CSOPA Igor Babailov Master Workshop
 

Babailov Mission Statement
 

CSOPA Presents Igor Babailov Master Portrait Workshop "Painting does not exist without drawing. It is the outstanding drawing with its values, which makes the best examples in the History of Fine Art strong and powerful.

Anyone can copy photos or ready-made images, whether they are black and white or in color; but it is the skill to work from life and particularly to draw 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 is the must and the fundamental to learn and to know for anyone, wishing to become a truly Professional Artist.

That was always the philosophy of the traditional school and such masters as Bouguereau, Sargent and Repin. And this is the main focus of my workshops, which often distinguishes them from the workshops of others.

Having sixteen years of formal academic education and after years of teaching experience with students around the world, I can assure you that there are no shortcuts in Visual Art's learning. The traditional and academic method of teaching will enable you to possess the right knowledge and, by practicing, eventually the skills you deserve.

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.

Your education is your investment, invest wisely."

Igor V. Babailov

Babailov Workshop Highlights
 

Darien, CT/August 18, 19 and 20, 2004

Lucky CSOPA participants gathered for three days beside the northern windows at the Darien Arts Center to learn from portrait master, Igor Babailov.

DAY 1: "Drawing is everything."
The importance of dedicating an entire day to pencil drawing begame immediately evident as Mr. Babailov demonstrated his sensitive touch and clear statements following the form on toned paper. (Image below)Students worked from his inspiration with personal instruction guiding us each step of the way.

DAY 2: "Using pastels is drawing with color."
This integral step in developing the principles of drawing with soft pastels helped students renew our commitment to the importance of drawing as color was introduced. The afternoon session gave students a chance to emulate the master under his watchful eye.

DAY 3: "See the finished painting before you begin."
With an extraordinarily limited palette (photo below), Master Babailov developed a rich portrait on toned canvas in just over two hours. As in the previous two demonstrations, his brushwork followed the form building on accurate drawing. He extracted just the right colors in just the right values with minimal combinations keeping his paint fresh. Amazing! (Photo below.) Comments made as he visited each student's easel provided lessons to keep us inspired for years to come.

Igor Babailov brought his passion and years of classical training from the Russian Academy to an intimate local setting in Connecticut. Grateful students hope to continue these studies at his new studio in Tennessee.