Viktor Shvaiko

Born in Altai, Russia and raised in one of Russia's most remote towns, Shvaiko grew up surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. His natural inclination for fine arts and his strong urge to share his vision of nature drove him to Novoaltaisk Artistic School, one of the two best arts schools in the former Soviet Union. Four years of strenuous studies enabled him to acquire the skills of a true artist. The strict regimen of drawing, intricate technique of using colors and the influence of nineteenth century Russian artists brought Shvaiko close to a traditional academic style of painting. He now possessed the tools with which to express his feelings to the world. Shvaiko painted Altai landscapes and the mountainous countryside of Ukraine for a while, and exhibited in Moukachevo and in Hungary in 1991. However, he was disenchanted by the stifling effect the Russian bureaucracy had on the careers of young artists. Unable to obtain a Visa, he was permitted to travel to Yugoslavia and in the confusion of civil war, fled to Italy with his paintings strapped to his back. He survived by selling his paintings on the streets of Rome and eventually obtained passage to America, where he developed his penchant for painting cafes. His work is found in museums throughout Russia and he has exhibited widely throughout the United States and Canada.

Viktor Shvaiko Images:
Any Way Cafe
Bistro La Bouille
Bon Vivant Tavern
Bramante
Cafe De La Cite
Cafe Legend
Castle By The Water
Douce France
Evening of Romance
Greek Tavern
Italia
La Caravelle
La Feniere
Le Baron Rouge
Le Raboliot
London Pub
Oldest Wine Store
Paris Rendezvous
Red Door
Restaurant L’Echaude
Spanish Courtyard
Spring Colors
The Wine Bar
Two Lights
Via Lecossa
Wine & Bread