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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 Arts Center of Kershaw County 810 Lyttleton St. Camden, SC 29020 January 21 - 23, 2026 9:00 a m - 4:00 pm One-on-One instruction, Life models, Master demonstrations Workshop Fee: $950. To Register and to secure your place in class, please make your Registration deposit of $350. (Registration deposit is non-refundable, balance payable on or before the first day of the Workshop ) Registration deposit $350. Tuition balance $600. HOTELS in the AREA There are a few great hotels in the area, such as: Springhill Suites by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, and other, as well as an Airbnb (a 2-min drive from the Arts Center), For more information about recommended lodging, email Amy Sheheen at: amysheheen@gmail.com 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

Igor Babailov and his Grand-size Multi-figurative Paintings. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA MURALS he ability to create complex multi-figure, large scale realistic compositions, has been recognized by generations of artists, as the highest achievement of the Artistic Expertise. T odern day artists have tendency to categorize themselves as Portrait artists, or Landscape artists, or Still-life artists, etc. But the Masters of the past, however, were learned and savvied in all these genres and referred to themselves as professional Artists, with a capital A. Their mastery was not limited nor defined by one genre, but rather by the mastery of many. Moreover, their ultimate goal was to create grand multi-figure realistic paintings, the kind of challenging works where they would use their knowledge and test their skills and truly explore themselves as a well-rounded and accomplished Artists. So let us set our goalpost high for achieving greatness, just as the Masters of the past did. M ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA, KStA For Gold, God and Glory Arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. (oil on canvas, 6 feet x 7 feet) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Included in the Peruvian Encyclopedia Dedicated to the great discoverers of the 'New and Brave World' "Be Not Afraid" Official Portrait of St. John Paul II ( 2003) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Collection: Vatican "My Grandmother Told Me ... 1937" (oil on canvas, 6 feet x 5 feet) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Dedicated to the millions of Russian citizens, killed at the time of Stalin’s repressions. The artist's grandfather was one of them. "The Holy Cross." Official Portrait of Pope Francis (oil on canvas, 7 feet x 5 feet) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Collection: Vatican At work on "CREDO." (oil on canvas, 7 feet x 6 feet) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Collection: Pope St. John Paul II National Shrine, Washington, DC Privately commissioned by multiple families to immortalize their children and grandchildren in the company of two Saints, John Paul II and Mother Teresa. At work on "Mercy - Who Has To Suffer ... and Why." (oil on canvas, 8 feet x 6 feet) Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Dedicated to CHILDREN, innocent victims of wars, terrorism, and other man-made humanitarian disasters.

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 **********

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 Book Legacy Portraits Get your autographed copy with the personal dedication. O nly on this website. This new art book, LEGACY PORTRAITS , features Igor Babailov's 100-plus personal and professional encounters, painting commissioned portraits of people from all walks of life, including Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, Prime Ministers, Royalty, and the last three Popes for 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

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" Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican & other Sacred Artworks Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI 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 Pope Benedict XVI by portrait artist Igor Babaillov, selected by the Pope for the Vatican Splendors international museum tour and exhibited alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Selected by the Pope for the Vatican Splendors international museum tour, exhibited alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance. "The Truth, The Way and The Life" Portrait of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Oil on Canvas, 72" x 48" ( 183 cm x 122 cm ) Collection: Vatican Museum, Vatican, Rome With His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, at the Apostolic Palace, Vatican At the Vatican Splendors with the organizers of the exhibition and Vatican Curator At work on the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI "This portrait is much more than an image, it is a painting of a presence. It catches the Pope’s shyness, physical presence and strength ... one of the best portraits of the Pope, I've ever seen! ~ Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Collection: Vatican Museum, Vatican, Rome Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican & other Sacred Artworks The Vatican Splendors exhibitions Official Portrait of Pope Francis Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II Official Portrait of the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Igor Babailov's other Sacred Artworks Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Vatican Splendors - portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by portrait artist Igor Babailov exhibited alongside the works of Michelangelo, Giotto, Bernini, and other Great Masters of the Renaissance. Vatican museum tour. The only Living Master artist, Vatican exhibition. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA VATICAN SPLENDORS Exhibition of Masterpieces from the Vatican In 2010, Igor Babailov's Vatican portrait of Pope Benedict XVI was selected by the Pope to represent his Papacy in the Vatican Splendors international museum tours. The Vatican Curator acknowledged Babailov as Maestro, as his portrait hung alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto , and other Masters of the Renaissance. Artist Igor Babailov and His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI by Igor Babailov Collection: Vatican Museum " he power of the precious objects in this exhibition brings us all into direct contact with the history and splendor of the Vatican. Our collective appreciation of the beauty we experience encourages and promotes a sense of unity between us. The history we share as we reflect on these objects and the stories they tell is the history of our common humanity." T ~ Msgr. Roberto Zagnoli, Vatican Curator The Vatican Splendors Exhibition From left to right: Exhibit organizer Mark Greenberg, artist Igor Babailov, Vatican Curator Msgr. Roberto Zagnoli Excerpts from the Exhibition Catalogue "The Vatican Splendors exhibition includes almost 200 works of art. It brings together some of the Vatican's most precious artistic masterpieces, historical documents, and sacred objects from the world's cultural and religious heritage." (from the Exhibition Catalogue) Michelangelo Giotto Guerchino Michelangelo Babailov Ribera Camuccini Vasari Tempesta Bernini Sassoferrato Fontana Guidi Zoboli Manfrini Vatican Splendors - A Journey Through Faith and Art ~ International Exhibitions ~ Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican & 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 Igor Babailov's other Sacred Artworks Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article www.Babailov.com

"Be Not Afraid" is the Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II, by Igor V. Babailov. Collection: Vatican, Castelgandolfo Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II " He will stand as the most influential moral voice of our time." ~ The Reverent Billy Graham "Believe - Be Not Afraid" Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II Oil on Canvas (60" x 48") Collection: Vatican, Castel Gandolfo "Believe - Be Not Afraid" , the portrait of Pope John Paul II was officially commissioned in commemoration of the World Youth Days and the 25th Anniversary of The Pontificate of Pope John Paul II. Creative research included references from the Vatican archives. Mr. Babailov was granted an audience with the Pope and received His Holiness's Blessing. CLICK "Thank you for painting the Pope 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 faith 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..." ~ Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Ventura About the Painting This painting is more than a portrait in its 'traditional' sense. It is about the eternal values of humanity. In "Believe - Be Not Afraid" the Artist identifies a number of those values, which are portrayed symbolically in the images of the Youth surrounding Pope St. John Paul II, known as "The Peoples' Pope", who also established the famous World Youth Day celebration. Some of those values are FAITH, LOVE, MERCY, and STRENGTH through Suffering. The young people on the painting represent our future. According to Pope St. John Paul II, the Youth are ' The Salt of the Earth.' Regardless of our geographical and religious backgrounds, we are all 'Children of God.' As a family, we must be together in our souls and values. "Believe - Be Not Afraid" is a part of the Vatican Museum collection. By the Personal Decree of Pope John Paul II, "Believe - Be Not Afraid" is displayed at the Vatican's historic Castel Gandolfo, the Papal Summer Residence. "My ultimate goal and aim as an artist was to portray Pope St. John Paul II the way he would be remembered: energetic, 'down to earth', much loved and close to people." ~ Igor V. Babailov Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican & other Sacred Artworks Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Official Portrait of Pope Francis 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 OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

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

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 may 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. ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA F Prime Minister Brian Mulroney - official portrait sitting. U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito. In preparation for the official oil portrait. The Master Approach in Preparation for Portrait Painting Igor Babailov ' s life-time experience in portrait painting allows him to work comfortably from life or from photographs. When working from photographic references is necessary, in the instances when clients have busy schedules or with children for whom it is difficult to sit for extended periods, or 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 formal 16 years of traditional fine art education (1974-1990) within the master-studios of the historic Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757 by Catherine the Great). The initial meeting with the client usually takes two and a half hours and is scheduled at the artist’s studio or the client’s location. At this meeting, the overall idea, size and the wall location where the portrait will be displayed are discussed, and Babailov will take up to 300-plus photographic references of the subject, to be used in the creation of the portrait. Since one of the MOST IMPORTANT steps in any Master's Portrait Procedure is DRAWING FROM LIFE , in preparation for painting, Igor Babailov masterfully demonstrates his skill in Drawing as well. "If one can Draw from life, one can always Paint !" ~ Pietro Annigoni, Royal Portrait Painter The Portrait Procedure in the Best Traditions of Portraiture Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA is one of the very few artists today who can comfortably DRAW from LIFE, not just from photographs. 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 painting . 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 in the timeless tradition of Portraiture, entirely from Life, which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. SAMPLES of Portrait Drawings from LIFE MORE Drawing Studies from LIFE The Value of Drawing Studies from LIFE In these DRAWING STUDIES, the artist assumes the challenge of the monochromatic drawing method which, unlike a color painting sketch, requires 100% accuracy in tonal values and proportions and does not forgive mistakes in likeness! They say: "Drawing never fails, but often the artist does", this is why the vast majority of today's portrait painters do not draw from life in front of their clients. However, it's the DRAWING studies from LIFE that have been recognized by generations of Portrait Masters, as the VITAL STEP in preparation for a portrait painting. It provides the immense opportunity to ultimately understand all the nuances of the subject's features and likeness, in order to get a deeper sense of beautiful uniqueness, character and personality, in direct communication with the person (please see What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting ). Igor Babailov's life-time experience and years of formal academic training allow him to complete each finely detailed DRAWING STUDY from life within 30 minutes . At the same time, clients have the opportunity to see the artist in 'action' and his skill in capturing a full of character life-likeness, right on the spot, within a brief period of time, with only a black & white pencil. After all, "if one can draw from life [NOT from photos!], one can always paint", said master portrait painter Pietro Annigoni . After the initial meeting, Mr. Babailov provides the client with several original, artistic and hand-created compositional master-studies, to determine the best compositional setting of the figure in the background, most suitable for the portrait. Once the decision on the choice of composition is made, the artist professionally prepares the museum quality appropriate weight canvas to start painting the actual portrait. Any photos provided by the client will be returned upon portrait completion. 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 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. 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 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

Official Portrait of President Putin, the President of Russia - by portrait artist Igor Babailov. Oil on Canvas, Collection: Kremlin Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits President Vladimir Putin President of Russia Portrait of H.E. Vladimir Putin, The President of Russia Oil on Canvas, 20" x 16" ( 51сm x 41сm) Collection: Kremlin, Moscow With Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien Official State Portrait Painting Presentation, in 2002 Collection: Kremlin OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait Artist Igor Babailov, Master Artist - Commissioned Portraits in Oil on Canvas - Government, Corporate, Judicial, Medical, Celebrity and Family - Nashville. Men UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA PORTRAITS of MEN Government, Corporate, Celebrity & Distinguished Private Commissions (selected commissioned portraits) "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., Harvard Medical School Pope Francis U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Babailov Corporate Portrait Unveilings Prime Minister Brian Mulroney Nikita - Private Collections SELECTED COMMISSIONED PORTRAITS CLICK on portraits below for more information and to see them CLOSER Pope Benedict XVI George Washington President George W. Bush Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. General David Petraeus Justice Joseph. P. Sullivan President Vladimir Putin Pope St. John Paul II Prime Minister Brian Mulroney Justice Clarence Thomas Pope Francis Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich Mayor Rudy Giuliani - New York City Patriarch Kirill Prime MinisterJean Chretien Prime Minister Mark Carney Prince Andrew Governor Yves Fortier Amb. Michael Novak Isadore Sharp - founder of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Byron Janis Reggie Jackson - baseball star Bergthor Endresen Col. Christoph Graf - Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Vatican James Gandolfini - actor Michel Perron Bob Costas - TV & sports personality Cardinal Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Thomas Monaghan - founder of Domino's Pizza & Ave Maria University Dr. Wright Pinson - CEO, Vandervilt Health System Judge Seth W. Norman Dr. Robert Kimura Paul Dinkel Mikhail Kalashnikov Stan Danford Tony Lo Bianco - actor Nelson Mandela Christopher Columbus - historic painting, group portrait Ted Lazenby Senator Michael Pitfield Tiki Barber - football star Lawrence Glaubinger Claude-Andre Piquette Regis Philbin - TV personality Slavko Acimovic Jack Reitman Andre Berard Akira Kurosawa - film director Frank Military - music publisher Hon. Michael Meighen - McGill University Billy G. Hudson, Ph.D David C. Hill Pete Quaife - The KINKS Dr. Frank Harrell Jr. Synergistics Industies Ltd. Michael Novak David Gibbs Hubert Powell Col. Derek Frost, Scottish Regiment Andrew C. Maracle, Sr. My friend, Valery Bobby Hull - hockey legend Dr. Luke Gregory Senator Herman Moore, North Carolina Vladislav Tretiak - hockey Legend Pavel Efremkin - Inventor Curtis Simic - Indiana University Dr. Robert Carver Bone Lanny Martin - Northwestern University Dr. J. Wayne Streilein Grant Gibbs John Ross Frederick Hart - sculptor Brendan Marrocco Dr. Cyril Geacintov Boomer Esiason - football star Peter Johnson Bucky Dent - baseball star Albert Lowenthal James Robertson - explorer, founder of Nashville & Tennessee John Bello - SoBe beverages Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC - New York City Dr. Allan Sniderman Gerald B. Cramer Edward J. Rosenthal Ronald H. McGlynn Mayor Neil Ellis Mayor of Picton Nicholas Eberstadt Mayor Al Piroth Stanley Bey Jules Plangiere - publisher Ben Tankard - Reality TV star Paul Doherty Other Portrait Galleries WOMEN GROUP PORTRAITS CHILDREN What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting PORTRAIT PROCEDURE The Master Approach