This category will be the spot I keep such necessities as updates to my Curriculum Vitae, Biography and Artist Statement. As well you will find links to articles, whether written by me or about me. I’ll also use this space to talk about my reactions or thoughts on current reading, ideas and events related to the arts.

The Commissions category will take an in depth look at commissioned works I have done, explore how and why, present testimonials of commissions, explore the history of portraiture and public commission work, and why people today have work commissioned. Availability, procedures and pricing will also be covered.

This section is for fans of my work. Here I will be announcing new pieces,  products, exhibitions, and opportunities to meet me or see the work first hand. As well you will find some of the backstory or thought process behind individual pieces and bodies of work. I might ramble a bit as I work out my thoughts on art history, the value of art to society and vice-a-versa.

This post introduces a new category that will be a resource for others involved in the act of emerging as professional artists. Topics will go beyond the act of making art to talk about work and life in the arts. Subjects will be relevant to the business of being an artist, as well as the personal side, including social, mental, financial and physical health. From time to time I may host guest experts here, as well as announce upcoming sessions of Artists on a Mission and How to Be an Artist.

Introducing to a new post category: the Art Lessons category covers further information for art students. It will include tutorials, art history, explain materials and techniques, and announce new and upcoming classes and critiques for registration. As well current students will find information to keep them in the loop on projects, requirements and the status of their upcoming classes.

For around a year now I have been doing Art à la Carte parties, and I think I may be the only one! I haven’t seen anyone else doing them. There are art lessons and workshops. There are paint nights, wine and paint parties & art parties out there of all sorts. They seem to be taking urban nightlife by storm. But Art à la Carte? Now that is something different again.

What is so different about Art à la Carte? I am glad you asked! Typical art parties offer a social experience for participants where guests can wine and dine while working their way through a set painting project. Usually they take place at a bar, gallery or art studio, and are great as a date night, girls night out or alternative corporate party.

However, if you would like a more intimate environment or a custom project, consider an Art à la Carte party. An Art à la Carte party brings the art party experience home, literally.

So why would you want to do an Art à la Carte party at home? They are intimate, low pressure, and so flexible! Most art parties have set projects, set times, and require you to go to the venue. This can be a hassle if you have food and decorations to transport to the location. It can also be expensive if it is a bar and there is an expectation to purchase a certain number of drinks.

Art à la Carte gets rid of the hassle of going out. Whether it’s a birthday party for a 9 year old or 49 year old, a baby shower, mixed ages event, or your turn to host dinner and drinks, an Art à la Carte party is a fun and affordable way to break the ice, or provide a new twist for a regular event.

You control the guest list, book the time and the place (usually your place, though I have done off site locations too), and choose the project. You provide the space, including tables, chairs and water, along with the refreshments. I bring the art materials and equipment and I teach the project. Because the environment is much more intimate, guests find they can really relax and enjoy the experience, regardless of their skill level!

I have done Art a la Carte parties for kids birthdays and for adults birthdays. I have done them for wine and cheese nights, girls night out, co-workers night in, and just for the heck of it nights with family and a few close friends. Because each event is custom tailored to you, there is a lot you can do with an Art à la Carte party.

You can learn more about Art à la Carte parties here.

If you are ready to book one now you can contact me here!

The mission for my blog, is generally to keep a number of groups informed on the various activities of my studio, as well as to provide additional and enriched content to those groups.

Who are those groups your might ask?

At the moment I see them as follows:

Lovely human beings, creative and passionate souls, who are interested generally in creating and or enjoying original art, and specifically are fans of my work. Whether that interest be through purchasing a painting,  finding out about my art background, participating in an art party, learning how to paint, or how to be an artist, or even how to commission an original work of art, you will find information here that will assist or enrich your experience with my art, and with your own creative journey as well.

As I begin blogging more regularly, I will create a category for each of the above groups where you will be able to find news, updates and special content relevant to your interest as a member of one of those groups.

I look forward to sharing these adventures with you!

See you back here soon,

Debbie.lee Miszaniec

I was debating adding a blog to my long standing website. Do I have the know-how, the discipline, do I have anything to say on a regular basis?

As with so many things in life, I could spend a lifetime researching, but in the end it comes down to jumping in and seeing where the river flows.

So I jumped in and installed WordPress, and deleted my entire existing site! Immediately my mind was awash with visions of a marathon stint of website rebuilding that would take precious months out of my schedule.

After the initial flood of dread swept through me, I calmed down as I realized I had safety devices and could get back to shore. I uninstalled, restored and re-uploaded the site from Dreamweaver, created a SEPARATE DIRECTORY for the blog, and then reinstalled WordPress.

Lesson 1 learned.

Next, along with the long list of overdue updates to One Life Fine Art, will be to integrate the blog and the site.

Then we will see where the river goes.