BASE MEMBERSHIP 30-DAY FREE TRIAL
Live Panel: First Steps into Abstraction
Thursday, June 5th
5-6pm MDT
7-8pm EDT
12pm–1am BST (Friday)
9am-10am AEST (Friday)
Mentors: Valerie Allen & Linden Eller
$19.00
Out of stock
First Steps into Abstraction
Learn the Foundations & Freedom of Abstract Art
Curious and intrigued by abstraction but unsure where to begin in your art practice?
Whether you’re a seasoned realist ready to explore new territory or a creative beginner drawn to expression, this inspiring and interactive panel will demystify the world of abstract art and help you build a strong foundation for your journey.
Join Mastrius Mentors Valerie Allen and Linden Eller, two accomplished abstract artists, as they guide you through the core principles, mindset shifts, and technical strategies that bring abstraction to life.
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how abstraction works, why it matters, and how you can begin creating meaningful abstract pieces—with confidence and authenticity.
In this live panel discussion, you’ll learn:
- What defines a painting as abstract—from pure non-objective art to semi-abstract work, and how abstraction differs from other styles
- How to transition from representational to abstraction, blending the familiar with the expressive in ways that still resonate with your unique voice
- The key visual elements of abstract art—including shape, pattern, line, movement, mark-making, and color—and how to use them with intention
- How to create emotional & conceptual depth without relying on recognizable subject matter
- Simple exercises and mindset tips to help you break creative blocks and start experimenting
- Ways to build a visual language that communicates ideas, moods, and energy through abstraction
There will also be time for Q&A, so bring your questions, hesitations, and curiosities—our mentors are here to support your growth!
As always, Mastrius events are LIVE & INTERACTIVE!
🎟 Tickets ONLY $19 | FREE for Mastrius Members
🎙️ Event recording is available for Mastrius Members only.
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Meet Valerie Allen
Acrylic | Watercolor | Mixed Media | Encaustic
As an abstract painter intuitive process begins a journey for me that culminates in passages of intentional design for each work of art. Using principles of improvisation, I work from prompts that present themselves through journaling, traveling, even daydreaming. The known improv prompt “yes and……” shows up in each of my paintings as multiple layers. My theme touchstones include music as shown in my Composer’s Campaign series, architecture in Athena’s Timeline collection, and personal history in the One Hundred Years paintings.
The mantra for my creative path is to repeat these three words – process, produce and present. Those words encourage my growth as an artist through the experimentation of materials and techniques that reveal new processes and through the production of art to become more prolific. When those two steps are complete, I move into the presentation of my work to others through conversations and exhibitions.
I share that same three step mantra with others through teaching. I am energized by the dialogue shared in a class and am amazed at the many interpretations for that trio of words. My goal is to help artists find their personal artistic language, improve their techniques, and increase their confidence. I am rewarded many times over by watching artists blossom and grow. It is a rich sharing experience for all involved.
Meet Linden Eller
Mixed Media
Our mentorship group will focus on developing mixed media abstraction while learning to embrace the creative process with intuition, playfulness, and curiosity. I often incorporate parallel themes of mindfulness such as non-judgment and self-compassion to help artists let go of fear and criticism.
Artists can expect to dive deep into exploring the combination of various mediums, including collage (paper, textiles, ephemera), acrylic, watercolors, and dry media. With 15+ years of experience as a professional mixed media artist, I am ready to support you in developing your unique style and discovering which mediums you feel best represent your narrative. I’ll also provide insight into techniques such as layering, texture, composition, complexity, color, and movement. Together we will work towards solidifying your visual language and uncovering a meaningful theme to investigate through a unified, large body of work. Additionally, our group can help you thrive in all the details of presenting your work – exhibiting, marketing, website design, artist statements, branding, and more.
Through honest collaborative dialogues, nurturing constructive feedback, and motivating exercises, our group will act as a regular practice of community, artistic growth, and inspiration.