NelaRenaeART

Nela Swiney, B.F.A., M.Ed. Fine Artist

Welcome to my studio. My life’s work is dedicated to the human face—exploring history, soul, and profound storytelling through a lifelong devotion to portraiture. My technical foundation is built on a B.F.A., 17 years as a professional commercial designer, and over two decades of advanced art education, including teaching at the university level.

Today, my days are strictly devoted to my fine art studio practice, where I push the technical and emotional boundaries of mixed-media portraiture.

Current Focus: The Women in Strength Series 

My primary creative energy is poured into my Women in Strength series. These pieces are an intensive labor of time, reverence, and technical precision. I spend hours unearthing historical reference photos from the Library of Congress archives, searching for faces that carry a true story. Every woman I choose is older, wiser, worn, and beautiful.

My process is deliberate and slow, mimicking the physical toll and beauty of time.This process cannot be rushed. It is a fine art exploration of the layers that shape both the human body and the soul. I am officially documenting the journey of the Women in Strength series here. Follow along as these stories come to light, or reach out via email or text to inquire about available work.

 The Teaching Studio: Monthly Masterclasses

Because I believe a true artist must pass on the foundational principles of the craft, I step away from my easel just three days a month to give back to the art community.

I host focused, high-quality workshops for adults (16+) at
ArtCrafters in Dayton during the first full week of each month.

• Mondays: Drawing & Sketching | Thursdays: Watercolor |
  Saturdays: Acrylics   click link here