTANT steps in preparation for portrait painting, as he captures his portrait subject's perfect likeness fast and within only 30 minutes, in direct communication right in front of the sitter. U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito. In preparation for the official oil portrait. "If one can Draw from life, one can always Paint !" ~ Pietro Annigoni, Royal Portrait Painter The Master Tradition of Portraiture Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA is one of the very few portrait artists today who is exceptionally skilled in DRAWING from LIFE. Thus, his Portrait Painting Procedure resembles precisely those of the Great Masters of Portraiture, such as Ilya Repin and John Singer Sargent , because it begins with DRAWING his portrait subjects from LIFE first - a vital step in preparation for portrait paintings . Just like the Masters of the past, in these studies, Igor Babailov captures impeccable likeness, character and personality in a matter of minutes and seconds, regardless of the sitter's age. This requires the artist's independence from the camera and ability to DRAW a portrait in the timeless academic tradition (or entirely from life), which nowadays is a fundamental challenge for many portrait artists. SAMPLES of Portrait Drawings from LIFE MORE Drawing Studies from LIFE Why Drawing from LIFE matters in preparation for a Portrait Painting Realistic DRAWING from LIFE is a rewarding task that helps to see a pro artist in action right on the spot, because it requires to capture the sitter's likeness in fine details and very fast; Drawing from life prompts artists to take on the challenge of responding to subtle changes in light, expressions, perspective, and use the knowledge of Human Anatomy to create a 3-D image on a 2-D surface, all in real time; It also triggers a more creative and challenging approach, rather than simply copying a ready-made image of a photograph; Since a drawing sketch is usually monochromatic, the focus is entirely on the accuracy of tonal values and precise proportions, leaving no room for errors (which, otherwise, may be camouflaged with bright colors or 'flying brushstrokes' in a colorful Painting sketch). So, in a monochromatic Drawing sketch, even a tiny mistake in likeness would be immediately visible to others; DRAWING from LIFE offers invaluable insight into the sitter's unique facial features, character, and personality through direct interaction, making it the essential foundation for truly capturing the subject’s spirit and soul; Experts say, “Drawing never fails, but often the artist does,” this is why most of today's portrait artists shy away from drawing their subjects from life (specially in front of their clients). However, it is Drawing from Life that has been recognized by the best portrait painters in art history, as a VITAL STEP in preparing for portrait painting. Please also see: What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting Portraits, commissioned as a Surprise, and Posthumous Portraits When a Portrait is to be completed entirely from photographic references, in the instances for posthumous portraits and those commissioned as a surprise, Mr. Babailov applies his invaluable knowledge of painting from life, acquired through his life-time experience and unsurpassed 16 years of formal academic fine art education (1974-1990) within the master-studios of the historically acclaimed Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757) that gave the world some of the greatest artists in art history, including Kramskoy, Repin, Serov and American artist, James McNeill Whistler. Compositional studies After the initial meeting, Mr. Babailov provides his portrait clients with original, artistic and hand-created compositional master-studies of the figure in the background, most suitable for the portrait. Once the decision on the composition is made, the artist professionally prepares the museum quality appropriate weight canvas to start painting the actual size portrait. A 40%-50% deposit (the amount of deposit is determined by the size of the portrait) is required upon the signing of the Portrait Agreement and before the work begins. Mr. Babailov travels extensively to the schedule and convenience of his portrait client’s location and caters to a distinguished professional clientele, in the United States, Canada and around the world. A NOTE for Portrait Clients and their Interior Designers Traditionally and historically, a great portrait painting stands on its own - it is more than a typical decorative item that fits a particular interior style, or caters to a color trend / fashion of a moment in time, because the great portrait painting is timeless and it passes onto children and their children and onto future generations in the family. The great portrait painting also stands far beyond photography, because it is NOT a copy of a split second photographic moment of a physical appearance, but it captures the inner world of the person. Unlike photographs which visibly fade and deteriorate in only a few decades, it takes 450 years for oil paint to dry completely, making a portrait painting truly a Legacy portrait that lasts forever. Fees Igor Babailov's Fees are quoted in U.S. Dollars and available upon request at Info@Babailov.com Prices are determined by the portrait size, number of people, complexity, and medium used. Available traditional portrait mediums are: Oil on Canvas /Linen, Charcoal /Sepia /Graphite and Pastel. Portraits of Men Family and Children Portraits of Women What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting CLICK Testimonials CONTACT US

Portrait of American actor and producer, James Gandolfini, best known for his role as Tony Soprano, the Italian-American crime boss in HBO's television series The Sopranos, Celebrity portraits by Igor Babailov. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Actor James Gandolfini American actor and producer, best known for his role as Tony Soprano, the Italian-American crime boss in HBO's television series The Sopranos, for which he won three Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and one Golden Globe Award. Actor James Gandolfini (oil on canvas, 36" x 36") by Igor Babailov Collection: Estate of the Gandolfini family Actor James Gandolfini Official unveiling of the portrait New York City OTHER CELEBRITY PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Official Portrait of Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. - by portrait artist Igor Babailov, Oil on Canvas, Collection: Supreme Court of the United States Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. Supreme Court of the United States Portrait of Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. (Oil on Canvas, 50" x 42") Official collection: Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC Official collection: Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC 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, U.S. Supreme Court Life Portrait Study (graphite) in preparation for the grand portrait painting in oil, at the artist's National Arts Club in New York City CLARENCE THOMAS Official Portrait by Igor Babailov Supreme Court of the United States OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait of legendary Byron Janis, American classical pianist, by portrait artist Igor Babailov. Officialy unveiled in New York City. Steinway Hall, attendees included Maria Cooper Janis, Dr. James Watson and many other distinguished guests. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Byron Janis American Classical Pianist Byron Janis (oil on canvas, 36" x 36") by Igor V. Babailov Collection: Yale School of Music,. New Haven, Connecticut Sketching Byron Janis in preparation for his portrait painting in oil. Sketching Byron Janis in preparation for his portrait painting in oil. Byron Janis, playing for the guests at Steinway Hall Igor Babailov, unveiling the portrait Byron Janis's portrait was unveiled by the Artist and George Borey, Chopin's great-great-grandnephew Byron Janis's portrait was unveiled by Igor Babailov and George Borey, Chopin's great-great-grandnephew, at Steinway Hall in New York City Unveiling of Byron Janis's portrait at Steinway Hall Unveiling of Byron Janis's portrait at Steinway Hall George Borey, great-great-grandnephew of Frederic Chopin Byron Janis and Maria Cooper Janis Official portrait unveiling by Igor Babailov at Steinway Hall, New York City Portrait of pianist Byron Janis - Official portrait unveiling by Igor Babailov at Steinway Hall, New York City At Steinway Hall Maria Cooper Janis, daughter of movie star Gary Cooper, and American actress Patricia Neal Maria Cooper Janis, daughter of the American film star Gary Cooper, and American actress Patricia Neal With the Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. James Watson, discoverer of the DNA Molecule With the Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. James Watson, discoverer of the DNA Molecule Byron Janis with his legacy portrait, by Igor Babailov OTHER CELEBRITY PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait Master, Igor Babailov, reveals What You Need To Know When Commissioning a Portrait Painting - SEVEN Essentials to Commissioning a Portrait Painting. What You Need To Know When Commissioning a Portrait Painting by Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, MFA( PhD), KStA, D.Litt.(Hon.Causa) A NOTE for Portrait Clients and their Interior Designers Traditionally and historically, a great portrait painting stands on its own - it is not a decorative item that fits a particular interior style, or caters to a color trend / fashion of a moment in time, because the great portrait painting is timeless and it passes onto children and their children and onto future generations in the family. The great portrait painting also stands far beyond photography, because it is NOT a copy of a split second photographic moment of a physical appearance, but it captures the inner world of the person. Unlike photographs which visibly fade and deteriorate in just a couple of decades, it takes 450 years for oil paint to dry completely, making a portrait painting truly a Legacy portrait that lasts forever. here are two key questions everyone would ask when searching for a portrait artist: Who that artist would be? and How much would it cost? T Naturally, commissioning a portrait painting would be something we wouldn't consider to do often, and perhaps once in a lifetime. Therefore, making the right decision today will be what we and our future generations will treasure and live with tomorrow. Please allow me to share with you my professional knowledge and expertise based on the philosophy and professional approach of the Masters of Portraiture, such as Ilya Repin , John Singer Sargent and Valentin Serov , as well as my own highest Academic art education and life-time experience in portraiture; particularly in painting portraits for commission. by Ilya Repin About Portraiture and Higher Standards Artists have painted portraits for centuries, often for commission, and often not. Regardless of how they were done, the artist’s skill would have been looked at first. As the most perfect creation, the Human Form was the main focus of studies at the old Academies. It has been known throughout generations of artists that, “if you knew how to draw the human form, particularly the human portrait, you could draw anything.” All academic studies were based on working with life-models, and the artists drew and painted only from life or from their imagination. Even when photography was already invented, the Artists still learned the Anatomy and the laws of Perspective. They exercised their Visual memory and applied their skills of working from life to create life-like convincing multi-figurative compositions and group portraits. In the past several decades, with the boom of commercialism and drastic changes in Art education, when Drawing and Human Anatomy were completely erased from the curriculum of Fine Art programs, portraiture became something of a commercial venture, and quite often today it is nothing more, but a copy of a photograph, which does not require the Master knowledge, Creativity, Imagination or any in-depth Academic training. Although in the history of art, portraiture has always been recognized by Master painters as the MOST challenging genre in visual arts, today there are more artists call themselves 'portrait painters', than ever before... That is, because many of them simply copy photos without having to test their skills to the challenge of working from life. It would be interesting to imagine just how many of these artists would continue to paint portraits if the camera and photography would not be available to them. Consider this. When we were school children in kindergarten, we copied images from books, comics strips, etc. It really did not require much skill at all to copy a ready made image or a photograph. But in the context of painting portraits professionally in the tradition of the Masters, high artistic skills and ability to realistically create (not just to copy pictures)must be the uncompromising criteria for every "professional" portrait painter! Fortunately, the values of traditional art education are eternal. Currently, the art world experiences an important transition and the notable art academies have already started the reconstruction of their academic curriculum to teach those traditional values to their students again. However, the consequences of promoting art, which doesn’t require a skill of drawing or anatomical knowledge, are still present, and sadly even in portraiture. Therefore, when selecting an artist, consider every aspect including the portrait process. You will be quite surprised to learn just how many artists today cannot draw with a free hand and trained eye, but simply copy/ grid a photograph (do not confuse it with the Masters' method of transferring their own preliminary drawings onto large canvases and murals). Some of today's artists even use projectors, projecting photos on canvas and tracing them. How about painting over the photographs? Believe it or not, that happens too…. by John Singer Sargent The Seven Essentials #1. Realism vs Photo-Realism ( know the difference ) These days even artists are often confused about Realism versus Photo-Realism, what is what? It’s really not that complicated. Photo-Realism is the copying of a photograph. And what is a photograph? A photographic image is only a second of a life time: “Say cheese.. and you’ll freeze.” So, it may capture the moment, but it may not capture the person. Very often we hear: “I don’t like to be photographed!” or “I’m not very photogenic!”... Of course, YOU ARE. That is what the camera, the heartless tool, does – it takes everything, what is necessary and what is not. This is where the difference between the camera and the artist comes in to play, because the ARTIST CAN SELECT. Realism goes f ar beyond photography. Through the harmony of tonal and color values it portrays the subject in the appropriate setting, where everything contributes to the individuality and character of the person, and nothing competes with it or detracts from it. The details on the Realistic portrait are not photographically copied, but portrayed selectively, providing the life-like and convincing image of the person. Of course, to be able to do so, the artist must possess a certain skill, which can only be acquired by the knowledge and the expertise of working from life. Because of the popularity of photography and having no other comparison, the innocent viewer can comment about the strong realistic painting: “It is as good as a photograph!" It has been noticed that such a comment never occurs, if the person actually sits for the portrait, participates and experiences the whole portrait process, and realizes that there was no photography involved and the outstanding realistic likeness can be achieved directly from life with a free hand. That is exactly, what in the old days made people appreciate artists. The artist was recognized as somebody who could do something what nobody else could do! Of course today, the vision and meaning of art have changed, but the necessity of the skill required to create portraits in the best traditions of Classical Realism, remains constant and obvious. Leah (oil) by Igor Babailov #2. The Ability to Draw from Life This is where the true artistic skill is revealed! Again, these days you may hear from some artists: “I paint, but I would rather not draw.” .. Why?.. Because any weakness the artist may have in portraying proportions or tonal values or in the anatomy details, can easily be exposed in black & white drawing. In painting however, they may get away with those mistakes, as the color or "painterly" brush strokes can distract the viewer's eye from those mistakes. As an excuse not to draw in front of a client, such artists may even try to undermine the importance of drawing, saying that to draw would be a low thing to do for their "professional level". This is total nonsense! The curriculum of any true Academic school in all times was always based on perfecting the skill of drawing, as a fundamental for strong painting. That would remain to be the goal of any Master painter throughout their professional career. The famous 17th Century Nicolas Poussin said: “Drawing is the skeleton of painting, the color is its flesh.” The most contemporary American artist Norman Rockwell stated: "You build the house before you paint it." If you can draw, you will always be able to paint. It has been recognized by generations of artists, that Drawing is the core of the artists' strength, especially in portraiture. As part of the teachings of the Masters, the ability to draw and paint from LIFE is and will always be a sign of the true fundamental skill of an artist. However, the popularity of photography has created, if you will, “photocopy artists”, who would only copy photographs which is a very basic level of artistry to begin with. These artists present such copies of photographs as if they were Fine Art portraits, when in fact, they are only representative of a split second in a person's lifetime. PLEASE NOTE: Portrait study with Gen. David Petraeus, US Military Commander and CIA Director If photographs are used in painting a portrait, it would certainly be to your advantage to find out whether or not the artist has a greater skill than just copying photos. The skill in question is the ability to work from life, which enables the artist to portray the likeness with the most natural and life-like appearance, truly immortalizing the person and creating the portrait, which goes far beyond its photographic references. To ascertain the presence of this vital skill for a successful portrait painting, you might wish to consider the following: a simple DRAWING TEST. DRAWING TEST: Ask the artist to draw a black & white sketch of you, your child or whomever the portrait subject is - on the spot, and of course from life. That could be done simply on white paper with a graphite pencil right in front of you. Do not worry, it won't take long. The experienced and skilled Artist should be able to complete a life-like and a full of character sketch within 30 minutes. Remember, just like all the Masters of the past, the pro will always be proud to demonstrate their skill in drawing from life without any hesitation. The 20th century master portrait artist Pietro Annigon i once said: "If one can draw, one can always paint". #3. Experience Another way to be assured of the artist’s qualifications and the artistic credentials is to see more samples of their work, than only those shown in the artist’s portfolio. That could also prevent you from any surprises and an Oops! situation later on. As a preliminary portrait stage and part of the artist's portrait procedure, there maybe a life-study involved. Whether it is drawing or painting, skilled artists usually deliver a faster result without jeopardizing quality, simply because they do not waste their time on fixing mistakes. Below is an approximate time which experienced and skilled Fine Artists will require to complete portrait studies entirely from life in different mediums, relatively fast, yet full of likeness and fine details. DETAILED portrait studies from life by an experienced artist Medium Time required Graphite Pencil Sketch (14"x11") - up to 30 min. Pastel Portrait Study (20"x16") - approx. 1.5 - 2 hrs. Oil Portrait Study (20"x16") - approx. 2.5 hrs. OIL GRAPHITE PASTEL: #4. Academic Education It is as important and fundamental in Realistic art as the alphabet is to learn a language! Figure Drawings from Life Life Models Master Copies in museums As I mentioned earlier, in the past several decades (since about 1960-s) classical art education was basically ignored in many art schools. As a result, after completing art programs, graduates could not really draw, because the in-depth Renaissance teaching methods were not taught. This is why, university art degrees, along with their titles, presented in the artists's portfolios since that time, were often not considered by others to be an important criteria of the artists' credentials. Expertise in Human Anatomy Fortunately a handful of accredited schools remained, providing high quality art education and focusing not only on teaching how to "express emotions", but on giving students the vital Drawing skills. Because of this and due to the Realist Movement and the current return to traditional values in visual art, historical appreciation for Fine Art Degrees is finally coming back.. A standard university art degree, offered by fine art education in 'studio arts', is BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts). The HIGHEST DEGREE one can earn in visual art education is the MFA degree, Master of Fine Arts, equivalent to the Ph.D. and E.D. in other fields, please read here . ALL the greatest Masters of all times regarded the Traditional Academic training as indispensable in the development of highest artistic and professional skills - the higher the TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC education, the higher the competence, credentials and credibility of the artist. A few examples of the academic works by Igor Babailov, when he was an art student Throughout the centuries, the artists' main goal was to study in the highly acclaimed accredited traditional Academies of Art, or at least under the Master(s), who graduated from such Academies.That was to obtain the highest possible knowledge of Human Anatomy, Perspective, Master Methods of Drawing and Painting from life. Only after successfully completing these studies, could they pursue a professional career in figurative art including, of course, Portraiture. In proper traditional art education, copying of photographs was never acceptable and always considered cheating. Nowdays, due to the lower standards, if the above educational credentials are missing, they are usually replaced by copying / tracing photographs and pandering to the public with superficial tricks. Portrait Drawings from Life #5. Budget and Investment Price comparison is naturally a priority consideration, but make sure that you compare 'apples to apples' ! Since having a portrait painted is usually a once in a lifetime experience, every credential should be considered, including the artist's ability to work from life. If you're thinking to hire an artist to copy a ready-made image of a photograph, you may as well just enlarge that photo and save yourself a lot of money... However, remember: photographs don't last, as they start fading immediately after they are taken..... If you are thinking of a true luxurious Fine Art Portrait in the tradition of the Masters, to pass it on to your descendants and future generations, look beyond the price tag, as in the long run our descendants are going to inherit what we purchased for them. So why not go for the best! Please keep in mind though, because of today's common unawareness of what the portrait painting should be, a 'photocopy artist' may ask almost as high price for a portrait as the skilled Artists would. Once again, the way to be assured in the true qualifications of 'your' artist would be by offering the DRAWING TEST (please see Essential #2). It is known that with time, the works of Fine Ar t * (please see below) increase in value, and this is naturally applied to portrait painting ** (please see below). For your information, ninety percent (90%) of the Metropolitan Museum collection are life-painted commissioned portraits. If the artists' officially commissioned portraits include those of business and political leaders and celebrities, whose names stay in history, the artists' names who officially painted them go into history with their subjects. The value of such artists’ works are guaranteed to be on the higher level at any time and in the future. #6. Painting Hands Another way to asses the quality of work you're possibly interested in, is to observe the artist’s ability to paint hands. It has been recognized by generations of artists to be even more challenging than painting the portrait itself. The Masters referred to hands as "the second portrait." Given their impeccable knowledge of Human Anatomy and not to mention that they painted only from life, the hands in their portrait paintings look life-like just as the heads do. Strikingly, many of today's artists experience difficulty with painting hands even when they are copying photographs. So once again, simply look at the larger number of the portrait samples where the hands are included and then listen to your heart. #7. Listening to your heart Regardless of your art education, or what your occupation is, and whether or not your neighbor had a portrait painted by the same artist, you will feel intuitively, if there is anything wrong with the portrait samples you are looking at. That should be the signal for you to just look more thoroughly at things, so you would avoid making a costly and irreversible mistake. Artists with the lack of proper education and experience of working from life, totally depend on the camera and copy whatever is visible on the photograph, without knowing what’s underneath. As a result, instead of creating the in-depth and full of character portrait, they draw a mask with no soul. Unlike the amateurs, the Pros, by bringing their experience of working from Life, improve on the reality of the camera, filling in the one element missing: the Soul. Photography was a great invention and today it often assists in creating commissioned portraits, both on the client side and for the artist. However, because of its general popularity, photographic image became more than a reference point and quite often even used as a subject for copying and tracing, which sadly simplifies the true essence of fine art portraiture and in reality, shallows its meaning. Just like The Masters of the past, I don't believe in "short cuts", especially in portraiture, as it is a form of art, which represents the highest form of The Creation, us. I also have a great admiration for those contemporary artists realists, who chose not a path of least resistance, but to explore and study the expertise of the traditional school, the most challenging and the only school, which teaches you to draw and empowers the artist with the skills of the Masters. If you have read up to this point, you are one of the many people interested in knowing more about the fine art of portraiture and its timeless values which will always exist, regardless of new movements in art. To Summarize, commissioning a Portrait is a huge responsibility you undertake for the generations to come. Therefore, I believe you deserve to have this necessary fundamental knowledge about: the differences between photographic images and realistic portrait paintings the skill of drawing freehand when photographs are used, developing a portrait from a number of references, vs just copying a single photo the artist's ability to work from life and the value of that experience in painting successful portraits All of these factors and information above may assist you greatly in your selection process and efforts in finding your artist, for you and the future generations to benefit. Igor V. Babailov, Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) painted his first portrait at the age of four and began his formal classical art education at nine (1974-1990). Having studied with leading Masters of painting and drawing at the Surikov Academy of the Russian Academy of Arts (est. 1757), he received the Master of Fine Arts Degree (MFA) and In the direct ‘teacher-student’ lineage of the Russian Academy, Babailov is a third generation student of the world-famous artists Ilya Repin and Valentin Serov. * Traditionally, "Fine Art" term is referred to the form of art, created by the artist's Talent and the human Skill. This obviously doesn't include photography, which is produced by a camera. ( I.V.B.) According to scientific research, it takes 450 years for Oil paint (Oil paintings) to dry completely, this is why today the beautiful Renaissance paintings look as 'fresh' as if they were painted yesterday. A photograph, on the other hand, starts to deteriorate IMMEDIATELY upon it is taken, and fades visibly in 30 - 50 years. ** © 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. CONTACT US

Художник Бабайлов Игорь Валерьевич - известный Портретист, Почётный Академик Российской Академии Художеств, Официальные Презентации, Картины, Награды и Звания. На Первую / Картины / ФОТО - Пресса / Портреты / Контакт EN Художник Бабайлов Игорь Валерьевич Дата Рождения: 9 февраля, 1965 г. Место Рождения: г. Глазов, Удмуртия, Россия Мать: Р.В. Бабайлова (Кудашева) Отец: Бабайлов В.В. Почётный Академик Российской Академии Художеств Заслуженный Деятель Искусств Удмуртской Республики Член Творческого Союза Художников России Кавалер Ордена Святой Анны 3-й степени Доктор Наук (Почётное Звание - Honoris Causa) - Университет Камберланд (США) Советник по вопросам культуры и искусства - "Международный фонд Святого Саввы Освященного" Член совета директоров Ассоциации Художников Портретистов штата Коннектикат, США Живущий Мастер' - Американский Центр Художественного Возрождения Заслуженный член Канадского Института Художников Портретистов Действительный член Российского Дворянского Собрания Академик Международной Академии Культуры и Искусства Основатель Института Реализма Игоря Бабайлова Почётный член Ассоциации Рисовальщиков Канады Член Фонда Духовных Искусств, Вашингтон Ко-основатель Института Портрета, Нью-Йорк Член Национального Клуба Искусств, Нью-Йорк Интервью с Игорем Бабайловым (Федеральное издание журнала ВВП, РФ, 2010, стр.188-193) Президент Путин В.В. Патриарх Всея Руси, Кирилл Образование 1990 Закончил Московский Государственный Академический Художественный Институт им. В.И. Сурикова , факультет станковой живописи, мастерская профессора. В.Н. Забелина (защитил Диплом и закончил Институт на год раньше традиционного 6-летнего обучения) 1983 Поступил в Московский Государственный Академический Художественный Институт им. В.И. Сурикова 1979-1983 Московская Средняя Художественная Школа при институте им. В.И.Сурикова (ныне Московский Академический Худохественный Лицей), закончил с престижной Рекомендацией в Суриковский институт. 1975-1979 Детская Художественная Школа, Глазов 1972-1979 Средняя Школа № 2, Глазов Награды, звания (краткий лист) 2022 Почётная Медаль Острова Эллис (США) 2019 Почётное Звание Доктора Наук от Университета Камберленд (США) 2018 Президентская награда Джорджа Вашингтона - Маунт Вёрнон, Вирджиния 2017 Кавалер Ордена Святой Анны 3-й степени 2016 Академик Международной Академии Культуры и Искусства 2015 Официальное Признание от Сената и Губернатора штата Теннесси 2014 Ватиканом оказывается честь для выполнения серии поготовительных набросков с натуры для портрета Папы Римского Франциска 2012 Почётный Академик Российской Академии Художеств 2012 Государственная Награда "Заслуженный Деятель Искусств Удмуртской Республики" , вручена Президентом Волковым А.А. 2011 Юбилейная Медаль Федерального Собрания России — вручена сенатором Торшиным А.П. 2010 Портрет Папы Бенедикта XVI работы Игоря Бабайлова включен Папой Римским в передвижную музейную выставку «Сокровища Ватикана» 2009 Награждён Золотым Орденом «Служение искусству» I степени 2009 За работу над портретом Главнокомандующего Вооруженными Силами США генерала Дэйвида.Х. Петреуса награждён медалью "За отличие" , вручена генералом Петреусом. 2009 НОВЫЙ портрет Джорджа Вашингтона включён в историческую коллекцию Музея Вашингтона в Mаунт Вёрнон, штат Вирджиния 2006 Ватиканом оказывается честь для выполнения серии поготовительных набросков с натуры для портрета Папы Римского Бенедикта XVI 2004 По повелению Папы Римского Иоанна Павла II-го картина «С Верой» экспонируется в Папской вилле в Кастель Гандольфо. 2005 Официальная медаль Понтификата Папы Римского Иоанна Павла II . Вручена послом Ватикана архиепископом Луиджи Вентурой 2005 Картина «За Золотом, Богом и Славой» включена в историческую энциклопедию Перу 2003 Избран Почётным Членом Объединения Рисовальщиков Канады 2002 Американский Центр Художественного Возрождения признаёт И. Бабайлова «Живущим Мастером» 2001 Призёр Международного Конкурса Портрета, «Интернациональный художник», Австралия 2001 Публикация книги "Мир Игоря Бабайлова", спонсируемой политической и деловой елитой, Удмуртская республика, Россия 1999 Призёр Международного Конкурса Портрета, организованный журналом «Художник»,США 1997 Приз «За профессиональное совершенство», Международная выставка РЕАЛИЗМ-97, Паркерсбург, Зап. Вирджиния, США 1994 Гранд приз, , Международный конкурс портрета, Американское Общество Художников Портретистов, США 1993 Приз «За Выдающееся Достижение в Портретной Живописи», Международный конкурс портрета, Атланта, США 1992 Создание художественного образа обложки книги «С Востока на Запад» 1990 По решению академ. жюри представляет Суриковский институт на выставке трёх художественных ВУЗов России в Глазго, Шотландия. 1989 Первое место в годовом конкурсе рисунка, МГАХИ им. В.И. Сурикова 1989 По направлению Суриковского института выполняет портреты знаменитостей эстрады: А. Розенбаума, И. Резника, Л. Долиной, Е. Шифрина, В. Винокура, Б. Моисеева и др. 1988 Архивный рисунок И. Бабайлова отобран руководством Суриковского института для представления в дар Вьетнамской Академии Художеств 1983 За отличные показатели в художественных дисциплинах поощрён преподавателями Московской Средней Художественной Школы Рекомендацией в Суриковский институт 1981 Награждён Дипломом Второй Степени, Всесоюзный конкурс работ учащихся всех художественных школ, присуждена художником Фёдором Решетниковым.(автор картины «Опять двойка») 1979 Зачислен в Московскую Среднюю Художественную Школу, в результате Всесоюзного Конкурса и Конкурсных Экзаменов на ЕДИНСТВЕННОЕ вакантное место. Выставки и Презентации (краткий лист) 2023 Презентация портрета Сэмюэля Алито - судьи Верховного суда США 2019 Портрет Е.И.В. Великого Князя Владимира Кирилловича - Мадрид 2019 Портрет Командира Швейцарской Гвардии - Ватикан 2018 Презентация портрета в Университете Камберленд 2017 Официальная Презентация Её Императорскому Высочеству Великой Княгине Марии Владимировне 2016 Официальная Презентация Президенту Республики Мальта 2016 Официальный Портрет Папы Бенедикта XVI экспонируется в Северной Америке на выставке "Сокровища Ватикана" , в одном ряду с работами Микеланджело, Бернини и Джотто. 2015 Официальный Портрет Папы Франциска 2014 Официальный портрет Губернатора Банка Англии, Марка Карни 2013 Официальная Презентация портрета Принцу Эндрю Герцогу Йоркскому 2012 Презентация портрета Его Святейшества Патриарха Кирилла в Храме Христа Спасителя в Москве 2010 - 2011 Официальный Портрет Папы Бенедикта XVI экспонируется в Северной Америке на выставке "Сокровища Ватикана" , в одном ряду с работами Микеланджело, Бернини и Джотто. 2010 Презентация портрета Генерала Петреуса, Американский Институт Предпринимательства, Вашингтон 2009 Официальная Презентация портрета Джорджа Вашингтона в коллекцию Музея Вашингтона, Маунт Вёрнон, Вирджиния 2009 Официальная Презентация портрета Майкла Новака , Университет Аве Мария 2008 Официальная Презентация портрета Папе Римскому Бенедикту XVI 2008 Презентация портрета звезды американского футбола Тики Барбера . 2007 Торжественная презентация портрета Фредерика Харта в коллекцию музея Центра Папы Иоанна Павла II -го в Вашингтоне. 2007 Портрет Анастасии Романовой , Аукцион Ассоциации Русского Дворянства, Нью-Йорк, преобретён Князем Владимиром Голициным 2006 Персональная выставка в галлерее «Summerlin» в Лас Вегасе. 2006 Участие в "Выставке Звёзд" для основанного Стивеном Спилбергом фонда «Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation» в Токио, Япония 2006 Выставка о жизни и творчестве Игоря Бабайлова в Республиканском Краеведческом музее г.Глазова, Россия 2006 Презентация портрета Исадору Шарпу, Основателю и Главе мировой сети отелей «Четыре Сезона» 2006 Презентация портрета доктора Уэйна Стрэйлейн, Харвардский Университет, Кембридж 2006 Официальная Презентация портретных набросков Папе Римскому Бенедикту XVI в Ватикане 2006 Торжественная презентация портрета актёру Джэймсу Гандолфини, Уолдорф Астория, Нью Йорк 2005 Выставка и презентация портрета Фредерика Харта в Посольстве Российской Федерации в Вашингтоне. 2005 Презентация портрета выдающегося пианиста Байрона Джаниса в коллекцию «Стайнуэй и сыновья», Стайнуэй Холл, Нью Йорк 2004 Официальная Презентация картины « С Верой » Папе Иоанну Павлу II-му в Ватикане 2003 Презентация портрета Риджиса Филбина , основателя Шоу "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", Нью Йорк 2003 Презетация портрета Ива Фортье, Губернатора компании Хадсонс Бэй, Канада 2002 Официальная Презентация портрета Президенту США Джорджу Бушу Премьер-Министром Канады, Белый Дом, Вашингтон 2002 Официальная Презентация портрета Мэру Нью Йорка, Рудольфу Джулиани, Хенри Киссинджером 2002 Официальная презентация портрета Премьера Министра Канады Брайяна Малруни в коллекцию Парламента Хилл, Оттава 2002 Официальная презентация портрета Президенту России В.В. Путину в Москве 2002 Официальная презентация портрета Владиславу Третьяку Послом Канады в России, Москва 2001 Официальная презентация портрета Нэльсону Манделе , Оттава, Канада 2001 Презентация портрета Премьеру Министру Канады Жану Кретьену в Резиденции Премьера Министра в Оттаве 2001 Презентация книги В. Захарова «Мир Игоря Бабайлова», в Глазове. В последствии эта книга презентована 3-м Президентам, 3-м Премьер Министрам, и Папе Римскому. 2000 Презентация портрета М.Т. Калашникова в Центральном Музее Вооружённых Сил России в Москве 2000 Презентация портрета доктора Р. Кимуры в Харвардском Университете в Кембридже 1998 Презентация портрета През-ту Национального Банка Канады А. Берарду 1997 Презентация портрета Первой Лейди Хиллари Клинтон в Вашингтоне 1996 Совместная русско-американская выставка в Коломне, как результат совместной пленерной работы, организованной И. Бабайловым и проф. И. Солдатенковым при содействии Союза Художников России и Московской Думы 1996 Презентация портрета главе "Aerotech World Trade Corp." Бергу Эндресену 1996 Персональная выставка «Вернисаж», Маями, Флорида 1996 Персональная выставка в Конвеншн Сентер, Торонто 1995 Презентация картины "Три Света" в коллекцию Джорджа Кохона, главы Корпорации Мак Дональд, открывшего первый ресторан Мак Дональд в России. 1993 Персональная выставка в Портрайтс Инк., Монреаль 1992 Выставка в Международном Фонде за Мир через Культуру, Оттава 1989 Выставка в Художественном Колледже г. Глазго, Шотландия Для информации, нажмите на фотографии Книги, публикации, телевидение (краткий лист) Настоящее Сборник «Кто есть Кто в Америке» 2019 Университет Камберленд - о присвоении Игорю Бабайлову Докторского Звания 2018 The Lebanon Democrat - интервью 2017 Интервью для "The Times of Malta" - центральная газета Мальты 2015 Официальный Портрет Папы Франциска Интервью: ABC, FOX, Tennessean и т.д. 2013 Английский журнал "Кассоне" 2013 Журнал "Антиквар" , Украина 2012 Книга «Greatest Portrait Moments - Igor Babailov» 2011 Каталог выставки "Сокровища Ватикана" 2010 Интервью Российскому Федеральному Изданию "Валовой Внутренний Продукт" ( ВВП ) 2008 Интервью журналу "Le Temps" , Швейцария 2008 Интервью журналу "Zenit", Рим, Италия 2008 Интервью газете «Daily News», Нью-Йорк 2007 "Парадный Портрет в Золочённой Раме" - Очерк В.Моргана о творчестве И.Бабайлова, за который автор удостоен звания Золотое Перо России 2007 Интервью газете «Moscow Times» 2007 Иллюстрирование книги о компании "Ford" "Ford and the American Dream - Founded On Right Decisions" 2006 Интервью телевидению Лас Вегаса 2006 Каталог «Выставки Звёзд» в Токио 2006 Публикации в Международных газетах в связи с портретом Папы Бенедикта XVI 2006 Интервью с Радио Ватикан 2006 Теле Новости о нарушении Китаем аторского права художника Игоря Бабайлова 2006 Журнал Русского Дворянства 2005 Журнал «Куэст» , Нью Йорк 2005 Публикация «Вкус Таиланда», Вашингтон 2005 Публикация Бала Русского Дворянства, Нью Йорк 2004 Энциклопедия Перу, Empresa Editora Il Comercio,S.A 200 4 Журнал "In Focus" 2004 Международное Католическое Радио EWTN (ряд интервью), США 2004 Газета «Moscow Times», Россия 2004 Журнал «Robb Report» 2003 Журнал «New York» - США 2003 Шоу Программа "Live with Regis & Kelly" 2003 Журнал «Dan’s Papers» – Лонг Айлэнд / Манхаттэн 2003, 2002 Газета «New York Times, Brooklyn Papers», Нью Йорк – США 2002 Globe and Mail - Канада 2002 National Post - Канада 2002 Magazine Art - Канада 2001 «PRIMO»,американо- итальянский журнал - США 2001 Книга об Удмуртии, Россия 2001 Книга «Мир Игоря Бабайлова» 2001 Книга «Современный Русский Реализм» 2001 Журнал «International Artist» - Австралия 1999 Журнал «The Finer Things in Life» – США 1999 , 98 Журнал «The Artist Magazine» – США 1998 Focus Magazine – США 1997 Журнал Классического Реализма – США 1997 Латино-американский журнал «Selecta» – США 1996 Телевидение CJOH, канал новостей - Канада 1996, 95, 94 Журнал «Portrait Signature» – США 1995 Телевидение СFTO, канал новостей, Канада 1995 Показан в документальном фильме об Алле Пугачовой «Жди и помни меня» 1992 Работа над обложкой книги "From East To West" 1989 Газета «Московский Комсомолец» (опубликован портрет победительницы Международного Джазового Конкурса в Вашингтоне, Азизы Мустафа-Задэ) 1988 Каталог выставки в Художественном колледже Глазго, Шотландия Коллекции (краткий лист) Игорь Бабайлов создал более 2000 портретов и сотни других произведений. Половина из них находится в музеях, правительственных учреждения, корпорациях и престижных частных коллекциях в разных странах мира. Они включают: Московская Патриархия Кремлёвская коллекция Президента В.В. Путина, Москва Центральный Музей Вооружённых сил России, г.Москва Российский Императорский Дом Романовых Ватикан Букенгемский Дворец, Лондон Белый Дом, Вашингтон Частный Колледж Принца Альберта Boston Eye & Ear Hospital Президентский Центр президента Джорджа Буша Президентский Центр президента Била Клинтона Генеральное консульство России в Монреале Корпорация Контранс Corporate Planning Associates Cramer, Rosenthal, McGlynn, LLC Essroc, Inc. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (Четыре Сезона) Giuliani Partners, LLC Харвардский Университет, Отделение Медицины Здание Парламента Канады Компания Hudson’s Bay (est. 1670) Католический Университет Америки Hummingbird Communications Университет Ave Maria Indiana University Art Museum Indiana University Foundation Корпорация МакДональд Университет Monmouth Национальный Банк Канады Reitmans Inc. Rhone - Poulenc Rorer Inc. Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School Somiper Inc. Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Япония Стэйнуей и Сыновья, Нью Йорк Synergistics Industries Ltd. Кастель Гандольфо, Музей Ватикан Вьетнамская Академия Художеств Избранные портреты в музейных коллекциях и в частных коллекциях известных и знаменитых людей (краткий список) Его Королевское Высочество Герцог Йоркский Принц Эндрю Его Святейшество Патриарх Кирилл Президент России Путин В.В. Папа Римский Франциск Папа Римский Бенедикт XVI Папа Римский Иоанн Павел II Президент Нелсон Мандела Президент США Джордж У. Буш Премьер Министр Канады Браян Малруни Премьер Министр Канады Жан Кретьен Императорский Дом Романовых и Е.И.В. Великая Княгиня Мария Владимировна Михаил Т. Калашников - изобретатель AK-47 Владислав Третьяк, Звезда мирового хоккея Бобби Халл, Звезда мирового хоккея Первый Зам. Председателя Совета Федерации России, А.П. Торшин Главнокомандующий ВВС США, позже Директор ЦРУ, генерал Дэйвид Х. Петреус Сенатор Майкл Питфильд, Канада Сенатор Дуглас Хенри, США Мэр Нью Йорка («Мэр Америки») Рудольф Джулиани Арчи Данэм, Глава нефтяной компании «ConocoPhillips», Хьюстон, Техас Сэмюель Алито - Судья Верховного Суда США, Вашингтон Йозеф Сулливан - Судья Верховного Суда штата Нью-Йорк Гиацинтов Кирилл Э. - Президент Русского Дворянского Собрания в Америке. Князь Оболенский Иван С. - Казначей Русского Дворянского Собрания в Америке Князь Владимир Голицин, Нью-Йорк Майкл Новак - Американский Институт Предпринимательства, Вашингтон Игнат Солженицин (США), сын Александра Солженицина. Джуна Давиташвили - Российский экстрасенс Наташа, супруга Никиты Хрущёва - внука Н.С. Хрущёва Гусевы, Сергей и Генефа - Москва Ефим Шифрин, сатирик Владимир Винокур, сатирик Фирсов Владимир Иванович, известный русский поэт Евгений Болдин, продюссер Лариса Долина, певица Александр Левшин, группа «Рецитал» Аллы Пугачёвой Борис Моисеев, танцор Азиза Мустафа-Заде, Маестро Джаза Питер Куэйф, Великобританская группа « The Kinks » Fred "Ted" W. Lazenby, Центр Д.Ф. Кеннеди в Вашингтоне Мадам Люси Ванье Винсент Фрэнк Милитари, мэннеджер и близкий друг Фрэнка Синатры Перешеин В.Ю., Глава Адм. г. Глазова, Удмуртская республика Байрон Дженис, известный американский пианист Мария Купер, дочь звезды американского кино Гарри Купера Исадор Шарп, основатель и глава мировой сети Отелей "Четыре Сезона" Энн и Андре Лемиер, Монреаль Риджис Филбин, автор популярной программы "Кто хочет быть миллионером" (США) Джеймс Гандольфини, американский астёр Аллан Снайдерман, кардиолог-хирург, Канада Бумер Эсайасон, звезда американского футбола Джон Белло - SoBe Джордж Кохен - Глава Канадского Мак Дональдса Тони Ло Бианко - Американский актёр Том Монахан - основатель мировой сети пиццерий "Домино" и мн. другие Лекции и Мастер-классы Настоящее Институт Реализма Игоря Бабайлова – Мастер-классы 2019 Московская Центральная Художественная Школа 2019 - 2016 Университет Камберленд 2019 - 2018 Католический Университет Америки - Вашингтон 2018 Международный Культурный Форум - Санкт Петербург 2018 Легатус Клуб - Вашингтон 2018 Музей Джорджа Вашингтона - Fellowship with Igor Babailov 2017 Ротари Клуб (Lebanon, TN; Brentwood, TN) 2016 The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 2015 Университет Вандербилт 2014 Pope John Paul II High School, 500+ lecture attendance, Tennessee 2012-2013 Legacy High School (for challenging children), New York City 2011 St. Thomas Aquinas College, Nashville, TN 2010 Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 2010 Monmouth University, New Jersey 2009 Ave Maria University - Master Workshop, Lecture, Demo 2009 Portrait Society of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 2009 Dominican Sisters, the Congregation of St.Cecilia, Nashville, TN 2006-2010 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Painting Demonstration & Lecture, critiques) 2005 Tennessee Arts Academy, Belmont University (Lecture) 2005 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Painting Demonstration & Lecture) 2004 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Demonstations, Workshop & Judging of the Portrait Show with Dr. Marcus Burke, Curator, Museum, Hispanic Society of America, New York City) 2003 Bellport Art council, Long Island, NY (Master Workshop / Demonstration) 2002 Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (Stage Portrait Demonstration, Canadian Society of Portrait Artists Festival) 2000 Preparatory Art College, Glazov, Russia, (“Mastering yourself” Lecture) 1999 Florence Academy of Art - Florence, Italy (Instructor of Figure Painting in Oil, Summer Program) The International attendance of students included the art students from Four Continents. 1999 Cincinnati Art Club, 2nd oldest Art Club in the USA (Demonstration for at least 100 people & a Master Workshop) 1999 Private instruction to Sayaka Yamaguchi, the student from Tokyo, Japan 1999 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1997 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1996 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1995 American Society of Portrait Artists – USA (Lecture/Painting Presentation) 1994 Ontario College of Art - Canada (Lecture & Slides Presentation) 1990 -1993 Master Workshops, Loyalist College, Ontario Благотворительная деятельность 2022 Благотворительный аукцион для Университета Камберленд 2019 - 2017 Доминиканский Дом Обучения - Благотворительный аукцион 2016 Community Chest Fund - Президентский Фонд Мальты 2015 Фонд Наследия - Благотворительный аукцион 2015 Благотворительный аукцион для "Serra International" 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006 Благотворительные аукционы Русского Дворянского Собрания в Америке для детей России 2012 Благотворительная деятельность для трудных детей школы "Legacy", Нью-Йорк 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 Участие в благотворительных акциях для детей специальной программы Ксавериан Школы, Нью-Йорк 2006 Участие в Благотворительной "Выставке Звёзд" для основанного Стивеном Спилбергом фонда «Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation» (Детский Фонд) в Токио, Япония 2006 Благотворительный аукцион для Университета Аве Мария, Флорида 2005 Благотворительная акция для пострадавших от цунами в Таиланде 2005 Благотворительная выставка с торжественной презентацией картины в Посольстве Российской Федерации в Вашингтоне, поднявшая средства для Межрегиональной Офтальмологической организации России. 1999 - 1998 - 1997 Участие в благотворительных аукционах организации Алцхеймер в Монреале, Канада 2001 Благотворительная акция для Еврейской Больницы в Монреале 1999 Персональная благотворительная выставка для колледжа детей с Синдромом Дауна, Монреаль, Канада 1998 Участие в благотворительном аукционе организации «Юникорн» для детей с Аутизмом в Пальм Бич, штат Флорида. Среди других участников аукциона – американский актёр Сильвестр Сталлон. 1995 Благотворительная акция «Show Festival», Торонто 1993 Благотворительный аукцион для Балетной Школы Канады 1992 Благотворительная акция для Международного Красного Креста Картины / ФОТО - Пресса / Портреты / Контакт

An educational article by portrait artist Igor Babailov, featured in PRIMO Magazine, Italian-American magazine, U.S.A. The Latest News…from an Italian-American Perspective PRIMO magazine Italian Influence on Realistic Portraiture by Igor Babailov Portrait Artist Igor Babailov, the only Living Artist in the Vatican Splendors Exhibition, tells PRIMO why Artists Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Pietro Annigoni are his Key Influences. Igor Babailov's painting "For Gold, God and Glory" on the cover of PRIMO magazine. The great Italian contributions in the history of art are immeasurable. On my website www.Babailov.com , there are a number of artists, whose works I recommend to study, and among them are Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696 - 1770) and Pietro Annigoni (1910–1988). These are only two great names out of many fine visual artists of Italy. They represent two different centuries, yet both come from the same educational background in the classical tradition of one of the oldest art schools in the world: the Italian Academy of Art. “La Strega” by Pietro Annigoni “Head of a Young Man in Three-Quarter View Facing Left, Looking Upward,” by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo Given that they lived in different eras, both Tiepolo and Annigoni faced unique challenges. Tiepolo’s challenge at his time was to explore the knowledge of the Masters before him and around him and to apply it to his own beautiful figurative works, which were celebrated by his contemporaries, as the sophisticated appreciation of the skill in art was taught and very much present at the time. Pietro Annigoni, the utmost admirer of the Old Masters, had a very different challenge at the peak of his career in 1950s-70s, being constantly attacked by the “art critics” for painting beauty and emphasizing the importance of the masters’ methods and techniques as prerequisite of skill for any artist. The celebration of Beauty and God’s Creation is the main focus of the traditional school of painting, which requires more than talent, but the skill to produce, and consequently cannot be achieved without the proper education. It has always been at the core of the academic curriculums and the Italian academy has given the world some of the best known names in the history of art, until about the mid 20 th century, when the rich inheritance of the Renaissance Masters suddenly became “debatable” by “art critics who couldn’t draw.” I became familiar with the name Annigoni when I was invited to teach at the Florence Academy of Art, in Italy in 1999. When I discovered more about his life and works, I immediately felt the closeness to this artist, fully relating to his values and ideals. I myself being a contemporary realist artist, like Annigoni, was asked on numerous occasions “if there was enough of Renaissance in the period of Renaissance…” This question was well answered by Pietro Annigoni, who I quote: “Only those who know nothing about art may think that a Style is repeatable in every age. It is the destiny of every artist to strive to say something NEW with an OLD language.” In 2008, my life size portrait of Pope Benedict XVI was officially presented to the Pope upon His Holiness’s arrival in the United States. Two years later, I received a call from the Papal Nuncio in Washington, D.C. with the news that my papal portrait arrived in America to exhibit in Vatican Splendors, the North American museum tour from the Vatican Collection. The Vatican Splendors exhibition consists of almost 200 objects representing 2,000 years of the Vatican’s history. They include historic works of art, important period documents, even the relics of St. Peter. The significant part of the exhibition are paintings, sculptures and other works of art; as well as the Papal portraits, with my portrait representing the Papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. At the opening of Vatican Splendors I approached the Vatican Curator Roberto Zagnoli to thank him for selecting my work for such an important exhibition and he replied: “No, no, no, Maestro, the Pope chose it!” That was, of course, a huge honor. Some of the artists’ works on the exhibition include the works of Michelangelo, Giotto, Bernini, Guerchino, Vasari and many other Masters of the Renaissance, and I was humbled to be the only living artist there. The 2000-year impact of the Vatican in art history is unquestionably immense and impressive, with the majority of its artists being Italians, and I’m proud to be among such a distinguished group and company of Masters in the history of art. The Vatican Splendors exhibition moved to the John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, and then the Fine Arts Museum in Ft. Lauderdale until May 2011, when it returned back to the Vatican. Igor Babailov at work on the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI On another note, some of my famous Italian American portrait subjects included: Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York, actor James Gandolfini and the most recent portrait of Iraq veteran of war and American Hero, Brendan Marrocco. They all are on my website www.Babailov.com Editor’s Note: PRIMO had the honor of featuring the work of Igor V. Babailov on the cover of our September/October 2001 edition on Christopher Columbus. The painting, oil on canvas, was titled “For Gold, God and Glory.” Artist Babailov is praised by many for his sensitive and detailed portraits of contemporary luminaries in politics and entertainment, as well as a number of spectacular landscape paintings. Please review his latest works at www.Babailov.com Igor Babailov and Pope Benedict XVI Apostolic Palace, Vatican

Official portrait of Pope Leo XIV, by Igor Babailov, commissioned portrait artist to Popes in the Vatican, Presidents, Prime Minister, global and business leaders. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV Life Portrait Studies in preparation for the upcoming grand Oil Portrait Vatican A Life Portrait Study, Vatican Graphite Photography credit: Vatican media Igor Babailov's Vatican Paintings & other Sacred Artworks Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Official Portrait of Pope Francis Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II Official Portrait of the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard The Vatican Splendors exhibition Igor Babailov's other Sacred Artworks Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Official Portrait of His Holiness Pope Francis by Igor V. Babailov. Collection: Vatican. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits His Holiness Pope Francis Collection: Vatican Official Portrait Unveiling Igor Babailov shares with Pope Francis the painting's symbolism. "The Holy Cross" Portrait of His Holiness Pope Francis Oil on Canvas, 72" x 48" ( 183 cm x 122 cm ) Original Concept & Composition, Copyright © Igor V. Babailov "This work is inspired, it touches my heart!" ~ Pope Francis ABOUT THE PORTRAIT "Like with my many other portrait works, Pope Francis’s portrait is more than a portrait in its traditional sense. Its large canvas incorporates a number of symbolic references reflective of Pope Francis: his spirituality and devotion to the Holy Family, love for children and, of course, his washing the feet of the everyday disciples. The word ‘Pontiff’ derives from the word ‘pont’ (bridge) and means the ‘bridge builder,’ so the rainbow behind the Holy Father, symbolizes a bridge that connects the Catholic Church with other religions (represented in the painting by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey). The theme of cross is present throughout the whole painting. The portrait composition is comprised of five major ‘actions’: Pope Francis in the middle, as the focus of the painting, and four groups, located diagonally in both directions towards the corners of the canvas. The Pope’s figure connects them all together, forming a cross. The other cross is prompted by the bright beam of God’s light that comes from above, between the Dove (symbol of the Holy Spirit) on the right and the Holy Family with the little Jesus in the arms of Mary, on the left. This setting invites the viewer to sense the sign of the cross: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The journey of the viewer’s eye begins with the Holy Father and in circular movement returns back to him, as he gently puts the hands over the cross on his cassock, protecting gesture. This is also his typical posture. I reminisce the unveiling of the portrait to Pope Francis, when he put his hand on his heart and said about the painting, “It touches me” and then he added, “It inspires.” ~ Igor V. Babailov Photo credit: Official Vatican photography Life Portrait Studies, Vatican The papal portrait unveiling featured on the billboard at Times Square, New York City. VIDEO "The Man who Painted Pope Francis" Igor Babailov's Vatican Paintings & other Sacred Artworks Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II Life Portrait Studies for the upcoming Portrait of Pope Leo XIV Official Portrait of the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard The Vatican Splendors exhibition Igor Babailov's other Sacred Artworks Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait of Margaret Leo of McLean, by portrait artist Igor Babailov, Collection: Catholic Information Center, Washington, DC Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Blessed Stanley Rother Blessed Stanley Rother (oil on canvas, 30" x 24") Collection: The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine Oklahoma City, OK Official Unveiling of the Blessed Stanley Rother portrait with the Most Reverend Paul Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City, at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Oklahoma City With His Excellency the Most Reverend J. Mark Spalding, Bishop of Nashville, at the Artist's studio The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, Oklahoma City Photo credit: Pablo Angel Gonzales / Oklahoma City Free Press

Official portrait of Mikhail Kalashnikov, Inventor of AK-47, by portrait artist Igor Babailov. Central Armed Forces Museum of Russia. Life portrait sitting video. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Official Portrait of Mikhail Kalashnikov Inventor of AK-47 Collection: Central Armed Forces Museum of Russia, Moscow Portrait of Mikhail T. Kalashnikov - Inventor of AK-47 (oil on canvas) by Igor Babailov "It's like seeing myself in the mirror" ~ Mikhail Kalashnikov VIDEO of portrait sitting with Mikhail Kalashnikov OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Official portrait of Michael Novak, theologian, author, Templeton Prize (1994), the White House adviser, by portrair artist Igor Babailov. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Michael Novak Frederick Jewett Scholar - the American Enterprise Institute, Author, Theologian, The Templeton Prize recipient 1994, Diplomat, Adviser to the Office of Ethnic Affairs, The White House. Michael Novak (oil on canvas) by Igor Babailov Michael Novak and Margaret Thatcher (left) - The Templeton Prize ceremony, Westminster Abbey, London, 1994 Michael Novak portrait unveiling. Collection: Ave Maria University, Florida VIDEO of the official portrait unveiling Life Study Oil on Canvas Collection: C iocca Center of the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America Washington, DC Life Sitting With Andreas Widmer, Director of the Art C iocca Center at the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov