Bordignon was born in Padova, Italy. Since the time of his early youth, Bordignon showed great interest in painting and he was an ardent visitor the museums of Italy. He was especially drawn to the "Dutch" old master style of painting. Bordignon was also equally impressed with the antique styles of the old masters of the Italian landscapes. He held a personal exhibition in Padova in 1963 and won the highly coveted "Gold Palette" award in 1975.