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Portrait Artist Igor Babailov: About, Biography, Portrait Expertise, Doctoral degrees, Official Portrait Painting Unveilings, his Nobility, Master Lineage, Awards & Honors Anchor 1 About the Artist UP RU IGOR V. BABAILOV , Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA (Ph.D), D.Litt. (Hon.Causa) For Media Inquiries ~ Short Bio ABOUT THE ARTIST IGOR V. BABAILOV , Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA(Ph.D), D.Litt.(Hon.Causa) , world-renowned portrait and figurative artist, recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2022), Honorary American Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757), Knighted Chevalier of the Order of St. Anne (est.1735), scholar and spokesperson for the traditional school of fine art, was born on February 9, 1965 in the city of Glazov, Udmurt Republic of Russia, into a family of academia. His father, V alery Babailov , was a portrait and landscape painter, and co-founded the very first preparatory fine art school in Glazov. He was also poet and composer. Igor's mother, Rosa Kudasheva Babailova, was an acclaimed and award-winning teacher of biology & chemistry. In the family of cultured and academic intelligentsia, Igor and his brother Vladislav, grew up in an environment of high professional ethics and inspired creativity. Art Career - The Beginning Igor painted his first portrait at the age of four (4). Child prodigy, he began his formal fine art education at the age of nine (9) at the preparatory art school. At the age of thirteen (13), he entered into a nationwide competition of thousands of applicants, to compete for the only opening at the most prestigious and one of only two schools of its kind in the world, the school for gifted children, specialized in classical visual art education - Moscow Secondary School of Fine Arts (later renamed The Moscow State Academic Art Lyceum under the Russian Academy of Arts). Upon strict and disciplined art exams for twenty five pre-selected children, Igor Babailov was honored to be the one to fill that special vacancy and was accepted into the school, where four years later he graduated with honors. High Art Education - The Academy Having been awarded a rare recommendation by the art professors of the Art Lyceum and after successfully completing nine entry exams, Babailov was accepted into the world acclaimed Surikov Moscow State Academic Art Institute (aka Surikov Academy) representing the Russian Academy of Arts, est.1757, which taught and gave the world many outstanding Masters, including the great American artist Whistler . "Portrait of a Gypsy man" Painting by Valery Babailov, Igor Babailov's father by Valentin Serov by Ilya Repin Famous Teachers Since the early age in his formal academic education, Igor Babailov studied under some of the finest artists in art history, and belongs to the DIRECT Academic Lineage of world-famous portrait painters, Serov and R epin . Babailov's fine art education (1974 -1990), rooted in the curriculum of Classical Realism, especially contributed to his unparalleled skill in academic drawing (or drawing from life ) , which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. Major Portrait Commissions Igor Babailov is one of the most sought after portrait artists of the historic academic tradition. Deemed Living Master by the Art Renewal Center and recipient of national and international awards and honors, his commissioned portraits of world leaders, celebrities and distinguished individuals are in official public, private, corporate and museum collections, including those of: President George W. Bush (Bush Presidential Library), former First Lady Hillary R. Clinton (Clinton Presidential Library); U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito (Supreme Court of the United States); General David Petraeus - United States Army Commander and CIA Director (West Point Museum), historic new portrait of George Washington (George Washington’s Mount Vernon Museum); Pope Francis (Vatican), Pope Benedict XVI (Vatican, Rome), Pope St. John Paul II (Vatican, Castelgandolfo); Nelson Mandela (Presidential Collection, SA); Prince Andrew The Duke of York (Buckingham Palace, London); President Vladimir Putin of Russia (The Kremlin); Justice Joseph P. Sullivan (Supreme Court of New York); Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York (Giuliani Partners, NYC); Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, Kirill (Moscow Patriarchate); Prime Minister Brian Mulroney (Parliament Hill, Canada); Prime Minister Jean Chretien (Collection of POWER Corporation.); Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (Vatican); Gov. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England ; Canadian Senator Michael Pitfield ; Inventor of AK-47 Mikhail Kalashnikov ; TV personality Regis Philbin ; actor James Gandolfini ; Isadore Sharp , Founder & CEO (Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts); Dr. Wayne Streilein (Harvard University); pianist Byron Janis and Maria Cooper Janis , (daughter of film star Gary Cooper); Ted Lazenby (The Board, Kennedy Center, by Presidential Appointment); hockey legends Bobby Hull and Vladislav Tretiak , American football stars Boomer Esiason and Tiki Barber ; Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson , world-renowned Japanese film director Akira Kurosawa (Steven Spielberg’s Starlight Starbright Foundation, Japan) and many others . Vatican Splendors museum tour In 2010, Vatican Curator and scholar of Michelangelo, Monsignor 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 Great Masters of the Renaissance. Multi-Figure Grand-Scale Paintings 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 Christopher Columbus in the Americas ( permanently featured in the Peruvian Encyclopedia Empresa Editora Il Comercio, S.A.). His multi-figured composition “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 - Who has to suffer…and Why?” , portraying a crowd of diverse children of various cultural and religious backgrounds together, is currently underway and it is dedicated to the timeless issue of ongoing global humanitarian disasters (many of which are man-made) and to its innocent victims, children. Member of the National Arts Club, in 1996 he organized the very First Official delegation visit of American artists to post-Soviet Russia and has taught at the Florence Academy of Art, Italy in 1999. For Gold, God and Glory CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Fine Art Education ( 1974 - 1990 ) Igor Babailov's fine art education (1974-1990) belongs to the acclaimed Russian-European Academic school of art. In the Direct Teacher-Student Academic Lineage of the Academy he is a third generation student of Russian Masters: Repin, Serov, Korovin, Arkhipov and Favorskiy. They taught Kulikov, Yuon, Kardovskiy, Grabar, Deineka, S.Gerasimov, Korin - world-renowned artists, who taught Mr. Babailov's professors. Igor Babailov studied directly under Zabelin, Danilichev, Chirkov, Andriaka, M.Kugach, O.Pavlov, Valery Babailov, Shatskiy, Sherbakov, Zavgorodniy, Gorbunov, legendary art historian Mikhail Alpatov and other distinguished artists and professors of Fine Art. Human Anatomy (The Anatomical Studies of the Human Form, as the fundamental of the most challenging form in visual art). The Laws of Perspective Composition: The Master Rules Studio Life Painting: Still-life, Cast, Portrait, Torso, Nude Figure, Clothed Figure, Group Modelsetting, concepts of colors and tonal values Studio Life Drawing: Still-life, Cast, Portrait, Torso, Nude Figure, Clothed Figure, Croup Model setting, exercises in anatomy, proportions, chiaroscuro. Plein-Air Practice (national and international travels, outdoor Portraits, Landscapes, etc. all from life) Technology of Painting and Painting Materials (studied under professor O.B. Pavlov, great-grandson of the 19th century famous Russian landscape painter Alexei Savrasov. Studies of the Masters' Techniques Official Museum Copies (official permission from the Russian Ministry of Culture was obtained to make identical copies from the original works of art in major museum collections ) World Art History: Painting , Sculpture, Architecture from Pre-historic Art to Contemporary Curriculum of studies ( 1974-1990) included intensive training in: ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS and Honorary Degrees 2019 - Doctor of Literary Letters (Honoris Causa) - Honorary Degree - Awarded by Cumberland University, USA (Founded in 1842) 2016 Academician - Honorary Degree - The International Academy of Culture and Art 2012 - Honorary Academician of Painting - Elected by the Russian Academy of Arts (est. 1757) 1983 - 1990 Master of Fine Arts Degree - MFA / official Ph.D . equivalent in the U.S. - CAA, NASAD. Surikov State Academic Art Institute (a.k.a. Surikov Academy of Fine Arts) of the Russian Imperial Academy of Arts (est.1757). Painting Studios of A.Danilichev and V.N. Zabelin . 1979 - 1983 Fine Arts Diploma and High School Diploma, Moscow Academic Lyceum of Arts under the Russian Academy of Arts. (Honors graduate, received Professors' Recommendation to the Surikov Academy) 1974 - 1978 Fine Arts Certificate and Diploma, Preparatory School of Fine Art, Glazov, Russia (Honors graduate). AWARDS and HONORS AWARDS and HONORS (selected list) 2023 Official Vatican Pontifical Swiss Guard Seal - presented by Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Col. Christoph Graf - Vatican, Rome 2022 Congressional Record - Tribute to Igor Babailov - 07.13.2022, Washington, DC 2022 Awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor that ranks as one of the most prestigious awards in America. 2020 Granted Hereditary Nobility and official Coat of Arms by Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria, Head of The House of Romanov 2019 Distinguished Fellow - The Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 2019 Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Cumberland University (USA). 2018 Awarded the Presidential Award on behalf of President George Washington, by the President of Mount Vernon Museum, Mount Vernon, VA 2017 Knighted Chevalier of the Order of Saint Anne. (Malta, 2017) 2016 Awarded the title of Academician by the International Academy of Culture and Art 2016 Award of Apreciation -"The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution" 2015 Official Unveiling of the Portrait of Pope Francis . 2015 Official State Recognition by the TN Senate and Governor 2012 Elected Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) 2012 Awarded State Title "Honored Artist of Udmurt Republic", by the President (Governor) of Udmurtia. 2012 Official Portrait of Patriarch Kirill of Russia unveiled at the historic Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow 2010-2011 Igor Babailov's Vatican Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI selected by the Pope for the Vatican Splendors museum tour, exhibited alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto, Vasari and other Masters of the Renaissance. 2011 ~ Official Major League Baseball ~ Award for Portraiture, Presented at Yankee Stadium, New York City 2010 Commemorative Medal from the Archdiocese of St.Louis, MO presented by Archbishop R. Carlson 2009 NEW portrait of George Washington inducted into the George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum collection, Mount Vernon, Virginia 2009 Awarded Order "Service to Art" ("The Golden Star") by the International Academy of Culture and Art 2009 General David H. Petraeus Award "For Excellence", awarded by U.S. General David H. Petraeus 2006 Honored by the Vatican with the special sitting with Pope Benedict XVI for the Papal Portrait. 2005 Pontifical Medal of Pope John Paul II, presented by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Luigi Ventura 2004 Portrait of Pope John Paul II, now a Saint, by the personal decree of Pope John Paul II, is displayed in Castel Gandolfo, Vatican 2004 The painting "For God, Gold and Glory" is permanently included in the Peruvian Encyclopedia, Empresa Editora Il Comercio,S.A 2003 Honorary Member, Drawing Society of Canada 2002 Honored with the title "Living Master" by the Art Renewal Center (ARC) 2001 Honorable Mention – Portrait Competition, International Artist Magazine, Australia 1999 Honorable Mention – Portrait Competition, The Artists Magazine, U.S.A. 1997 The Merit Award – “Realism '97 International Art Competition, Parkersburg, WV 1994 Grand Prize Winner – American Society of Portrait Artists Competition 1993 Award “For Outstanding Achievement in Portrait Painting” – National Portrait Seminar and American Artist Magazine 1992 Selected to create a Cover for the book "From East to West" 1990 Selected by the National Academic Committee to be one of the few students to represent the Russian Academic school in the Exhibition in Scotland. Participants included the graduates of the Surikov Academy, the Repin Academy and the Stroganov Art Institute. 1989 First Prize Winner – Annual All-students Graphic Works Competition, Surikov Academy of Fine Arts 1989 Selected to draw the portraits of Russian Celebrities, such as: A.Rosenbaum, I.Resnik, L.Dolina, E.Shifrin, B.Moiseev, to name a few. 1988 Surikov Academy presents Babailov's academic drawing to Vietnam Academy of Art, to symbolize the friendship between two Academies. 1983 Honors Graduate, Surikov College of Fine Art. Professors’ Recommendation for special admition to the Surikov Academy of Fine Arts. 1981 Top Prize Award for portrait "Egorka" in the prestigious Soviet Art Colleges' National Competition, judged and presented by the celebrated Russian Artist Fyodor P. Reshetnikov. 1979 Selected out of thousands in the Nation-wide competition for the only vacancy at the prestigious Surikov College of Fine Art in Moscow. LECTURED & DEMONSTRATED (selected list) Present The Russian-American Academy of Art / The Igor Babailov Institute of Realism – Master Workshops 2019 - 2016 Cumberland University 2019 - 2018 Catholic University of America - Washington, DC 2018 International Cultural Forum - St.Petersburg, Russia 2018 Legatus Club - Washington, DC Chapter 2018 George Washington's Mount Vernon - Fellowship with Igor Babailov 2017 Rotary Club (Lebanon, TN; Brentwood, TN) 2016 The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 2015 Vanderbilt University 2014 Pope John Paul II High School, 500+ lecture attendance, Tennessee 2012-2013 Legacy High School (for challenging children), New York City 2011 St. Thomas Aquinas College, Nashville, TN 2010 Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 2010 Monmouth University, New Jersey 2009 Ave Maria University - Master Workshop, Lecture, Demo 2009 Portrait Society of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 2009 Dominican Sisters, the Congregation of St.Cecilia, Nashville, TN 2006-2010 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Painting Demonstration & Lecture, critiques) 2005 Tennessee Arts Academy, Belmont University (Lecture) 2005 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Painting Demonstration & Lecture) 2004 Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists (Stage Demonstations, Workshop & Judging of the Portrait Show with Dr. Marcus Burke, Curator, Museum, Hispanic Society of America, New York City) 2003 Bellport Art council, Long Island, NY (Master Workshop / Demonstration) 2002 Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (Stage Portrait Demonstration, Canadian Society of Portrait Artists Festival) 2000 Preparatory Art College, Glazov, Russia, (“Mastering yourself” Lecture) 1999 Florence Academy of Art - Florence, Italy (Instructor of Figure Painting in Oil, Summer Program) The International attendance of students included the art students from Four Continents. 1999 Cincinnati Art Club, 2nd oldest Art Club in the USA (Demonstration for at least 100 people & a Master Workshop) 1999 Private instruction to Sayaka Yamaguchi, the student from Tokyo, Japan 1999 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1997 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1996 West Coast Portrait Society – Sacramento, CA USA (Master Workshops, Demos) 1995 American Society of Portrait Artists – USA (Lecture/Painting Presentation) 1994 Ontario College of Art - Canada (Lecture & Slides Presentation) 1990 -1993 Master Workshops, Loyalist College, Ontario SELECTED LIST OF PRESENTATIONS & EXHIBITIONS 2026 Portrait Unveiling - Free Library of Philadelphia 2025 Portrait of legendary American pianist Byron Janis officially inducted into Yale School of Music, Yale University, New Haven, CT. 2024 Official portrait of Justice Clarence Thomas, unveiled to the clerks at the U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, DC 2023 Official portrait of Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, officially unveiled at the Vatican 2022. Official U.S. Supreme Court portrait of Justice Samuel A. Alito, Washington, DC 2020 Portrait of Judge Seth W. Norman - official unveiling, Nashville, TN. 2019 Portrait of HIH Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich - official unveiling, Madrid, Spain. 2018 George Washington's Mount Vernon - Fellowship with Igor Babailov 2017 Painting presentation at the San Anton Presidential Palace, Republic of Malta 2016 Multi-figurative painting "CREDO" unveiled at the National Shrine of St. John Paul II, Washington, DC 2016 Exhibition in Malta, International Academy of Culture and Art 2015-2016 Igor Babailov's Vatican Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, exhibited in the "Vatican Splendors" North American exhibit, alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance. 2016 The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA - Vatican Splendors 2015 The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA - Vatican Splendors 2015 Official Unveiling of the Portrait of Pope Francis 2014 Portrait unveiling - Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England 2013 Portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York, unveiled. 2012 Official Portrait of Patriarch Kirill of Russia unveiled at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Moscow 2010-2011 Igor Babailov's Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, exhibited in the "Vatican Splendors" North American exhibition, alongside the works of Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotto and other Masters of the Renaissance. 2010 Portrait presentation to Gen. David Petraeus - AEI, Irving Kristol Award presentation event 2010 Unveiling of the portrait of Albert G. Lowenthal, Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., New York City 2009 Unveiling of the portrait of Michael Novak, Ave Maria University 2009 Unveiling of the portrait of George Washington, Mount Vernon Museum, Mount Vernon, VA 2009 Unveiling of the portrait of Reggie Jackson, Baseball Hall of Famer, New York 2008 Unveiling of the portrait of Justice Joseph P. Sullivan, The Supreme Court, New York 2008 Unveiling of the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, Washington, DC - Vatican, Rome 2008 Unveiling of the portrait of Tiki Barber, American Football Star, New York City 2007 Unveiling of the portrait of Frederick Hart and his Cross of the Millennium, collection Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, Washington, DC 2007 Unveiling of Portraits of Bob Costas and Bill Gallo, Waldorf Astoria, New York City 2006 Solo Exhibition, The Gallery at Summerlin, Las Vegas 2006 "The World Celebrities Art Fair", Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Tokyo, Japan 2006 Presentation of preliminary sketches to Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican 2006 Unveiling of the portrait of Isadore Sharp, Founder&Chairman, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts 2006 Unveiling of the portrait of Boomer Esiason, New York City 2006 Unveiling of the portrait of John Bello, New York City 2006 Unveiling of two portraits at the Indiana University Art Museum. 2006 Regional Museum Exhibition on Life and Works of Igor Babailov, Glazov, Russia 2006 Unveiling of Portrait of Dr. J.W. Streilein, The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard 2005 Unveiling of James Gandolfini's portrait, Waldorf Astoria, New York City 2005 Official presentation of Frederick Hart's portrait, Russian Embassy, Washington, DC 2005 Unveiling of the Portrait of Byron Janis, Steinway Hall, Steinway & Sons, New York City 2004 State Portrait Presentation to Pope John Paul II, Vatican 2003 Portrait Presentation to Regis Philbin, New York City 2003 Portrait Presentation to Gouvernor Yves Fortier, Hudson’s Bay Company 2002 State Portrait Presentation to President George W. Bush, The White House, Washington, DC 2002 Portrait Presentation to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, New York, NY 2002 State Portrait Presentation, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Parliament Hill 2002 State Portrait Presentation to President V. Putin, Moscow, Russia 2002 State Portrait Presentation to V. Tretiak, Moscow, Russia 2001 State Portrait Presentation to Nelson Mandela, Ottawa, Canada 2001 Portrait Presentation to Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien 2001 Solo Exhibition and Launch of the Russian Sponsored Book, Russia 2000 State Presentation of the Portrait of M. Kalashnikov, Central Armed Forces Museum, Russia 2000 Unveiling of the Portrait of Dr. R. Kilmura, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1999, 98, 97 Art Auction, Alzheimer Society (Benefit) 1999 Solo Exhibition, Ogilvy’s Ltd., Montreal (Benefit for Emmanuelle Masson School for disabled children) 1999 Art Auction, Unicorn Children’s Foundation, Palm Beach, Florida (Benefit) 1999 Annual Exhibition of Portrait Brokers of America, Inc. (Conference) . 1996 Joint American-Russian Art Exhibition, Kolomna (dated 1078), Russia. 1996 "Vernisazh" Solo Exhibition, HEIM America at Fisher Island Gallery, Florida 1995 Solo Exhibition, Metro Toronto Convention Center, Toronto 1995 Art Auction, Shaw Festival, Toronto (Benefit) 1993 Solo Exhibition, Portraits Inc. Montreal 1992 International Foundation for Peace Through Culture, Ottawa 1989 Glasgow College of Art, Scotland INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS (Selected list) 2018 International Cultural Forum (Speaker) - St. Petersburg, Russia 2016 Exhibition in Malta, International Academy of Culture and Art 2015- 2016 Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI exhibited at the Vatican Splendors museum tour in North America. 2012 Elected Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) - Life Membership 2010-2011 Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI selected by the Pope to represent His Papacy at the Vatican Splendors museum tour in North America. 2009 International Academy of Culture and Art - 2008 Unveiling of the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, Washington, DC - Vatican, Rome 2006 "The World Celebrities Art Fair", Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Tokyo, Japan 2003 Pre-Unveiling tour of the portrait of Pope John Paul II (New York-Montreal-Toronto-Vatican) 2002 State Portrait Presentation to President V. Putin, Moscow, Russia 2002 State Portrait Presentation to V. Tretiak, Moscow, Russia 2001 State Portrait Presentation to Nelson Mandela, Ottawa, Canada 2000 Preparatory Art College, Glazov, Russia, (“Mastering yourself” Lecture) 1999 Florence Academy of Art - Florence, Italy (Instructor of Figure Painting in Oil, Summer Program) The International attendance of students included the art students from Four Continents. 1996 Organized the very First Official delegation of American artists to Russia in conjunction with the DUMA (Russian Parliament) and the Union of Artists of the Russian Federation. The agenda included trips to the Art Museums in Moscow and St. Petersburg and Plein Air painting with the group of prominent Russian artists, resulting in the joint Art Exhibition, featured in print media. 1992 International Foundation for Peace Through Culture, Ottawa 1989 Selected by the Surikov Academy to represent the Russian School of Drawing at the exhibition in Scotland. COLLECTIONS Igor Babailov created over 2,000 portraits and other works. More than half of these are in official public, private and corporate collections around the world. They include: CORPORATE & OFFICIAL (Selected list - alphabetical order) Albert College - Ontario, Canada Ave Maria University - Naples, Florida Bank of Canada Boston Eye & Ear Hospital Buckingham Palace, London, England Bush Presidential Center - Dallas, TX Catholic University of America - Washington, DC Central Armed Forces Museum, Moscow, Russia Clinton Presidential Center - Little Rock, Arkansas Consulate General of Russia - Montreal Contrans Corporation Corporate Planning Associates -Toronto Cramer, Rosenthal, McGlynn, LLC - New York City Essroc Cement, Inc. - Portrait of Harvey McFarland - Picton, ON Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (HQ) - Full-length portrait of Founder and CEO, Isadore Sharp - Toronto Free Library of Philadelphia George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum - Mount Vernon, VA Giuliani Partners, LLC - New York City Gambrinus Company, San Antonio, Texas Harvard University, Medical School, Cambridge, MA House of Commons, Parliament Hill, Canada - Heritage Collection, Gallery of Prime Ministers - Canada Hudson’s Bay Company (est. 1670) - Hall of Fame, Portraits of Gouvernors - Toronto, Canada Hummingbird Communications - Toronto, Canada Imperial House of Romanov - Madrid, Spain Indiana University Art Museum Indiana University Foundation Justice A.A. Birch Court Building, Nashville, TN. Kremlin, Moscow, Russia - Presidential Collection Kurosawa Productions, Tokyo, Japan McDonald's Corporation Monmouth University - Seven portraits displayed at the University's Portrait Gallery, New Jersey National Bank of Canada Nelson Mandela Presidential Collection, South Africa Oppenheimer Holdings Inc., New York City Patriarchate, Russia Presidential Foundation, Presidential Palace - Republic of Malta Power Corporation of Canada Reitmans Inc., Montreal Rhone - Poulenc Rorer Inc., France - U.S.A,, Philadelphia, PA Russian Nobility Association in America, New York City San Anton Presidential Palace, Republic of Malta Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School Somiper Inc. Canada Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation, Tokyo, Japan Steinway & Sons, New York City Supreme Court of the United States - Washington, DC Supreme Court of the State of New York - New York City Synergistics Industries Ltd.- Toronto The White House, Washington, DC Vanderbilt University Medical School, Children's Hospital - Nashville, TN Vatican Museums, Vatican Vatican, Castel Gandolfo Vatican Nunciature, Washington, DC Vatican Collection of Commanders of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Vatican, Rome Vietnam Academy of Art West Point Military Academy Museum, New York Yale School of Music, Yale University, Connecticut WORLD LEADERS, DISTINGUISHED FAMILIES, PERSONALITIES (Selected list) His Holiness Pope Francis His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI His Holiness Pope St. John Paul II Nelson Mandela, President, South Africa George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Supreme Court of the United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court of the United States General David H. Petraeus, Commander, United States Central Command, CIA Director George Washington - NEW Portrait (Collection: Mount Vernon Museum) H.E. Vladimir V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Brian Mulroney, 18th Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien, 20th Prime Minister of Canada Hillary R. Clinton, First Lady of the United States His Royal Highness Prince Andrew The Duke of York Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, former Governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada Cardinal Christophe Pierre - Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Cardinal Mario Grech, Vatican Senator and Mrs. Douglas Henry, United States Senator Michael Pitfield, Canada Senator Herman Moore, North Carolina, United States Senator A.P. Torshin, Vice-Speaker - Federarion Council of Russia Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani of New York Justice Joseph P. Sullivan, the Supreme Court of New York Amb. Michael Novak - U.S.Ambassador to UN Human Rights Com., American Enterprise Institute Governor Y. Fortier - Hudson's Bay Company (est.1667) Archie W. Dunham, CEO, ConocoPhillips, Houston,TX Dr. C. Wright Pinson, CEO, Vanderbilt Health System - Nashville, TN Dr. Billy K. Hudson and Dr. Julie H. Hudson, Nashville, TN Dr. Cyril Geacintov - President, Russian Nobility Association in America Prince & Princess Vladimir Galitzine, New York Prince Ivan Obolensky, New York Fred "Ted" W. Lazenby, Kennedy Center, Advisory Board, Washington, DC Madame Lucie Vanier Vincent, niece of The Rt.Hon. Georges Vanier, The Governor General of Canada Frank Military, Legendary Music Publisher, Vice-President, Warner Chappell Music, NYC Byron Janis - American Pianist Maria Cooper Janis - daughter of Film Star Gary Cooper Isadore Sharp, Founder & CEO of The Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Regis Philbin - TV Personality, Creator of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" James Gandolfini - Actor Tony Lo Bianco - Actor Mikhail Kalashnikov - Legendary Inventor of AK-47. Dr. Allan Sniderman - Renowned Cardiologist Boomer Esiason - American Football Star John Bello - Founder of SoBe beverage Reggie Jackson, Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino's Pizza, owner of "Detroit Tigers", Founder of city of Ave Maria, FL Dr. Wayne Streinlein, Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge, MA Dr. Jeff Balser, MD, Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Julie K. Hudson, MD, Vanderbilt University Dolph von Arx, Naples, FL Gerald Cramer - New York City Dr. Robert Kimura, Leading U.S. Researcher of the Inner Ear, Boston, MA Peter McConnell, Montreal R. Regelbrugge, Charlotte, NC Tiki Barber - American Football Star Maria Bartiromo - TV host, FOX Dr. R. Blackwell, Charlotte, NC David & Julia Bianchi, Miami, FL Bob Costas - 17 Emmy Award recipient George Cohon, CEO, McDonald's Corporation, Toronto Steven Ross, Toronto Bennett Lebow, Fisher Island, FL Mr. & Mrs. Andre Lemire, Montreal Mr. & Mrs. Louis Desmarais, Montreal Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence D. Glaubinger, New York City Mr. & Mrs. Ben Sawatzky, British Columbia, Canada Joseph Steinberg, New York City Aziza Mustafa-Zadeh - Jazz Maestro, Germany Robert "Bobby" Hull - Hockey Legend Peter Quaife - "The Kinks", UK Vladislav Tretiak - Hockey Legend, Moscow, Russia Ms. Natasha - granddaughter-in-law of Nikita Khrushchev Boris Moiseev - Entertainer, Moscow Ilya Resnik - Songwriter, Moscow Larisa Dolina - Russian Pop Star Efim Shifrin - Russian Comedian Vladimir Vinokur - Russian Entertainer Ignat Solzhenitsyn - son of Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, portraits of children FEATURED IN (Selected List) Present Marquis Who’sWho in America 2017-2018 Catholic University of America - media 2017-2018 Features in Russian newspapers about Igor Babailov's Knighthood. 2017 "Times of Malta" - Republic of Malta 2015-2016 Vatican Splendors - Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA ~ Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - Exhibition Catalogue 2014-2015 Media news about the Portrait of Pope Francis. 2013 Cassone , The International Art Magazine, United Kingdom 2013 The Tennessean 2013 Magazine Antikvar, Kiev, Ukraine 2012 Russian print-media and TV, re: Patriarch's portrait and State Award "Honored Artist of Udmurtia" 2011 Fine Art Connoisseur 2010-2011 Vatican Splendors - St.Louis, MO ~ Pittsburgh, PA ~ Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Exhibition Catalogue 2009 "Hunger for Beauty" (MercantorNet, online publication) 2008 "Portraits de Famille" (Le Temps, leading Swiss magazine, Switzerland) 2008 "Reviving the Renaissance; A President With Leadership" - ZENIT publication (Rome) 2008 Associated Press - National and International Print Media 2008 National Review's feature by Michael Novak 2008 Vatican Insider with, EWTN 2008 New York Daily News 2007 Illustrated bestseller Book "Ford and the American Dream -Founded On Right Decisions" 2007 "AskMen - Fine Living Top 10 Portrait Artists" 2006 Life Interview with TV Channel 3 News, Las Vegas 2006 "The World Celebrities Art Fair" , Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Japan 2006 Global news about the portrait of Pope Benedict XVI, newspapers, interviews 2006 TV news about infringment of the copyright of Igor Babailov's paintigs. 2006, 2005 The Russian Nobility Ball, New York City 2005 "Quest" Magazine, New York City 2005 A Taste of Thailand, Washington, DC 2004 Peruvian Encyclopedia , Empresa Editora Il Comercio,S.A 2004 "In Focus" Magazine 2004 EWTN Global Catholic Radio (live interviews), U.S.A. 2004 Moscow Times, Russia 2004 Robb Report Magazine 2003 New York Family Magazine - U.S.A./International 2003 "Live with Regis & Kelly" TV Show 2003 Dan’s Papers – Long Island/Manhattan 2003, 2002 New York Times, Brooklyn Papers, New York – U.S.A. 2002 Globe and Mail - Canada 2002 National Post - Canada 2002 Magazine Art - Canada 2001 PRIMO (Italian-American) Magazine - U.S.A. 2001 "Udmurtia", book about the Udmurtia Region, Russia 2001 “Contemporary Russian Realists” 2001 International Artist - Australia 1999 The Finer Things in Life – U.S.A. 1999, 98 The Artist Magazine – U.S.A. 1998 Focus Magazine – U.S.A. 1997 Classical Realism Journal – U.S.A. 1997 Selecta Magazine – U.S.A. 1996 CJOH TV News 1996, 95, 94 Portrait Signature – U.S.A. 1995 Solo Exhibition, National TV News, Canada 1995 Featured in the film-documentary about Alla Pugachyova, Russian Pop Star 1992 Selected to create a Cover for the book "From East To West" by Antonina Demczyna 1989 "Moskobskiy Komsomolets", National Newspaper (featured with the portrait of the Winner of the international Jazz competition in Washington, Aziza Mustafa-Zadeh), Russia 1989 Glasgow College of Art Exhibition Catalog, Scotland ESSAYS by Igor Babailov 2017 Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will Save the World 2007 Letter to Artists and Art Students 2005 The SEVEN Essentials to Commissioning A Portrait 2002 Italian Influence in Art - PRIMO Italian-American magazine 2001 Why We Must Keep The Traditions Alive ‘International Artist’ - Australia 1999, 98 ‘The Artist’s Magazine’ – USA 1997 Keeping the Academic Tradition - ‘Classical Realism Journal’ – USA 1996, 95, 94 ‘Portrait Signature’ – USA 1982 Before Impressionism and after. FILMS on the Artist DVD “Igor Babailov” directed and produced by Matt Bush Productions – nationally televised in Japan for the World Celebrities Art Fair – Starlight Starbright Foundation (Steven Spielberg – Chairman Emeritus) BOOKS The Last Homily (Book Front Cover) , by Mary Eberstadt, 2018 The 13th Disciple (Book Front Cover) , by Paul Stutzman, 2017. Book Greatest Portrait Moments - Published, 2012. Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art (2010 - 2016) "Veritas I" (book cover), by Peter Quaife, The KINKS , United Kingdom, 2010 "Return to Greatness - Driving the American Dream" - Illustrated by Igor Babailov "Four Seasons:The Story of Business Philosophy" (Igor Babailov's portrait featured on the back cover), by Isadore Sharp,CEO 2009 Kids Meet the Presidents (features Babailov's portrait of President George W. Bush) - by Paul Rodhe and Paul Beatrice (Mar.31, 2009) "The World of Igor Babailov" , by V. Zakharov , sponsored by the business and political elite of the Udmurt Republic, Russia. Published in 2001 Bestseller Book "Ford and the American Dream -Founded On Right Decisions" Illustrated by Igor Babailov ‘Paulina the Sky Girl’ co-authored and illustrated by Igor Babailov – a children’s fiction novel on fighting bullying in schools. 2003 From East to West - book cover. By Antonina Demczina, 1992 HONORARY DEGREES 2019 Honorary Doctorate - Cumberland University (USA). 2016 Honorary Academician - International Academy of Culture and Art 2012 Honorary Academician - Russian Academy of Arts (Founded in 1757) MEMBERSHIPS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Ellis Island Honors Society ( members-only Society) - Member Order of Saint Anne (founded in 1735) - Dynastic Order of Knighthood (Chivalry) - Awarded Doctor of Literary Letters (Honoris Causa) - Cumberland University (USA) The Russian Academy of Arts ( est.1757 ) - Honorary Life-time Member, Hon. Academician (Hon.RAA) Distinguished Fellow - Catholic University of America American Academy of Catholic Scholars and Artists The Igor Babailov Institute of Realism - Master Classes National Arts Club, New York - Elected Member Art Renewal Center - Living Master™ Russian Nobility Association (Russia) - Full Member Russian Nobility Association in America - Member The Foundation for Sacred Arts - Washington, DC The Drawing Society of Canada - The Drawing Master (Honorary Member) International Academy of Culture and Art - Honorary Member, Academician Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists - Advisory Board Member Portrait Institute, New York, Charter Member Portrait Society of America, Inc., Patron Member (2000-2012) Canadian Institute of Portrait Artists, Senior Member Canadian Society of Portrait Artists, Member

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 Clarence Thomas Pope Leo XIV Prime Minister Brian Mulroney President Vladimir Putin Pope St. John Paul II 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 Justice Joseph. P. Sullivan Thomas Monaghan - founder of Domino's Pizza & Ave Maria University Dr. Wright Pinson - CEO, Vandervilt Health System Cardinal Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio to the United States 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 Bob Costas - TV & sports 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 John Alden Philbrick III Curtis Simic - Indiana University Senator Herman Moore, North Carolina Vladislav Tretiak - hockey Legend Pavel Efremkin - Inventor 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

Portrait of Margaret Leo of McLean, by portrait artist Igor Babailov, Collection: Catholic Information Center, Washington, DC Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Margaret Leo of McLean Margaret Leo of McLean (oil on canvas, 30" x 24") Collection: Catholic Information Center, Washington, DC Portrait Unveiling with the Leo family at the Catholic Information Center, Washington, DC

Mid-South Studio of Igor Babailov, Hon.RAA, American portrait artist to Presidents, Prime Ministers, Royalty and the Popes. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Mid-South Studio Nashville, TN Family portraits Official Government portraits sittings Official Vatican portraits Celebrity visits Private studio tours Mural-size studio works Historic portrait works for museums Interviews and filming Portrait studies Portrait studies in preparation for oil paintings THE BABAILOV STUDIO The National Arts Club New York City

Portrait of Regis Philbin, TV personality, host of Live with Regis and Kelly show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, etc. Commissioned portraits by portrait artist Igor Babailov, unveiled in New York City. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Regis Philbin American TV personality, Host of Live with Regis and Kelly show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and others. Regis Philbin (oil on canvas, 30" x 30") by Igor Babailov Collection: Mr. and Mrs. Regis Philbin At the Unveiling of the Portrait from left to right: Mr.& Mrs. Igor Babailov, Dr. Salvatore Ferrera, Mr. Tommy Lasorda, Mr. Regis Philbin, Dr. Rock Positano Official portrait unveiling, New York City VIDEO of Regis Philbin, unveiling his portrait in front of the millions of viewers on his Regis & Kelly Show OTHER CELEBRITY 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 Sacred Artworks Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article www.Babailov.com

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

In this article, portrait artist Igor Babailov speaks out on the need to return to traditional academic training for visual artists.  Featured in the "International Artist" Magazine Why we must keep the traditions alive Igor Babailov speaks out on the need and the opportunities to return to traditional academic training for visual artists. by Igor Babailov Traditional academic education has become a touchy subject in the contemporary debate over what an art education should be. In the second half of the 20th century, the majority of art schools rejected the traditional approach in their programs, creating not only confusion and chaos in students' minds, but a diminished appreciation of fine art in viewers' eyes. Going back through centuries of art history, generations of artists agreed that traditional studies were a "must" for every art student, encompassing all "views" and "visions", Art, just like a house, needs a strong foundation to prevent it from falling apart in the future, and an academic education provides that foundation. But in the last few decades, human anatomy and drawing - the fundamental necessities for developing true artistic skill - have been completely erased from the pages of students' books. These subjects have been replaced by canvases covered in dribbles and splatters of paint, or by simple geometric colored shapes, and then they are told to believe that these are somehow as great as the old masters. What could possibly be more destructive to a sound art education? In the past 10 years of my teaching career, with students from around the world, I have met many "victims" of such modern-day programs whose talents were imprisoned in the bush of "free expression.." I see them seeking the guiding light of strong traditional instruction wherever it's available. Outposts of tradition Fortunately, academic training has not been completely stamped out. I received a sound traditional education when I was a student at the Surikov Academy of Fine Arts in Moscow, one of the very few old art institutions left in the world that has not been infected by the epidemic of "modernism". The Florence Academy of Art in Italy is another school of this nature, where I had the opportunity to instruct a figure painting class last summer. My good friend and a wonderful artist Allan R. Banks from Florida introduced me to this school. I was very happy to discover that the discipline of step-by-step academic curriculum is the main requirement for students of the Florence Academy. The Florence Academy of Art is a branch of the International Academy of Realist Art, and like the Surikov Academy, it is dedicated to the intensive study and teaching of the Old Masters' methods and techniques. It was founded in 1991 by Daniel Graves, who studied with Richard Lack in Minnesota and later came under the influence of Piertro Annigoni. Graves envisions the Academy as an institution with the potential to turn out a select group of highly skilled Realist painters. Here, internationally varied students can receive training from professional painters of different nationalities and educational backgrounds. The core of academic training Teaching at the Florence Academy was a great experience for me as well. Naturally, I was compairing it to the Surikov Academy, and the similarities in the educational approach were apparent. Both schools emphasize studying the human form, working from life and copying the Old Masters. Drawing and anatomy - the two most important subjects that every artist should know as well as the "two-times table" - are highlighted in both programs. In these courses, most of the hours are devoted to understanding and solving the problems of form and proportions, tonal (value) relationships and chiaroscuro. The students are also required to study composition, human anatomy, perspective and the technology of art materials - all of the ABC's for mastering an artist's skill. In drawing class, students learn the Old Masters' sight-size method of drawing: You stand in the same place in relation to the subject and to your absolutely upright easel, and draw the subject in the same size you see it. Working from a single vantage point marked on the floor, you take visual measurements by sighting along a plumb line. After this study, you step forward to work on the drawing from memory. The benefits to be gained from this exercise are enormous. It trains your visual memory, intensifies your ability to see proportions and foreshortenings, and coordinates your eye. As I always tell my students, the importance of good drawing skills cannot be overemphasized. In the words of Nicolas Poussin, "Drawing is the skeleton of what you do and color is its flash." Painting with the Masters Perhaps one of the most essential exercises in learning to paint is the copying of master works in the museums, a practice that's still maintained by both of these traditional academies. As a student at the Surikov Academy, I was fortunate to have access to such museums as the Pushkin Museum, the Russian Museum and the Hermitage. The students at the Florence Academy have similar opportunities, as the school is located in the center of the city, a short walk from the Duomo, the Accademia and the famous Uffizi Gallery. Academy students are given special permission to draw from originals at the Uffizi Gallery's Old Masters Drawing Room. Of course, copying involves more than expressing your feeling of the subject and reproducing it in your own words. To create a copy, you literally follow step by step after the master artist's procedure, getting to know his method, understanding his philosophy of the "stroke- treatment" and so on. Such practice allows you to understand how the great artists from the past translated three-dimensional form into two dimensions. The copying experience cannot be conveyed in just a few words. When your easel is only a couple of inches away from an original painting or drawing by, let's say, Rubens, it's as if you're having a dialogue with that master. This feeling is indescribable. And to have such an experience while immersed in history, surrounded by Renaissance sculptures, architecture and museum treasures - the whole atmosphere of Florence - is an incredible inspiration, generating a hunger for learning the secrets of the Old Masters. The academic experience The curriculum of the Florence Academy of Art is based on the tradition begun in Italy and developed in the academies of northern Europe, particularly in the major Realist ateliers of 19th-century Paris, best exemplified by that of Jean-Léon Gérôme. Similarly, the system of training in the Surikov Academy is based on the best traditions of Russian as well as European Realist schools, including French Academic tradition. Today's students in both the Surikov and Florence academies find themselves in the privileged situation of having models available almost all day, every day. As they work, they receive criticism that is continuous, precise, non-compromising and gauged to the individual progress. I believe that only by seeing the mistakes can you really learn. The Florence Academy of Art is continuing another tradition, in which artists are trained to master more than a single genre or medium, working in sculpture along with painting. Skill in drawing lies at the core of both these disciplines. In addition to the Drawing and Painting Program, the Florence Academy now offers two new programs of study - Sculpture and Intensive Drawing. There is hope As the spiral of modern art history continues to wind down, we can see the increasing demand for tradition in the visual arts. Although much damage to academic education has been done, there are more and more artists, organizations and schools around the world trying to bring the traditions back, to restore the values left to us by the Old Masters. Ultimately, the aim of such schools of Realist art should be to train artists who are able to draw to a very high standard; have a deep understanding and knowledge of anatomy, perspective and composition as foundations for great painting; have positive attitudes toward life and nature, and see it and express it in their works with uncompromising truth; and have a great knowledge of the Old Masters' methods and techniques, and apply them to their own works in order to preserve these methods for future generations of artists. Now, more than ever before, we Realist artists should join together in a worldwide effort to achieve these educational goals [for example, as found in the work of the American Society of Classical Realism (ASCR), The Art Renewal Center (ARC), the American Society of Portrait Artists (ASOPA) and other sound organizations, dedicated to a renewal in the visual arts]. Regardless of the geographical location and differences in "mother tongues", we have the same idols and the same principles. Our language of communication is our Art. Sharing it with each other and teaching it -- that is the key to the success and never-ending beauty and harmony of Realism. _________________________________________________________________________________________ International Artist Magazine is a Fine Art Magazine, published in Australia. This magazine has wide distribution and is read by serious and professional artists around the world. Mr. Babailov's article on Why we must keep the traditions alive is a direct result of his teaching at the Florence Academy of Fine Art, Italy. It is candid description of his personal views on Classical Realism and his experiences as a professional artist and teacher. The article has generated very positive response from its readers, worldwide. Why we must keep the traditions alive is featured on pages 18-20 of the February/March issue, 2000 of the International Artist Magazine. Igor Babailov's students, Figure Painting class Florence, Italy after K. Flavitsky's "Portrait of an Italian girl" by Igor Babailov Museum copy, Surikov Academy, 3rd year

Find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Igor Babailov's portrait master-workshops. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Portrait Master Workshops F requently A sked Q uestions Please NOTE: © 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. What skill levels is this class recommended for? Q: IB: Traditional academic training is as important for any artist, as strong foundation is for any house: first it must be built, then it needs maintenance! So, my classes are beneficial for all levels of artists. What makes this class different from other instructors' classes? Q: IB: I was fortunate to receive my sound academic training within the studios of the historically acclaimed Russian Academy of Arts (est.1757) with the in-depth studies of Human Anatomy, Perspective, Foreshortening, and other sciences in art, applications of the Great Masters' knowledge, all put into practice. Consequently, based on my education I do not teach to copy neither my or someone else's "approach" or "style," but convey the insights of fundamental principles in proper classical fine art education, historically taught in traditional schools of art . This is the only path to develop your own uniqueness and individuality as an artist, a prerequisite to becoming a Master artist yourself. Q: How fast will I learn in this class? IB: Due to my own vast experience of having been a student for many years during my formal academic art education (1974-1990), I understand and know exactly what students need in any given situation, as well as how to successfully resolve any complicated issues they may have, right on the spot. Q: What are the benefits of the demos in the learning process? IB: In Visual Art we learn by seeing. In fact, that is how we learn. Therefore, my workshops contain two important parts: the Instructor's Demo and the Students' Practice after observing the demo. Each day begins with an inspirational "how to" portrait demonstration in a different medium, a great opportunity to witness the complete step-by-step fast and detailed development of the portrait from start to finish. Upon the demo's completion, students are working from life with the model on their own pieces under my i ndividual and undivided attention and one-on-one instruction. While watching the demo, students may also take photos of various stages of portrait progression, which can be used later as point of reference in their own works after the workshop is over. Q: Can photographs be used in the class? IB: The purpose of this class is to free yourself from dependency on the camera, and to learn the skills of drawing and painting like the Great Masters did, in direct communication with nature. If you are able to work from LIFE, you will always be able to apply that skill to working with photographs, if you have to. In that case, the artist is always in control of the situation and creates the portrait which goes far beyond its photographic references, instead of just copying a photo. Intensive Portrait Master Workshops Intensive Portrait Master Workshops The Babailov Palette & Art Supplies Intensive Portrait Master Workshops Intensive Portrait Master Workshops Intensive Portrait Master Workshops Please NOTE: © 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.

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 October 8 - 10, 2026 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) 3-Day Portrait Master Workshop Your ultimate guide to Portraiture Norwalk, Connecticut 23 Weatherbell Dr., Norwalk, CT 06851 One-on-One instruction, Life models, Master demonstrations Workshop Fee: $750. To Register and to secure your place in class, please make your Registration deposit of $250. (Registration deposit is non-refundable and can be applied towards future workshops. Balance payable on or before the first day of the Workshop ) UPCOMING Registration deposit $250. (Secures your place in class) Tuition balance $500. (Balance payable on or before the first day of the Workshop) 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 Join Igor Babailov in Italy, in the adventure of making spontaneous drawings from life of beautiful historic sites and architecture, ancient street scenes and monuments in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. 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

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

Official portrait of Mark Carney, 24th Prime Minister of Canada, frmr. Gov. Bank of England, Governor - Bank of Canada - by portrait artist Igor Babailov Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Mark Carney 24th Prime Minister of Canada (2025 - ) Governor of the Bank of England (2013-2020) Chairman of the Financial Stability Board, G -20 and European Commission Governor of the Bank of Canada (2008-2013) Official portrait of Gov. Mark Carney ( Oil on canvas, 48" x 38" ) by Igor V. Babailov Drawing studies from life in preparation for oil portrait Official portrait sitting in preparation for oil portrait Official portrait unveiling OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov