Bridger Barksdale (28) is an award-winning painter from Utah. His accolades include first place in the Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition and second place in the 13th Watermedia Showcase. His journey into the visual arts began in 2016 when he moved to Arizona to study design under his late grandfather, Ralph Barksdale (ArtCenter). Within months after this mentorship, Bridger won first place at the Eccles Plein Air painting competition in Ogden, UT.

Bridger’s passion for art began early: the various lights and reflectors throughout his father’s photography studio characterized his childhood. Before studying visual arts, Bridger spent five years in Maryland and New York studying classical ballet under internationally distinguished instructors at CityDance Conservatory and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

Upon completing a year-long apprenticeship with his Grandfather, Bridger accepted a gilding position at Master Works Frames where he developed other artistic skill sets, such as design, engineering, and installation. There he developed his understanding of professionalism beyond the borders of his canvas.

In 2020, Bridger relocated to L’viv, Ukraine where he met regularly with artists and creatives. As the city was experiencing regular lock downs due the Covid-19 pandemic, he spent much of his time studying the architecture in L’viv and the surrounding landscapes. This experience culminated into two solo exhibitions featuring watercolors in homage to L’viv and response to the Russian expansion.

Early in 2023, Bridger developed a relationship with the small, historic town of Helper, UT, a former mining town that many talented artists call home. in 2024, Bridger and his wife relocated to Helper and began studying art from resident and visiting artists such as David Dornan and Paul Davis. Dornan praised Bridger as being among the top 5% of students under his guidance. After this internship, Bridger received the first-place award at the Mountain Maryland Plein Air Competition, exhibited work at the 99th Springville Salon, was featured in Southwest Magazine’s 21 Under 31, completed a solo exhibition curated by kt Gallery, was the recipient of the Michael Harding award and Ampersand Award by the Wayne Art Center, and organized/directed Plein Air Helper, a painting competition that welcomed 15 of Utah’s finest plein air painters and renowned artist Charlie Hunter as the juror.

Amidst all his success throughout 2024, Bridger accepted a full scholarship from The Rhode Island School of Design where he is currently finishing his freshman year.

Bridger would like to thank you for your interest in his work and the opportunity to share his unique interpretation of culture and art.