Nikita Budkov is a Russian born figurative painter who studied at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art. Budkov earned a place as a Finalist in the 3rd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.

What inspired you to start creating art?

The masterpieces of the Old Masters, music I love, dreams.

What inspires your work now?

In addition to the above also memories of my upbringing.

What mediums do you work in and experiment with?

I mainly use Oil and graphite in my works. Rarely watercolor and digital.

Are there any particular brands of art supplies you prefer using? Why?

I love using Georgian oil paints because of their value and size, and Trekell brushes because of their quality and being local to where I live now.

Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative block?

My way is to stay focused on the set goal, and to step away from the artwork once in awhile (while keep being focused).

How do you process/come to terms with and even use other people's opinion of your work?

It's important to listen to people whose opinion you trust, and average people and potential collectors. I don't have to do everything I've been told, but to listen is the least I can do.

Is there an artist/s who inspires you creatively?

If we are talking about contemporary artists on Instagram it's many of my friends and masters I follow, if we mean history, then it's 19th century artists like Pre-Raphaelites, Russian artists, the antique.

To view more of Nikita Budkov’s work

Website

Instagram