[1] Impressed with his work, his parents arranged for him to take lessons at the Imperial Academy of Arts with the battle painter, Alexander Sauerweid, from 1827 to 1829.

Unable to keep up with the rigorous program there, he was transferred to the prestigious Saint Peter's School, where he studied from 1829 to 1833.

[2] Following that, he visited Nikolai Nekrasov at his estate near Yaroslavl and created illustrations for some of his works.

Most of this work involved equestrian portraits of members of the Royal Family, but he also did battle scenes; especially from the Russo-Turkish War.

[1] He continued to exhibit frequently, participating in many international shows, including the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.