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Motivational speaker, Igor Babailov, Hon.RAA is represented by one of the nation's leading Speaking Agencies, All American Speakers. Book Igor Babailov's exciting presentation "Greatest Portrait Moments" for your upcoming events. Speaker UP Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA All American Speakers Agency Motivational speaker, Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA, MFA(PhD), D.Litt (Hon.Causa), is represented by one of the nation's leading Speaking Agencies, All American Speakers. Babailov’s lecture presentations “Greatest Portrait Moments” with live drawing demonstrations, as well as his unique lectures on innovation and creativity and how to unleash the DaVinci genius within us, inspire students, business leaders and audiences in every field around the world. Book Igor Babailov's exciting presentations for your upcoming events here. Past Babailov presentations were held at : Mount Vernon Presidential Library, Hotel Waldorf Astoria in New York, numerous Universities, Private Clubs and other event venues across the U.S. and internationally.

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

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

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

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

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

Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, by Igor Babailov. Collection: Vatican Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Vatican Col. Christoph Graf, Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (oil on canvas, 50"x 42") Portrait of Col. Christoph Graf, 35th Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, appointed by Pope Francis, was commissioned to Igor Babailov for the historic portrait collection of the Pontifical Swiss Guard Commanders' portraits. Commander Graf with his portrait Collection: Vatican Life portrait sitting and life studies of the Commander's armors in preparation for the official oil portrait Official collection: Vatican Official Vatican Pontifical Swiss Guard Seal, presented to Igor Babailov by the Commander Igor Babailov - Vatican portrait sitting with the Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Related LINKS to Igor Babailov's Vatican works Official Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Official Portrait of Pope Francis Official Portrait of Pope St. John Paul II The Vatican Splendors exhibitions The Sacred Art Resurrection of Realism - Beauty will save the world - article OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Official portrait of Isadore Sharp, world-famous Four Seasons Hotels, Founder & CEO, by portrait artist Igor Babailov. Corporate Business Portraits in Oil. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Isadore Sharp Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Founder & CEO Isadore Sharp, Founder & CEO, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (oil on canvas, 96"x 72") by Igor Babailov Collection: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Headquarters ABOUT THE PORTRAIT The official full-length portrait painting of Isadore Sharp, Founder and Chairman of the world-renowned luxury chain, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, was commissioned to Igor Babailov for the lobby of Four Seasons Headquarters. At the request of Mr. Sharp, the painting incorporates a number of symbols related personally to him, as well as the image of Norman Rockwell's painting "The Golden Rule" in the background, which represents his company's principle "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Isadore Sharp's painted likeness has now been greeting everyone who enters the building of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Headquarters. The portrait's closeup "Igor Babailov's talent and ability to capture the likeness of his subjects so precisely, is truly inspirational to us all." Isadore Sharp Founder and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts On the cover of Forbes Magazine Isadore Sharp with his full-length portrait in the far background. Photo credit: Brian Willer OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Portrait of the Emmy Award actor Tony Lo Bianco, "French Connection" and other films, by portrait artist Igor Babailov, unveiled in New York City. Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Celebrity Portraits Tony Lo Bianco Awards winning actor, "French Connection" and many other films Tony Lo Bianco (oil on canvas, 24" x 20") by Igor V. Babailov Igor Babailov and Tony Lo Bianco Tony Lo Bianco portrait Tony Lo Bianco unveiling, portrait by Igor Babailov Tony Lo Bianco portrait, New York City unveiling OTHER CELEBRITY PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov

Official portrait of The Honorable Michael Meighen, Igor V. Babailov, Hon.RAA, KStA Recent Official Portraits The Honorable Michael Meighen Former Senator, Chancellor of McGill University, and grandson of Arthur Meighen, the 9th Prime Minister of Canada Collection: McGill University, Montreal The Honorable Michael Meighen (oil on canvas, 52' x 42') Collection: McGill University, Montreal OTHER OFFICIAL PORTRAITS by Igor Babailov