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Official full-length portrait of David C. Hill, Owner and Chairman of the Board, WireMasters Inc., by Portrait Artist Igor Babailov. Collection: Corporate Collection: Columbia, Tennessee. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA David C. Hill WireMasters Inc. - Owner and Chairman of the Board Collection: WireMasters Inc., Columbia, TN Portrait of David C. Hill (Oil on Canvas, (90" x 70") Collection: WireMasters Inc., Columbia, TN OTHER CORPORATE PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait of Akira Kurosawa, commissioned to Igor Babailov by Kurosawa Productions, Tokyo, Japan. Exhibited at the Celebrities Art Fair for Steven Spielberg's Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation, Japan. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Akira Kurosawa Legendary Film Director, Japan Akira Kurosawa (oil on canvas, 30" x 26") by Igor Babailov Commissioned by Kurosawa Productions for Steven Spielberg's Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Japan Exhibited at the World Celebrities Art Fair in Tokyo, Japan Participants of the exhibition included: Jon Bon Jovi, Musician Igor Babailov, Artist Jackie Chan, Actor Gary Cooper, Actor Jerry Garcia, Musician Jeff Goldblum, Actor Summo Hung, Actor Maria Cooper Janis, Artist Arnold Palmer, Golfer Anthony Quinn, Actor Jane Seymour, Actress Igor Babailov in the Exhibition Catalogue WELCOME message by Steven Spielberg OTHER CELEBRITY PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

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

Official Portrait of Brian Mulroney, 18th Prime Minister of Canada, by Igor V. Babailov. Collection: House of Commons, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Prime Minister Brian Mulroney 18th Prime Minister of Canada Official Portrait of The Rt. Honourable Brian Mulroney 18th Prime Minister of Canada (Oil on Canvas, 48" x 40") Official Collection: House of Commons, Parliament Hill, Ottawa CLICK Official portrait painting sitting at the Artist's Studio On the occasion of the portrait unveiling, the official photograph with two Prime Ministers of Canada, the Right Honorable Brian Mulroney and the Right Honorable Jean Chretien, was taken in the very room where Winston Churchill posed for his iconic photograph in 1941. Winston Churchill official photograph by Yousuf Karsh (1941). Collection: House of Commons, Ottawa, Canada. Graphite portrait studies from Life, in preparation for the official oil portrait painting Photo credit: Canadian press (nationalobserver.com) Official collection: House of Commons, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Custom Giclee Prints of the Original Paintings by Igor Babailov - signed by the Artist & come with Certificate of Authenticity. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA OTHER WORKS (Hostoric, Plein Air, Studies from Life and from Imagination) "I chose to paint Beauty!" Igor V. Babailov In direct academic lineage, Igor Babailov inherited the traditions of his famous teachers , some of the greatest artists in the history of art. Babailov's sensitive and skillfully executed works continue the teachings of Repin , Serov , Korovin and Levitan as they embrace the beauty of God's creation and represent the historic Russian school of painting, which paved the classical foundation for these and many other Masters, including the great American artist Whistler. The Igor Babailov artworks below are available as custom-made museum quality Fine Art Giclee Prints. Each Print is signed by Igor Babailov and comes with Certificate of Authenticity. For more information, please CONTACT US To ORDER your Fine Art Giclee Prints and for more information, please CONTACT US

Throughout his life-time career as a portrait painter, Igor Babailov has received numerous awards and honors from Governments, Royalty and his fellow professional artists in art organizations. Awards UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA AWARDS and HONORS for Artistic Achievements (Selected Awards) CLICK on the images for information to name a few. SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2022 Officially recognized by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks as one of the most prestigious awards in America. Recipients of this honor are read into the Congressional Record and include eight U.S. Presidents, several Nobel Prize Laureates, leaders in business, arts, politics, and other. CLICK on the photo George Washington George Washington's Mount Vernon Presidential Award Portrait of George Washington by Igor Babailov. Collection: Mount Vernon. Presented on behalf of George Washington by the President of Mount Vernon. Doctorate Honorary Doctorate Cumberland University 2019 Dr. Paul Stumb, President of Cumberland University ( Photo credit: Krissy Leigh Kimsal ) Igor V. Babailov awarded the distinguished academic degree Doctor of Literary Letters (Honoris Causa) by the historic Cumberland University 2019 Academician Hon. American Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est. 1757) "Dear Mr. Babailov, Congratulations to you on your election to the Russian Academy of Arts." ~ Dr. James H. Billington The 13th Librarian of the United States Congress "An Academician is a member of an officially constituted Academy, such as the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757), to be elected to which is a great honor, the pinnacle of the career of a traditional artist." ~ RAA Previous recipients of this honor include designer Pierre Cardin, HRH Princess Chantal of France and American artist, Andrew Wyeth . Knighthood Chevalier of the Order of St. Anne (est.1735) Order of St. Anne, dynastic order of Knighthood, awarded to Igor Babailov by Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, Head of the Imperial House of Romanov and descendant of the Russian, European and British royalty, including Alexander II and Queen Victoria. Malta, 2017 Hereditary Nobility with the Official Coat of Arms Granted to Igor V. Babailov and his family by decree of Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, Head of the Imperial House of Romanov and descendant of the Russian, European and British royalty, including Alexander II and Queen Victoria. 4 November, 2020 Madrid, Spain Vatican Medal Official Bronze Medal of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II Vatican City Secretariat of State Vatican, 2003 Gen. Petraeus General David H. Petraeus Award "For Excellence" Presented by General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Military Commander, CIA Director, for the work on his portrait for the West Point Academy Museum. Yankee Stadium ~ Official Major League Baseball ~ Award for Portraiture Presented to Igor Babailov at Yankee Stadium, New York City Joe DiMaggio Awards, 2011 Udmurtia Honored Artist of the Udmurt Republic Presented by President of the Udmurt Republic, Ushakov A.A. Senate Award The Tennessee Senate Resolution N69 "To recognize Igor Babailov and celebrate his artistic achievements." Signed into Law by Governor Bill Haslam and presented by Senator Jack Johnson For Service to Art Order 'For Service to Art' (The Golden Star) Presented by the President of the International Academy of Culture and Art, Stronsky P.T. Hon. Academician of the International Academy of Culture and Art Official ceremony in Malta For extended list of Awards and Honors see 'About the Artist'

When the portrait sitting takes place in New York City, Igor Babailov greets his portrait clients at his prestigious historic National Arts Club. Founded in 1898, its members included three U.S. Presidents, writer Mark Twain, artists Cecilia Beaux, William Merritt Chase and many other luminaries. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA The National Arts Club New York City When the portrait sitting takes place in New York City, Mr. Babailov greets his portrait clients at his prestigious p rivate and historic National Arts Club. Since its founding in 1898, the club's distinguished members included three U.S. Presidents, writer Mark Twain, artists Cecilia Beaux, William Merritt Chase and many other luminaries. National Arts Club ceiling National Arts Club - bar National Arts Club staircase National Arts Club rooms National Arts Club rooms National Arts Club rooms National Arts Club dining room Private Gramercy Park - National Arts Club Gramercy Park - Private Gate 1/1 U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Samuel A. Alito Portrait sitting in preparation for the official U.S. Supreme Court portrait National Arts Club, NYC Igor Babailov, Hon.RAA is one of the very few artists today whose Portrait Painting Procedure resembles precisely those of the Great Masters of Portraiture, such as Ilya Repin and John Singer Sargent , as it includes preliminary DRAWING STUDIES FROM LIFE. This is the vital step in preparation for portrait painting and Mr. Babailov's unsurpassed 16-year academic art education enables him to skillfully DRAW his subjects entirely from life, which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. Please see Portrait Procedure . 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, within a brief period of time and right on the spot. New York City select portrait news and unveilings At Times Square Igor Babailov on the Billboard at Times Square, New York City Actor James Gandolfini portrait unveiling The "Sopranos" TV series and other films. Official portrait unveiling, New York City Gen. David Petraeus Official portrait unveiling, New York City Justice Joseph P. Sullivan and Roy Reardon Justice Joseph P. Sullivan, the longest serving judge in New York. Portrait by Igor Babailov, official unveiling, New York City HRH Prince Andrew Official portrait unveiling, New York City, Collection: Buckingham Palace, London Rudy Giuliani Official portrait unveiling in New York City Reggie Jackson "Mr.October" American baseball star, portrait by Igor Babailov, official unveiling, New York City Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, Investment Firm, New York City Bob Costas Sportscaster, Emmy Awards winner, portrait unveiling, New York City Actor Tony Lo Bianco Official portrait unveiling, New York City Pianist Byron Janis Official portrait unveiling. Igor Babailov with Byron Janis and Dr. James Watson (DNA discoverer), New York City Frank Military Music Publisher to Frank Sinatra and numerous other stellar personalities in American music Regis Philbin TV personality, creator of the show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", portrait by Igor Babailov, official unveiling, New York City Isadore Sharp Four Seasons Hotels founder, with his grand full-length portrait by Igor Babailov Tiki Barber American Football star, portrait by Igor Babailov, official unveiling, New York City Boomer Esiason American Football star, official portrait unveiling in New York City Bill Gallo Legendary Sports Cartoonist - New York Daily News, portrait presentation, New York City Vincent Pitta New York City attorney, portrait unveiling. Bucky Dent American baseball star, official portrait unveiling, Yankee Stadium, NYC NYC portrait unveiling Babailov portrait unveiling at Waldorf Astoria, New York City New York Daily News writes about Igor Babailov's Vatican portrait of Pope Benedict XVI The Mid-South Studio PORTRAIT PROCEDURE The Master Approach What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting CONTACT US

Family Portraits of WOMEN by Igor Babailov. Full-length portrait of Ann Lemire, oil on canvas. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Family Portraits Ann Lemire Oil on Canvas, 54" x 48" To commission a custom portrait by Mr. Babailov and/or for any questions feel free to CONTACT us. PORTRA ITS of WOMEN by Igor Babailov

Group Portrait Paintings - Official, Corporate, Distinguished Family and Historic Portraits by Portrait Master artist Igor Babailov, Nashville - Naples - New York - Washington Group UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA GROUP PORTRAITS (More than one portrait on the same canvas) Distinguished Family, Corporate, Historical A great portrait painting stands far beyond photography! ~ Igor V. Babailov Preserving Legacy on Canvas. (selected works) ( Oil on canvas, 9 feet x 6 feet ) "CREDO." (oil on canvas, 8 feet x 6 feet) Privately Commissioned by multiple families, to immortalize their children and grandchildren in the company of two Saints, John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Original Concept & Composition Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Collection: Pope St. John Paul II National Shrine, Washington, DC What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting PORTRAIT PROCEDURE The Portrait Master Approach

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 works 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 The Sacred Art Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Family Portraits of WOMEN by Igor Babailov. Full-length portrait of Theresa Menefee, oil on canvas. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Family Portrait Paintings Theresa Menefee Oil on Canvas, 64" x 48" To commission a custom portrait by Mr. Babailov and/or for any questions feel free to CONTACT us. PORTRA ITS of WOMEN by Igor Babailov

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