Dietlind Vander Schaaf

Encaustic, Mindfulness & The Natural World: An Artist Retreat

August 13th - 20th, 2025

In this special retreat at Essence of Mulranny in Mulranny, Ireland, students will focus on their connection to the natural world through practices that cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness.

The purpose of this workshop is to leave participants feeling deeply relaxed and renewed. Activities will include yoga, proprioceptive writing, visits to local sites, meditative walks in nature, drawing and mark making exercises, and painting. We will take inspiration from the natural world - incorporating dried plant material, using fresh leaves as stencils, transferring drawings, and interpreting the landscape abstractly with encaustic paint.

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Appropriate for both representational and abstract artists. Materials used will include encaustic paint and medium, Pigment Sticks, Blending Medium, Pan Pastel, charcoal, graphite, oil pastel, Deco Foil, and India ink. Begin your day with a light breakfast, practice yoga, enjoy brunch, take walks in nature, and paint for hours. Each student will have 1:1 time with the instructor. Participants should have a basic mastery of encaustic technique.

Join Us in Mulranny

“Yoga was one of my first loves and I have had the great fortune of finding excellent teachers along my path.”

“I took my first class at 19 and even though the breathing exercises seemed pretty weird to me at the time, I knew instinctively that practicing offered me a way to become centered, to quiet the noise in my head, and to return home to myself.

Nine years ago I celebrated my 40th birthday by completing a month long yoga teacher training and during the past few years I’ve taken another 300 hours of advanced trainings. The best part of this all has been finding a way to weave yoga and yogic philosophy into my art retreats and workshops.

When Lora Murphy invited me to teach a week-long encaustic retreat, I knew immediately that I wanted it to combine both yoga and painting. Having visited Mulranny this fall, I am already looking forward to returning. It is so incredibly beautiful in that part of Ireland.”

Join the Workshop

About Dietlind

“The Japanese word jikan refers to the silence between two thoughts. In this vein, my work is an attempt to render temporary, fleeting moments of beauty, balance, and stillness visible.”

“I describe my paintings as the place where the inner landscape and the outer landscape meet. Through texture, pattern, mark making, and color, I convey an emotional tone of calm-centeredness. There is a strong narrative underpinning present. Each painting is a poem of sorts.

My work references teachings from Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism, the poetic traditions, and contemplative practices including yoga and meditation. I am influenced by writings on meditation and quiet by Pico Iyer, Jon Kabat-Zinn, David Hinton, and Gordon Hessler, as well as the minimal work of artists Agnes Martin, Hiroyuki Hamada, and Zarina Hashmi, and far too many poets to name.“

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. Shop in our local village of Westport and pop into 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

Bring your camera, your sketchbooks and prepare to lose your heart in it all, your mind full of inspiration.

Grab Your Spot

Your Time with Dietlind

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!

Join Us in Mulranny

Here is a general itinerary for your time in this magical place.

There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.

Day 1: Arrival

We will collect you all at Westport Train station at 4pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, about 30 mins drive. After a champagne reception,we will gather for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM or DeBrun house.

Day 2: Studio!

The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a short walk from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.

We will serve lunch at 1pm each studio day at the MAC.

Day 3: Day Trip

This day is an all day trip to Achill Island. Lunch will be at a lovely little restaurant (your expense)

Dinner will be served back at EOM.

Day 4: Studio!

As above, and dinner will be at a lovely little pub in the Village (included)

Day 5: Studio!

We often have a special entertainment on this evening but it depends on availability. We will let you know.

Day 6: 1/2 Studio

1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner will be at the Famous Nevins restaurant (your expense).

Day 7: 1/2 Studio!

1⁄2 Studio day and finishing up work. Pizza party dinner with wine and sharing.

Day 8: Departure Day

The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin.

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.

Join Us in Mulranny

August 13th - 20th, 2025