Embark on an immersive journey through landscapes and townscapes where artistic interpretation ignites the senses and captivates the imagination.
Let’s take a photograph and turn it into a memory…
I’m certain most of us can relate. We take photographs of breathtaking sights during our vacations, only to have those countless photos accumulate in our camera rolls over the years, leading to a gradual loss of memories. How sad! My idea for this workshop is to collaborate with our landscape photographs and transform them into short story artworks that evoke cherished memories.
Ireland, with its picturesque landscapes, is the ideal setting for this workshop. Every time I visit Mulranny, I return home with over 300 captivating photos of sights that have touched my heart and soul. As I curated my samples for this workshop and revisited my photos, I was transported back to a time and place where laughter, friendships, delectable food, and magic were abundant. These memories wove a perfect tapestry of inspiration, guiding me in creating this new workshop.
Together, we’ll visit sites (we’re on a new day trip plan for my returning artists!) where we’ll learn to capture vistas, townscapes, and landscapes that we’ll edit and print immediately for use in the studio. Using my collage, paint, and encaustic techniques, we’ll create mixed media landscapes that evoke experiences and feelings rather than just being seen. Your painted memories will transport your audience into the very depths of your soul, allowing them to experience firsthand the beauty you experienced.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— St. Augustine
General Itinerary
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.
Day 1: Complete a full project based on a printed landscape of Mulranny. This will give us a full wall-through and hands-on experience in completing our own artistic pieces.
Day 2: Travel day (not Achill Island). You’ll receive tips and demonstrations on how to photograph the sights for artistic purposes while experiencing all the best that Ireland has to offer.
Days 3-6: Back at the studio, learn to edit our photos using Canva (or your preferred editor) for direct use in our art. We’ll break down the mixed media steps into tutorials brimming with creativity, providing a week of creative exploration and fulfillment.
About Christina
Christina Lovisa, a native to Canada’s Capital city, Ottawa, is a self-taught, soulful, contemporary, mixed media artist.
Having responded to a calling to paint and make the world a more "beautiful" place, her channelled art journey began in 2007. Working in a broad range of mediums, from encaustic (beeswax) to acrylic paints and ‘found object assemblage’, she produces a varied range of artworks that emerge from a place of deep connection to her Divine-self. Her paintings have been in shows and galleries in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and New York City. She has an international clientele, which includes Cirque du Soleil and the Micheal Jackson estate. Private galleries in North America represent both her original works and art prints, taking them to clients around the globe. Lovisa has learned to share her process and is recognized as a master mixed media art-instructor.
Reviews
From Our Host Lora
You are warmly invited to stay a while.
We invite you to imagine standing on the panoramic hillside of our studio, taking in the spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s holy mountain).
Open your heart to the profoundly moving drama of constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever changing light show on the bay. The wildness and drama of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.
Lay on a blanket in the heather and watch the stars emerge on a clear night or walk along the rocky shores, to gather shells, driftwood and memories. Find yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life, feel the mystery and beauty of this land, awakening your senses.
This unspoiled place provide a safe place of inspiration and experimentation to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working on, in an amazing state of the art studio..
Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.
Dream about the history of past times, evident in every field with old stone walls, every stoic castle and each abandoned cottage.
Local Villages
Meet the local people, warm, friendly and always happy to chat and share a story or a cup of tea. While you're here, take some time to explore the charming village of Westport, where you can shop at the quaint stores and perhaps stop by a local pub or two.
Connect with Nature
Finding something to inspire you is not hard with the richness of the various eco systems surrounding Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands, bog and heather hills - this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist.
Enriching Excursions
Visit historic sites. Learn about the infamous Irish Pirate Queen and visit one of her many castles. Hear the story of our Stone Age ancestors and experience the myths and magic of Irelands spiritual roots while standing in one of the ancient stone circles. This is indeed a land of legends!
Find Your Inspiration
Make sure to pack your camera and sketchbooks because you're about to embark on a journey that will capture your heart and fill your mind with boundless inspiration. Prepare to be swept away by the sights, sounds, and stories that make this place truly magical.
Your Time with Christina
Your 8 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore!
You can arrive, unpack your suitcase (and your art supplies) and truly relax, at the gorgeous Essence of Mulranny Retreat center, operated by artist, Lora Murphy. We will be visiting enchanting villages, strolling along the beautiful coastline, touring ancient castles and ruins, picnicking in the heather fields and creating all along the way! The creative inspiration will be all around you!
Your home for the week.
This beautiful learning center is complete with well equipped mixed media/encaustic art studio, private bedrooms, a cozy gathering room with fireplace and group kitchen for those midnight snacks!
All meals will be included and prepared by an on-site private chef and will focus on delicious, healthy cuisine. For larger groups we house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.
March 23rd - 30th, 2026
Mind’s Eye Landscapes with Christina Lovisa
US $4,895 $4,595 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,295 $3,995 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Grab the Early Bird Discount - Save $300. Offer ends on Sept 1st.
Included in your retreat:
4 Workshop days
Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
7 nights lodging
Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to Mulranny).
All meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner
All tour & excursion fees
New friends and an art tribe!
Not Included:
Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$500 deposit will secure your place.
It is advisable to have insurance to cover your travel to Ireland and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.
$500.00