Ross Rossin, a Bulgaria native and, as of last year, a citizen of the United States, is an internationally acclaimed portrait artist who has been commissioned by the Vatican, U.S. presidents, Bulgarian Presidents, Heads of State, political dignitaries, prominent politicians, congressmen, judges, Royal Family members, and celebrities.
Born Rossen Raytchev in Bulgaria in 1964, he began painting at the age of six. By age nine, he was introduced to oil painting techniques in local Masters’ studios. He graduated Cum Laude from the Sofia Fine Arts Academy. His works hang in the Vatican, in the homes of both Presidents Bush, and in numerous courthouses across the country, to name a few. His family portraits are part of private collections in many US cities. His exhibitions have taken him to England, Europe, and the Middle East.
His masterpiece, “Meeting in Time,” a 153” by 244”canvas which depicts the US Presidents of the 20th century gathered in the Cross Hall of the White House, hangs in the Booth Western Museum in Cartersville, Ga.
Rossin brought with him to the Friday morning meeting of Rotary a smaller rendition of his masterpiece, as well as museum-sized portraits of Jimmy Carter, Abraham Lincoln, Morgan Freeman, Ronald Reagan, Jackie Kennedy, Jesus, Charlie Loudermilk and Yitzhak Rabin. He explained in detail his meticulous process of highlighting the singularity of the life being portrayed. Each of Rossin’s portraits bespeaks both the individual humanity of his subject as well as their respective cultural moment.
Rossin was commissioned by Rotary International to paint a portrait of founder Paul Harris. This work of art was auctioned off at the 2011 RI convention in New Orleans and raised $170, 523 to help in Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio. Rossin lives with his family in Atlanta, and he is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta.