Dallas artist combines his love of travel with his love for art by painting cityscapes

by Justin Hampton of DailyOriginal.com

Vojir paints a scene from every major city he visits.

Image provided by DailyOriginal.com

Ryan Vojir, Red Square, Oil on Canvas, 2007, 12" x 24" $1,000

Ryan Vojir has taken on the challenge to paint every major city in the world as seen from his eyes. Combining his family’s tradition of travel and his passion to paint, Vojir has set out on a goal that is truly unique -- to paint a scene of every city that he personally visits. At his Knox/Henderson apartment, the walls are lined with paintings detailing his travels and a map of the United States that is reminiscent of a voodoo doll. Vojir has been to 42 states and several countries.

Vojir chooses a scene to paint by specifically seeking out the marquis points of each city he visits through word of mouth or even google maps.

Six years ago when his sister got married, Vojir decided that a typical wedding gift would not do. Instead of giving them the toaster they had registered for, Vojir decided to paint a scene of the hotel that she was married in. “The scene turned out well – really well – so I tried another, and another,” and so a new urban impressionist was born.

Image provided by DailyOriginal.com

Ryan Vojir, "Maverick Excitement," Oil on Canvas, 2006, 30" x 40" $1,400

Vojir’s works are reminiscent of Eduard Cortes, Hassam, and Caillbotte who both influenced Ryan as he developed his style. His background in design lends a more detail oriented presentation of the cities. Cortes, for example, gave up some accuracy for aesthetics, as evidenced in his paintings which will often feature every light on in buildings. Vojir’s paintings are more accurate depictions of the cities we live in now.

Vojir chooses paintings over as opposed to just taking a photo because, “Photos are inspirational if somebody happens to catch an incredible moment – but with a painting, you can create a more compelling story.” Vojir goes on to explain, “there are beautiful moments in every day, ordinary life that go unnoticed, but with a little bit of artistic massaging, you can really show the beauty of those moments in everyday life.”

Vojir’s works are currently exhibited at ARTANA gallery in Boston, the Adobe Western Gallery in Fort Worth and at the Lagerquist Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. Online, his work can be found at his website, and also at DailyOriginal, where he is a featured artist every now and again. Vojir is also involved with local charities and is donating to both the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society and the ArtforDarfur Charity at SMU. Vojir is available for commissioned works and is able to show his works at his studio in Knox/Henderson by appointment.