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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

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

Igor Babailov, All Galleries, Commissioned Portrait Paintings & Drawings, Murals, Sacred Art, Landscapes & Other Works. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA ALL GALLERIES PORTRAITS MURALS SACRED ART OTHER WORKS PRESS & NEWS PRESS GALLERY VATICAN SPLENDORS MASTER - CLASSES

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'

Portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York, by Igor V. Babailov. Royal Collection: Buckingham Palace, London. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York Royal Collection: Buckingham Palace, London Portrait of HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York (Oil on canvas, 28" x 22") Original Concept & Composition, Copyright © Igor V. Babailov Officially commissioned by the SSMAC Club, New York City Official Portrait Unveiling, 2014 Igor V. Babailov presenting his book Greatest Portrait Moments to HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York. See an article in London's art magazine Cossone . OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Group family portrait - the Hill family, Nashville, TN. by portrait artist Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA The Hill Family Group Family Portrait (6 feet x 9 feet, oil on canvas) OTHER GROUP PORTRAITS 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

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

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

New York Daily News writes an article about portrait artist Igor Babailov and his offiicial portrait of Pope Benedict XVI. BY DAVE GOLDINER DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Tuesday, April 15th 2008, 4:00 AM New York, NY Pontiff's aura colors artist's image Pope Benedict 's official portrait will be unveiled on Tuesday night - and the artist hopes it provides a unique window into the pontiff's soul. Painter Igor Babailov says he labored to create a realistic image of the holy father, but also to convey the inner power that lets him inspire billions of people worldwide. "There is this special aura about him," Babailov, 43, said Monday. "When he touches you, something special happens in the room." Benedict, who sat for several preliminary sketches with Babailov, will see the finished portrait for the first time tonight at the Vatican ambassador's residence in Washington . The life-size work of art depicts the pontiff, hands clasped in front of him, standing next to Jesus - images meant to show the power of faith and prayer. "We're all God's children," Babailov said. "We are all special people, and the Pope is no different." The painting is like an early birthday present for the Pope, who turns 81 tomorrow. It drew rave reviews from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Vatican's ambassador to the U.S. "It is much more than an image but rather a painting of a presence," Sambi said. Babailov grew up in Russia in a family of artists. He is no stranger to painting famous people: He has done portraits of President Bush , Nelson Mandela , Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani . Perhaps Babailov's most important assignment was a portrait of Pope John Paul II in 2003. The late pontiff loved the work so much that he had it moved to his Vatican apartment as he lay on his deathbed. Babailov journeyed to Rome 18 months ago to start working on a half-dozen sketches of the regal-looking Pope Benedict. "It's a luxury to have so much time, especially with someone so important and busy," he said. "You have to get a feel for the person." dgoldiner@nydailynews.com With Bill Gallo

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

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