Mentorship is the fastest way to go from where you are today, to where you want to be! Learn How Mentorship Works or join this mentors group below. Not sure what stage you are? Click here for descriptions.
Mentoring Emerging Artists Not sure if you’re an emerging artist? Find your stage here.
MEDIUMS: Sculpture | Alcohol Ink | Assemblage Art | Charcoal | Colored Pencil | Drawing | Graphite | Ink | Mixed Media SPECIALTY:✔Technical ✔ Creative Process & Mindset
I have been an observer of nature all my life. I am continually awestruck at the beauty of the natural world and the magic and mystery in every living thing. My work is a study of living forms, celebrating the structure of how something is made along with the transcendental presence of the subject. I have a BFA in Drawing and Painting from the Art Institute of Chicago, with a strong focus in anatomy and scientific illustration. I have found sculpture to be another vehicle for me in which I am able to express the beauty and stories woven in nature and the world around us. I tell a story in each of my pieces using symbolism in found materials that I incorporate into my work whether it is from the subject’s natural surroundings or a part of the story. I use a method of using oxides during the final firing of my pieces to capture all the marks made in the creating the piece. This makes my sculptures look like 3D drawings harkening back to my strong drawing roots. A theme that I continually address in my work is a humorous but sad portrayal of animals having to adapt to the new landscape we are creating with our waste problem. I hope to continue to create awareness and inspire change for us to be better ambassadors to our Mother Earth.
DEANA’s EXPERTISE
Listed below are this Mentor’s specialty skills. Join this group if you want to grow in these areas.
Specialty:✔ Technical ✔ Creative Process & Mindset
Technique:
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Alla Prima Painting
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Color & Composition
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Layering Techniques
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Providing Art Critiques
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Texture Application
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How To Self Critique
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Drawing Fundamentals
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Brushwork & Mark-Making
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Supplies & Tools
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Recycled & Sustainable Materials
Marketing:
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Open Studio Tours
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Social Media
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Website Design
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Art Competitions
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Canva & Creative Apps
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Photographing Artwork & Digital Editing
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Video Filming & Editing
Business:
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Artist CV, Statement, & Bio
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Collector & Client Relationships
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Packaging & Shipping
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Studio Time Management
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Gallery Representation
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Shows & Exhibits
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Solo Shows
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Pricing Artwork
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Website Sales & Selling Online
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Commissions
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Live Event Painting
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Diversifying Income Streams
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Portfolio & Inventory Management
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Art Markets, Fairs, & Festivals
“Mastrius is a perfect balance of accountability, community and fun. It feels like family. Family that makes you a better you.” ~ Elizabeth, Emerging Artist
JOIN NOW
select your mentorship group
If the group you’re interested in has a waitlist, you have the option to join another group to get started. When your group opens we can transfer you over.
Your Membership Includes (click here):
Mentorship Session: Meet via video conference for a monthly 2-hour session with your Mentor and small group. You choose the mentor, we provide the group!
Mid-Month Session: Meet via video conference for a 1-hour session with your small group and Navigator to connect, share progress, encouragement, and support.
Weekly Events: Attend LIVE weekly events online, on hot topics like Finding Your Style, Composition & Critiques, plus master DEMOS. Access event recordings!
MyStudio: Access your private online studio space equipped with business tools and Mentorship Session Recordings.
Chat Group: Access your private online chat group to connect with your small group and Navigator (group facilitator) anytime.
Discounts: Enjoy member discounts on LIVE and ON-DEMAND courses, art supplies, and more!
Focus: Creative Process & Mindset • Skills: Confidence & courage, Narrative and visual story-telling, Artistic style development
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Next session: September 15, 2025
On the 3rd Monday of every month 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM MDT Mon
Not your timezone? Click below
Group Focus My focus will be building skills of seeing to understand how things are made and translating that into three-dimensional sculptures.
I focus on the understanding of form, and using form as the backbone of every piece I make. I use animals to tell stories of the past, weaving in symbolic, meaning, often using found objects.
I make art with a purpose and using that purpose as a compass from the beginning to the end
You Will Learn: • Understanding what lies underneath a subject matter and using form to build the foundation of your peace. Also technical sculpture tips and tricks. And how to use sculpture to tell stories incorporating, symbolism, and found objects. • Start to finish process of 3-D sculptural pieces in clay • Firing tips and tricks • How to use armatures and large pieces • The importance of clay studies before embarking on a large larger scale piece
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST
I have been an observer of nature all my life. I am continually awestruck at the beauty of the natural world and the magic and mystery in every living thing. My work is a study of living forms, celebrating the structure of how something is made along with the transcendental presence of the subject.
I have a BFA in Drawing and Painting from the Art Institute of Chicago, with a strong focus in anatomy and scientific illustration.
FREE eBOOK: Secrets You Won't Learn In Art School
✔ Where creative BLOCKS come from, how to identify them, and how to quickly move forward
✔ What not to be a SLAVE to (this feels counter-intuitive to most artists)
✔ Two things to focus on that improve the VALUE range making your art more interesting
Plus 16 other tips from successful Master Artists that you won't learn in art school.
