Born near Moscow, Russian artist Nikita Budkov found much of his early inspiration from his love of fantasy and classic fairy tales. These stories inspired many of his early drawings. His formal art training began at the Children’s Art School Program in Russia.
In Waves of Golden Light, oil in aluminum, 24 x 20 in.
In 2012, Budkov came to the United States as an exchange student. He graduated from Cotter High School in Minnesota and received an honorable mention in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for the State of Minnesota.
Wanting to study traditional painting, Budkov moved to California and graduated with honors from the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. He joined the California Art Club and Oil Painters of America and worked as an assistant to renowned plein art artist Peter Adams.
Soul of a Man, oil on panel, 20 x 24 in.
While in California, Budkov received awards from Plein Air Magazine, the Art Renewal Center and Oil Painters of America. His work has been exhibited at museums and galleries throughout the United States and internationally. His exceptional artistic abilities have earned Budkov permanent residence status in the United States.
Now working as a firefighter in Idaho, Budkov is closer to the mountains and forests that are his inspiration. His works still often incorporate mythological and ancient symbolic elements.
Jaquima to Freno, oil on board, 24 x 24 in.
Budkov’s work will next be available at the Art 2026 Tehachapi Exhibition & Sale on November 13 and 14 in Tehachapi, California. Visit www.artstehachapi.org for more information. —
Want to See More?
(818) 943-9267
www.nikitabudkov.com
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Facebook: /nikita.budkov.2025
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