Francisco Benitez and Hazló are masters of two of the most ancient painting mediums the world has known.
This two-part workshop will introduce students to these ancient mediums, culminating in a work which will fuse both. Fresco was developed in cave paintings which date to our earliest humanity, and encaustic was invented in Ancient Greece and Egypt millennia ago, culminating in the evocative Fayum portraits dating to the time of Christ.
What to Expect
Students will be immersed in these grand traditions of the past, to develop their own sensibilities and apply this knowledge to their contemporary artmaking practice. They will be shown the materials, techniques, and philosophies of each medium, and at the end, as ancient artists would do, create a work which integrates both encaustic and fresco.
Students will become the artist who sketches their design, the mason who spreads the lime and marble mortar onto the surface, the fresco painter who grinds the colored earth with water, or the encaustic artist who masters fire, as their brushes are bringing a portrait to life. They will connect with those privileged moments when the mind synchronizes with the material, attuned to the tempo of the setting lime as it gradually crystallizes, or focusing on the wax melting under their flame! Techniques will be taught, such as the development of the “cartoon”, or transfer drawing, onto the wet plaster, and the subsequent creation of tones and modelling. Wax techniques will be introduced to the students, including hot wax and the ancient cold wax technique, called Punic Wax, which can be melded with fresco with beautiful and surprising results.
About Francisco
FRANCISCO BENITEZ is considered a leading master of the ancient encaustic technique, most notably that of the Fayum portraits.
He has exhibited internationally, principally in the United States, the U.K., France, Sweden, Italy, and Spain. He has given master workshops at R&F Paints in New York, Patris Studios in Sacramento, in various venues in Santa Fe, and most recently at the Harvard Art Museums during a recent exhibition of the Fayum portraits.
Francisco Benitez shares his time between Santa Fe and Provence, both places where he works.
About Hazlo
HAZLÓ has practised fresco painting for over two decades, and through his exhibitions and encounters, he has had the opportunity to share his work far and wide.
A former saxophonist, he set aside his passion for music to found "Les Marbres Bleus," a company with which he spent many years restoring historic homes in the south of France—particularly in Provence—using traditional painting and plastering techniques (lime, distemper, stucco…) for interior decoration. The expertise he gained over countless projects ultimately allowed him to develop a highly personal, contemporary artistic expression, while still employing the millennia-old techniques of ancient craftsmanship.
Hazló lives and works in Gordes, Provence.
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 Us at EOM
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 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 for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM or DeBrun house.
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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.
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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.
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Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.and dinner will be at a lovely little pub in the Village (included)
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We often have a special entertainment on this evening but it depends on availability. We will let you know.
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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).
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1/2 Studio day and finishing up work. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.
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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 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.
September 27th - October 4th, 2027
Mastering the Craft: Where Tradition Meets Creation in Every Brushstroke with Francisco Benitez & Hazló
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)
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.
Francisco Benitez & Hazló
$500.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.