Artist, Painter | Medium: Mixed | Read Artist Bio

Artist Bio:

Contemporary artist Nikita Budkov was born on August 16, 1995, in Russia. As a young boy, he found joy in reading classic fairy tales and fantasy novels, as well as listening to a lot of underground music, all of which fueled his imagination and inspired him to express his thoughts through pencil drawings.

Nikita’s formal art education began at the Children’s Art School Program in Odintsovo, where he graduated with honors. His life took a transformative turn in 2012 when he came to the United States as an exchange student. After graduating from Cotter High School in Minnesota, Budkov received an honorable mention in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the state of Minnesota.

Determined to deepen his art skills, Budkov moved to Los Angeles to study traditional painting from a new perspective. He spent three years immersed in full-time studies at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art (LAAFA), where he honed about his craft and taught two classes during the summer of his senior year. Budkov graduated with top honors and became a member of the prestigious California Art Club. He also worked as an assistant to renowned California plein air artist Peter Adams.

Throughout his years in California, Budkov received numerous accolades, including awards from Plein Air Magazine, the Art Renewal Center, and Oil Painters of America. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally. In recognition of his exceptional artistic abilities, Budkov was granted Permanent Residence status in the United States.

Seeking a new chapter, Budkov relocated to Idaho to pursue a career as a firefighter while living closer to the mountains and forests that inspired his art.

Nikita Budkov’s painting style is rooted in contemporary realism, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling. His works often incorporate mythological and ancient symbolic elements, reflecting his fascination with timeless narratives. In his own words: “Above all, I appreciate the ambient atmosphere and pursue the mystical and the beautiful qualities of life.”