Bridger Barksdale (27) is an award-winning watercolor artist and landscape painter based in central Utah. He is the recipient of the 1st place award from the Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition and 2nd place from The 13th Watermedia Showcase. His artistic education, stemming from the performing arts, transposed in 2016 into the study of painting. That year, he moved to Arizona where he lived and studied under his late grandfather, Ralph Barksdale, a retired illustrator. Bridger is the last of many talented artists who have studied under Mr. Barksdale. He also received generous tutelage under Jay Barksdale, another indispensable instructor who shared with Bridger his vast artistic talent and knowledge.
The desire to create art began early for Bridger, who spent his formative years surrounded by art such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Prior to Bridger’s journey in the visual arts, he spent five years in Maryland and New York studying classical ballet under internationally distinguished instructors, to whom Bridger is forever grateful.
At the end of 2020, Bridger lived in western Ukraine where he took photographs and met regularly with Ukrainian artists and creatives. This experience materialized into a solo exhibition featuring watercolors in homage to L’viv. Many of the paintings which you will find in his portfolio feature this city.
Bridger would like to thank you for your interest in his work as well as the opportunity to impress upon you his unique interpretation of culture and art.
Awards and Recognitions
1st Place - Mountain Maryland Plein Air (2023)
2nd Place - Wasatch Plein Air Paradise (2023)
2nd Place - 13th Watermedia Showcase (2022)
3rd Place - Wasatch Plein Air Paradise (2022)
1st Place - Ogden Plein Air (2017)
Assoc. American Watercolor Society
Assoc. National Portrait Society
Assoc. American Impressionist Society
Publications
