Recognizing his abilities, his mother took him to the youth department of the world famous Hermitage Museum where Misti was accepted into the painting program for gifted children. The General Curator of the Hermitage, Professor B. Piotrovsky, saw Misti's paintings during an annual exhibition of the program and requested to become his teacher. Misti was only seven years old then. When Misti was nine, he had his first 'solo' exhibition at the museum's art school entitled 'Talent Has No Age'. After this exhibition a visiting professor from the Academy of fine art told Misti: 'You will be great artist one day'.

In 1979, Misti began extensive studies at the prestigious art school, organized by the Academy of Fine Art of St. Petersburg, acknowledging gifted children of the arts. At age 17 he was accepted as a student of the Academy, and the Academy President, Professor B. Uvarov, after the first year exhibition of the Academy students choose Misti as his personal student. Graduating valedictorian from the Academy, his graduate work consisted of a series of seven paintings titled "Porch" for which he received the award of the "Best Graduate of the Year".

Misti began frequent travels abroad in 1993. He explored the countryside of France, Italy and Spain carrying his brushes and easel. Sleeping in his sleeping bag at night and painting the glorious landscapes by day. He thoroughly enjoyed surrounding himself in the environment of Moret sur Loing and Bourron-Marlotte, where his favorite painters Renoir and Sisley had created their best paintings. It was during his travels through Spain that Misti developed his interest in the Art Nouveau style of such artists as Gaudi and Montaner. Only then did he try his hand painting portraits. Soon thereafter he became highly sought for portrait commissions.

Starting in 1995, Misti now conducts two semi-annual exhibitions in Europe, including France, Spain, Belgium and Netherlands. His paintings can be found in a number of important private collections and museums in his native Russia, Belarus and Georgia. In 2003 his painting of a Bolshoi prima ballerina Volochkova was auctioned and sold for a record price at the prestigious art auction in St Petersburg, Russia.