Join Dietlind Vander Schaaf and Paula Jeffers for a 9 day retreat that will help you develop your natural rhythm through various modes of creative expression.
Dietlind will guide participants in the art of encaustic painting, focusing on building rich layers that create a sense of luminous, optical depth. Students will develop both skill and confidence as they explore painting in representational or abstract styles. Along the way, you’ll experiment with a variety of mixed media techniques compatible with encaustic, learning how and when to incorporate them for the most expressive results.
In addition to painting, Paula will lead calming sessions that explore knitting as meditation, offering a mindful balance to the creative intensity of the studio.
Join us for a truly conscious travel experience that weaves together art, movement, and nourishment — with opportunities for wild swimming, outdoor sketching, labyrinth walking, morning hikes, yoga, and delicious, wholesome meals.
No prior experience is needed — just an open heart and a spirit of curiosity.
“Here, land and sea meet at the threshold of a powerful creative adventure.“
About Dietlind
Dietlind Vander Schaaf holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco and an MA from the University of Southern Maine.
Her work has been described as “the transformation of disparate objects into elegantly simple compositions of pattern and grace” (Artscope). Vander Schaaf has exhibited at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, The Fuller Craft Museum, and On Center Gallery, among others, and been featured in Maine Home + Design, Decor Maine, UPPERCASE, and Downeast magazines.
Vander Schaaf is a Core Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints, an Ampersand Ambassador, and the former president of New England Wax. She has taught workshops throughout the country, including Haystack, Arrowmont, Castle Hill, Snow Farm, Penland, Maine College of Art, R&F, and internationally at Zijdelings in The Netherlands, Essence of Mulranny in Ireland, and Kunstfreiraum in Switzerland. The recipient of grants from the Maine Arts Commission and International Encaustic Artists, as well as a Tending Space Artist Fellowship from the Hemera Foundation, she is represented by Portland Art Gallery and Artemis Gallery. Vander Schaaf is a 500 hr Kripalu yoga instructor with specialty training in meditation, advanced asana, Ayurveda, vinyasa, and pranayama, as well as a Level 2 Archery Instructor through USA Archery.
About Paula
Paula Jeffers graduated with an MA in Fashion and Knitwear from Central St. Martins, London, and has spent over 40 years in the clothing and retail industry, including running two stores of her own. Her work has appeared on the Paris and London catwalks, as well as in high street shops and luxury boutiques throughout her career.
Creating with her hands has always been at the heart of Paula’s life. The rhythm of knitting is essential to her wellbeing, and she loves sharing that passion and knowledge with others. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced knitter, Paula offers simple, tactile projects using natural yarns that you can create and finish during your retreat.
She takes her knitting everywhere and hopes you’ll discover the same joy and calm that it brings her.
You can read more about her work and current store at 3singingbirds.com.
Reviews
From all of us here at EOM
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.
Set in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Essence of Mulranny Studios provides a sanctuary for creativity—where the rugged beauty of Ireland’s west coast becomes both backdrop and inspiration. Surrounded by stone walls, sea air, and the deep-rooted myths of the land, you’ll find the perfect setting to truly immerse yourself in your work and your growth.
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 Dietlind & Paula at EOM
Your 9 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 yours truly. 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 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.
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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 to meet Torsten for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM .
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(Clare Island for drawing and sketching)
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Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm. Dinner at 6 and you can paint away afterwards to your hearts content!
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Painting all day. Evening entertainment.
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End early to visit Gift of Hands, goats, and have group dinner at Nevins
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The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin or the Galway bus.
Your home for the 9 days
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.
August 6th to 14th, 2027
Creating Your Rhythm:
Painting, Knitting + The Natural World
with Dietlind Vander Schaaf & Paula Jeffers
US $4,895 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
8 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