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Artist V.N. Zabelin was one of the preeminent artists and teachers in Russia in the end of 20th Century. He was Igor Babailov's last teacher of Painting at the Surikov Academy. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Teacher~Student Lineage Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Zabelin (1935 - 2001) He was my last Professor of Painting and one of the preeminent artists of the late 20th century with whom I was fortunate to study. ~ Igor V. Babailov Vyacheslav Nikolaevich Zabelin was born in 1935 in Khamovniki, an old region of Moscow. Zabelin recounts his childhood as having “passed by during the years when my country was engaged in a heroic war against fascist Germany”. After the war, in the late 1940’s, he had the opportunity to work in the studio of M.A. Slanov. One day as he was working in the studio, the famous artist Konstantin Yuon ( student of Valentin Serov and Konstantin Korovin ) came to visit. Yuon took notice of Zabelin’s work which resulted in Zabelin’s acceptance to the “1905” Moscow Art School in 1956. His studies here continued until 1961 when he enrolled in the Surikov Institute. Zabelin spent the next six years at the Surikov, obtaining his diploma and continuing on to get his post-graduate degree. Yuon would continue to help direct Zabelin along his educational path as well as inspire his work. Like most Russian artists, Zabelin was strongly influenced by the Russian world around him. He said “I was born and grew up in Moscow…the old streets, the hidden quirks of this place, the Novodevichii Monastery, made me into an artist. These are my native areas, my small homeland”. His most favorite place to paint was in the Old Russian city of Rostov, from where a large majority of his paintings originate. He loved Russian architecture because of its wonderful asymmetry that could have been so easily balanced by some small window or arch on its façade (N.N. Vizzhilin). Zabelin said “We live in a time when historical cities and environs are losing their individuality and there is no end in sight to this process.” This realization brought great sadness to the artist as he so highly valued his Russian homeland and the beauty its historic structures and landscape possessed. Zabelin felt much the same way about the patterns he saw emerging in the art being created around him. In 1967 Vyacheaslav Zabelin was invited to teach at the Surikov Institute which he graciously accepted. About his teaching approach he once said “In my pedagogical work, I have attempted to help facilitate my students to find their own voice and for them to understand their souls, and help those souls create, in an unrepeatable language.” This was, he felt, one of the most important lessons that his students could learn. It was his belief that “individuality in art…is often understood to be a necessity to produce works reflecting the anger of our time, satisfying the fleeting whims of the public”, which of course he felt certain would not stand the test of time. Zabelin was a major supporter of artistic education and training that was deeply rooted in tradition and achievement. He was not fond of “amateur” or “homegrown”art. He felt that "when a school of training was not present, it was often replaced with “a self-sufficient manner and attempt to pander to the public and draw the attention of amateurs by superficial tricks, which are always used to hide incompetence.” V.N. Zabelin’s close personal friend, the famous journalist N.N. Vizzhilin, wrote of comments made at the opening of an exhibit of works by Zabelin’s students, that “In the process of teaching, Zabelin motivates his students to master not his way of painting, not his view of things or his method, but the principles of art. ” The artist and teacher himself said “Really, if one perceives life from the position of creative work, from the position of a search for the truth, if we perceive it, not putting all the schemes and dogmas into the bed of Procrustes, then life will open up before us in every way more unexpected, fresher, and interesting.” One of his student’s, Svetlana Smirnova, recalls Zabelin teaching her that “composition is of the utmost importance” and that it “is necessary to work on it all the time.” Vyacheslav followed this very principle in his own work. His friend Vizzhilin also remembers that “Before beginning any painting, he would carefully study the nature, consider the composition, [and] select the lighting. Because of this, he lived weeks on end in other cities, barely noticing the lack of physical comforts there.” Vyacheslav Nikolaivich Zabelin was a member of the Moscow River School of painters. He taught at the Surikov until his death in October of 2001. His friend, and journalist Vizzhilin later wrote “The things that made V.N. Zabelin stand out as a central figure in the Russian arts were his wholehearted search for aesthetic sense; his deep knowledge of Russian painting and literature; and his delicate understanding of the interdependence and inevitability of the changing of artistic styles, the richness of which is ever apparent in Russian culture.” He says also that the very essence of Zabelin’s work is that it “rose up from the traditions of Russian art and [had] its roots in the deepest strata of Russian life.” Zabelin has been called the greatest Russian artists of the last quarter of the 20th Century. Artist’s Thoughts: “I was born and grew up in Moscow…the old streets, the hidden quirks of this place, the Novodevichii Monastery, made me into an artist. These are my native areas, my small homeland” “We live in a time when historical cities and environs are losing their individuality and there is no end in sight to this process.” “In my pedagogical work, I have attempted to help facilitate my students to find their own voice and for them to understand their souls, and help those souls create, in an unrepeatable language.” “Individuality in art…is often understood to be a necessity to produce works reflecting the anger of our time, satisfying the fleeting whims of the public.” “When a school of training is not present, it is often replaced with a self-sufficient manner and attempt to pander to the public and draw the attention of amateurs by superficial tricks, which are always used to hide incompetence.” Awards: (partial list) • Member of the Artist’s Union of the U.S.S.R. • Head of the Moscow painting section of the Moscow Union of Artists • Chairperson of the committee on the Protection of Monuments in the Union of Artists of Russia • Member of the City Building Council • Award for The Interior of the Annunciation Cathedral as the best work of 1980 in the Moscow Department of Artists’ Union • Diploma awarded for the creation of the paintings that were on display at the VI Republican Art Exhibition “Soviet Russia” dedicated to the XXVI Congress on the CPSU, awarded by the Counsel of Ministers of the Russian Federation, 1981 • Titled Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, by the Artists’ Union of the Russian Federation • Diploma awarded by the Academy of Arts of the USSR for his paintings The Petrovski Boulevard and The Bolshoi Theatre, 1987 • Honoured Worker of Arts of the Russian Federation, 1990 • The Professors Degree, 1991 • Silver Medal of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Art, July 10, 1995 Collections: (partial list) Works shown frequently at Lazare Gallery, Charles City, VA; Walls Gallery, Wilmington, NC; Wallace Fine Art, Longboat Key, Fl; as well as James Yarosh and Assoc., Holmdel, NJ. Zabelin has over 300 paintings in the world’s museums including: Tretyakov Gallery (Museum), Moscow - Spring Evening in Rostov the Great, 1981, 64.5 x 69 cm. - Spring Evening, 1983, 88.5 x 88.5 cm. Russian State Museum, St. Petersburg - Interior, Church of Christ the Savior in Rostov, 1987, 50 x 40 cm. - Interior of Church, Ascension, 1988, 60 x 80 cm. Art Fund - Interior of Christ the Savior Church, 1984, 70 x 50 cm. - Suzdal Grey Day, 1966, 47 x 70 cm. - Interior of Resurrection Church, 1968, 30 x 40 cm. - Clear Field, 1978, 50 x 70 cm. - Home Above the Cellar, Rostov Kremlin, 1980, 60 x 80 cm. The Rostov Kremlin Art Museum [has an enormous memorial hall dedicated completely to his works, including:] - Lilacs, 60 x 50 cm. - In Rostov, 1997, 50 x 70 cm. - Rostov, Washing Yard, 49.7 x 79.7 cm. - Center of Rostov the Great, 1978, 50 x 69.5 cm. - Old Estate, 2000, 50 x 40 cm. - Sunrise/Sunset in Rostov?, 1970, 50 x 70 cm. - Green House, 1999, 41 x 56 cm. - Portrait of Wife, 1972, 89 x 89 cm. - Grey Day, 1997, 60 x 80 cm. - Rostov Beauty, 1968, 72 x 50 cm. - View of Rostov Kremlin, 1969, 49.7 x 70 cm. - View of Inner Yard of Rostov Kremlin, 1969, 49.5 x 70 cm. - Street in Rostov, 1985, 60 x 80 cm. - Pink House, 1991, 50 x 60 cm. Russia Artists’ Union - Interior of Resurection Church in Rostov, 1983, Oil on Canvas, 41 x 55 cm. - Winter, Borisogleb, 1993, Oil on Canvas, 55 x 82 cm. Russian Art Museum, Kiev Picture Gallery Museum, Tver Rjazan Fine Arts Museum, Rjazan Jarosalv Fine Arts Museum, Jaroslav Kaluga Fine Arts Museum, Kaluga Kurjan Fine Arts Museum, Kurjan Taganrog Picture Gallery Museum, Taganrog Orenburg Fine Art Museum, Orenburg Orlov Fina Art Museum, Orlov Kostroma Fine Art Museum, Kostroma Novosibirsk Fine Art Museum, Novosibirsk Nizhnij Novgorod Fine Art Museum, Nizhnij Novgorod Artist Architectural Reserve Museum, Rostov Ekaterinburg Fine Art Museum, Ekaterinburg He has become a favorite of well-known private collectors such as James Yarosh (USA), Larry and Pat Merriman (USA), and Stefano Pirra (Italy). Additional Information: He suggested and organized the All-Russian Art Exhibitions “Monuments of Motherland” which became an important event in the artistic and cultural life of the country. Zabelin has been included in many survey books of Russian art and has had several books published on his work including his first coffee table sized book, with full page color plates, cataloguing all of his known works due out in 2006. List of books that include information about Zabelin: Path of Russian Impressionism 100 Years of Russian Artist Union Published in Moscow 2003 In thy Name Russian Artist Union Published in Moscow 2004 (This book was published commemorating the 2000th birthday of the birth of Christ and primarily promoted Russia’s greatest artist who did religious paintings during the 20th century. It is a major book documenting the artist’s works who displayed at one of the Russian Artist’s Unions greatest shows. The Great Painters Published in Moscow 2001 A Dictionary of Soviet and Russian Painters Active 1900 to 1980 Published in London, 1998 Russian Landscape, Great Collection Published in Moscow 2004 List of known books published on Zabelin: Zabelin By Sokolov Published in Moscow Zabelin Published in Italy 2001 Zabelin Published in Italy 1993 Zabelin Published in Italy 1999 To Be Published in 2006 by the documentary film maker and book publisher Archivos Alba: Zabelin, Master of Color - this is to be a definitive work that will catalog all known works of Zabelin and has many contributors by art historians and artists who knew Zabelin. It will be a coffee table sized book with one plate per page. With Appreciation to Lazare Gallery Igor V. Babailov Direct Teacher~Student Lineage CLICK www.Babailov.com

Anyone can copy/modify photos or ready-made images, but it is the skill of drawing from life, which reveals the artist's true "Masterability." Even when you paint you never stop drawing, only this time you do that with the brush. Master Portrait Workshops, Igor Babailov. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Intensive Portrait Master Workshops "Even when you Paint you never stop Drawing, only this time you do it with your brush!" ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA Igor V. Babailov 's unique 16-year long FORMAL fine art education (1974 -1990) under the Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757), especially contributed to his unparalleled skill in academic drawing ( or drawing from life ) which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. " ainting does not exist without drawing. It is the outstanding drawing with its perfect values, which makes the best examples of paintings in the History of Fine Art strong and powerful. P Anyone can copy/modify photos or ready- made images, you would not need a solid art education for that... but it is the skill of working from life and particularly drawing from life, which reveals the artist's true "Masterability." Even when you paint you never stop drawing, only this time you do that with the brush. Drawing from life is the must and the fundamental to learn and to know for anyone, wishing to become a truly Professional Artist and Portrait Painter. That is the philosophy of the traditional school and such Masters as Bouguereau, Whistler and Serov . And this is the main focus of my workshops with life demos in Oil, Pencil and Pastel, which distinguishes them from the workshops of others. In Visual Art, I believe, the more Demos from LIFE in different medium techniques the students see, the more they learn and understand how to approach those mediums in their own works. It is especially helpful to realize that those very different mediums are actually very much related to each other and have a lot in common - they are the 'clothes' on the beautiful anatomically structured human form underneath. Academic Head Study - Drawing from Life by Igor Babailov Surikov Academy, 1988 Having 16 years of formal academic education and then over 35 years of teaching experience with students around the world, I can assure you that there are no shortcuts in Visual Art's learning. However, my accredited Academic method of teaching will enable you to possess the knowledge you need and to gain the skills you deserve in no time. With the proper academic instruction, just like the Masters you will be able to paint expertly and fast, without wasting your time on fixing mistakes, simply because there won't be any. This will also help you to establish your individual style and to find yourself as an artist sooner than you think. Your education is your investment, invest wisely." ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA Intensive Portrait Master Workshops F requently A sked Q uestions Letter to Artists Igor V. Babailov's Formal Academic Lineage to the Great Masters

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 Prime Minister Jean Chretien (Charcoal on Canvas), by Igor Babailov. Collection: Power Corporation of Canada. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Prime Minister Jean Chretien 20th Prime Minister of Canada Portrait of The Right Honourable Jean Chretien , 20th Prime Minister of Canada (Charcoal on Canvas, 40" x 30") Collection: Power Corporation of Canada Portrait sitting with Prime Minister Jean Chretien at 24 Sussex, the official Prime Ministers' residence in Ottawa, Canada Original Graphite Portrait Studies, done in a life-sitting with Prime Minister Jean Chretien OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

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

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.

Artist Aleksey P. Kholmogorov, renowned Russian artist, was the painting teacher of Valery Babailov, Igor Babailov's father. Художник Алексей Павлович Холмогоров - Народный Художник России и Удмуртской Республики. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Teacher~Student Lineage Aleksey Pavlovich Kholmogorov (1925 - 1987) "He was an outstanding artist, teacher and mentor to my father, Valery Babailov ." ~ Igor Babailov Aleksey Pavlovich Kholmogorov was born on March 1, 1925. in the Udmurt Republic. Veteran of the Great Patriotic War, he entered the Palekh Art College, where his teacher was Alexander Korin, the brother of the famous painter Pavel Korin. A year later he transferred to the Kazan Art College, graduated in 1951. In 1953 Kholmogorov entered the Moscow State Institute named after V.I. Surikov. His Professor was Victor Tsyplakov , a student of renowned artists and teachers, Igor Grabar and Sergey Gerasimov , who studied in the studios of world-famous artists Ilya Repin and Valentin Serov . After graduation in 1959, Kholmogorov returned to Izhevsk. The same year, the art and graphic faculty was opened at the Izhevsk's State Udmurt University. Kholmogorov became one of the first lecturers there, he invited colleagues from other cities, organized the reception of students and the educational process. One of his first students was Valery Babailov whom Kholmogorov regarded as his "favorite student' throughout his life. The intense creative activity and active civil position in the following years were marked by awarding him the title of the People's Artist of the USSR (1967), Honored Artist of Russia (1972), People's Artist of Russia (1981). In the 1970's, for the cycle of paintings "People of my Republic" he became a laureate of the State Prize of Udmurtia. In 1981 for the series of portraits "Women of Udmurtia" and the painting "Consultation" he was awarded a silver medal of the Academy of Arts of the USSR and the State Prize of Russia named after I.E. Repin. two of his works are in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery: "Portrait of Zoya Mikhailova" and "Victory Day, Village Veterans." Kholmogorov was the chairman of the board of the Udmurt branch of the Union of Artists of the RSFSR, elected secretary of the Union of Artists of Russia in 1972.. He died on September 30, 1987, in Izhevsk. A young Udmurt mother Grandma Darya Kurbatova from Bagrash-Bigra Portrait of Mikhail Kalashnikov Igor V. Babailov Direct Teacher~Student Academic Lineage CLICK

New portrait of George Washington, created by portrait artist Igor Babailov, based on Washington's recognized most accurate likeness, Collection: Mount Vernon Museum Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits George Washington First President of the United States of America New Portrait Collection: George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum Inducted on the Independence Day, July 4th, 2009 "My Beloved Country!" ~ George Washington (28" x 22", Oil on Canvas) Original Portrait Concept & Composition by Igor V. Babailov "We will take great pride in displaying your work for generations to come!" ~ James C. Rees Executive Director, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Museum, Mount Vernon, Virginia Igor Babailov used his mastery and professional expertise to transform this sculpted and most accurate likeness of George Washington into a realistic portrait painting. This NEW Portrait of George Washington was created by Igor Babailov, following his extensive historical research on the true likeness of George Washington. Consequently, this portrait painting was inspired by and based on Washington's likeness captured by the great French sculptor, Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) in George Washington's official statue, located at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia. Babailov's research also included Houdon's preliminary sculpture studies, such as Washington's bust and life mask which the sculptor did from life at Mount Vernon in 1785. When George Washington saw the sculpture, he said, "It is right that people in later generations could see my exact likeness," his friend Gen. Lafayette exclaimed, "That is the man himself!" and even Washington's portrait painter, Gilbert Stuart , agreed, "Houdon's bust comes first, and my head of him [Athenaeum portrait] next." Today, Houdon's sculpture is recognized by historians, as the most accurate likeness ever created of the First President. At work on the portrait of George Washington George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum Official induction of the Portrait into George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum July 4, 2009 Mount Vernon Lunch and Fellowship with Igor V. Babailov George Washington's Mount Vernon Presidential Award Coin Portrait of George Washington by Igor Babailov. Collection: Mount Vernon. Presented on behalf of George Washington by Douglas Bradburn, the President of Mount Vernon. The Sons of the American Revolution Official Collection: George Washington's Mount Vernon Museum OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

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

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

Portrait Master, Igor V. Babailov - Established Portrait Painting Procedure & Portrait Fees. Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA, KStA PORTRAIT PROCEDURE PLEASE NOTE: or a successful Portrait Painting, especially when photographic references may be used, it is VITAL for an artist to have the enriched experience and ability to work from life, particularly DRAW FROM LIFE. Such experience enables the artist to portray likeness with the most natural and life-like appearance which truly immortalizes the person, and creates the portrait far beyond its photographic references. ~ Igor V. Babailov, Hon. RAA F Prime Minister Brian Mulroney - official portrait sitting. U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito. In preparation for the official oil portrait. The Master Approach in Preparation for Portrait Painting Igor Babailov ' s life-time experience in portrait painting allows him to work comfortably from life or from photographs. When the photographic references may be used, in the instances when clients have busy schedules or with children for whom it is difficult to sit for extended periods, or for posthumous portraits and those commissioned as a surprise, etc., Mr. Babailov applies his invaluable knowledge of painting from life, acquired through his life-time experience and unsurpassed 16 years of formal academic fine art education (1974-1990) within the master-studios of the historically acclaimed Russian Academy of Arts (founded in 1757) that gave the world some of the greatest artists in art history, including Kramskoy, Repin, Serov, and American artist, James McNeill Whistler. The initial meeting with the client usually takes two and a half hours and is scheduled at the artist’s studio or the client’s location. The overall idea, size and the wall location where the portrait would be displayed are discussed, and Babailov will take numerous photographic references of the subject, to be used in the creation of the portrait. During this meeting, Igor Babailov also masterfully demonstrates his skill of DRAWING FROM LIFE , o ne of th e MOST IMPORTANT steps in preparation for portrait painting, as he draws his subject precisely, fast, and right in front of the client. "If one can Draw from life, one can always Paint !" ~ Pietro Annigoni, Royal Portrait Painter The Master Tradition of Portraiture Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA is one of the very few artists today who can comfortably DRAW from LIFE (not only from photographs). Thus, his Portrait Painting Procedure resembles precisely those of the Great Masters of Portraiture, such as Ilya Repin and John Singer Sargent , because it begins with DRAWING his portrait subjects from LIFE first, a vital step in preparation for portrait painting . Just like the Masters of the past, in these studies, Igor Babailov captures impeccable likeness, character and personality in a matter of minutes and seconds, regardless of the sitter's age. This requires the artist's independence from the camera and ability to DRAW in the timeless tradition of Portraiture, entirely from Life, which today is a fundamental challenge for many painters. SAMPLES of Portrait Drawings from LIFE MORE Drawing Studies from LIFE The Skill of Drawing from LIFE that matters in Portrait Painting Procedure ... Realistic DRAWING from LIFE is a challenging yet rewarding task that requires an artist to capture a portrait subject’s perfect likeness and their essence quickly and right in front of the sitter. Drawing from life prompts artists to respond to subtle changes in lighting, expressions, perspective, etc., all in real time. It develops the skill that allows artists to make more creative decisions about how to represent their subject, rather than simply copying a flat image from a photograph. Drawing is usually monochromatic, therefore its focus is entirely on the accuracy of tonal values and precise proportions, leaving no room for errors (which can normally be camouflaged in painting by using destructing bright colors or 'flying' brushstrokes). So, in monochromatic drawing, even a tiny mistake in likeness would be immediately visible to others. Experts say, “Drawing never fails, but often the artist does,” this is why most of today's portrait artists shy away from drawing entirely from life, especially in front of their clients. However, it is Drawing from Life that has been recognized by generations of all the greatest portrait painters in art history, as a VITAL STEP in preparing for portrait painting. DRAWING from LIFE offers invaluable insight into the sitter's unique facial features, character, and personality through direct interaction, making it the essential foundation for truly capturing the subject’s spirit and soul. Thus, a rich experience and mastery of drawing from life is a great added value in any portrait procedure and a must to practice for every portrait painter, in order to convey a life-like appearance of their portrait subjects. Igor Babailov's life-time experience and years of formal academic training allow him to complete a finely detailed DRAWING STUDY from life within 30 minutes . At the same time, clients have the opportunity to see the artist 'in action' and his skill in capturing a full of character life-likeness, right on the spot, within a brief period of time, with only a black & white pencil. After all, "if one can draw from life [NOT from photos!], one can always paint", said master portrait painter Pietro Annigoni . Please also see: What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting ) Compositional studies After the initial meeting, Mr. Babailov provides the client with several original, artistic and hand-created compositional master-studies, to determine the best compositional setting of the figure in the background, most suitable for the portrait. Once the decision on the choice of composition is made, the artist professionally prepares the museum quality appropriate weight canvas to start painting the actual portrait. A 40%-50% deposit (the amount of deposit is determined by the size of the portrait) is required upon the signing of the Portrait Agreement and before the work begins. Mr. Babailov travels extensively to the schedule and convenience of his portrait client’s location and caters to a distinguished professional clientele, in the United States, Canada and around the world. A NOTE for Portrait Clients and their Interior Designers Traditionally and historically, a great portrait painting stands on its own - it is more than a typical decorative item that fits a particular interior style, or caters to a color trend / fashion of a moment in time, because the great portrait painting is timeless and it passes onto children and their children and onto future generations in the family. The great portrait painting also stands far beyond photography, because it is NOT a copy of a split second photographic moment of a physical appearance, but it captures the inner world of the person. Unlike photographs which visibly fade and deteriorate in just a couple of decades, it takes 450 years for oil paint to dry completely, making a portrait painting truly a Legacy portrait that lasts forever. Fees Igor Babailov's Fees are quoted in U.S. Dollars and available upon request at Info@Babailov.com Prices are determined by the portrait size, number of people and medium used. Available traditional portrait mediums are: Oil on Canvas /Linen, Charcoal /Sepia /Graphite and Pastel. Portraits of Men Family and Children Portraits of Women What You Need To Know When Commissioning A Portrait Painting CLICK Testimonials CONTACT US

Official portrait of Peter C. Johnson, former President of Summitville Tiles, one of America's leading producers of ceramic tile, by portrait artist Igor Babailov. Collection: The Spread Eagle Tavern, Hanoverton, Ohio Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits Portrait of Peter C. Johnson (1924-2011) Summitville Tiles, Ohio Portrait of Peter C. Johnson (1924 - 2011) Former President of Summitville Tiles, one of America's leading producers of ceramic tile. ( Oil on Canvas 40"x 33" ) Collection: Summitville Tiles and the Spread Eagle Tavern (Hanoverton, OH) OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov