He earned a BFA from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and spent two years painting, studying and teaching in Europe. Well-known for his large paintings of train wrecks, his work is in the collection of the Denver Art Museum, as well as many private and public institutions. He has created several public art pieces for the state of Colorado, most notably the lobby mural at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Batura is represented locally by the Robischon Gallery. He currently lives in Denver.