[Jeanine Jackson]

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.