This retreat will focus on Encaustic painting with oil pigment sticks, Drawing Oils while exploring mixed-media collage techniques.
You will develop your style gaining confidence with fusing, texture/accretion, collage, incising and stencils, which will provide you with the opportunity to make a series of work. You will experiment with incorporating photos printed on tissue paper and creating Gelli monotype prints using oil pigment sticks as "ink" to create collage papers to combine with encaustic.
There will be time to nurture the whole self, to slow down and soak in the beautiful surroundings in Mulranny, Ireland with all of your senses. This retreat is appropriate for both representational and abstract artists, from moderate to advanced and at any stage of your studio practice.
You will be empowered to show up and be a "YES" to yourself while learning new painting techniques to uncover your unique voice.
Led by artist Jodi Reeb, she will guide you through different exercises working in a fun, playful, yet meaningful way to not only allow art-making shifts, but also a beautiful time seeing the sights in Ireland.
Meet the Artist
Jodi Reeb received a BFA degree in Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, MCAD, where she instructed printmaking for over 9 years.
Jodi has been a full-time working artist creating paintings and sculpture and a teacher in Minneapolis for over 29 years. She has exhibited throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Netherlands and Ireland. She has received support for her work through the Minnesota State Arts Grants in 2026, 2021 and 2018. Reeb has been awarded numerous artist residencies including Hinge Arts, MN, North Dakota Museum of Arts, and Vermont Art Center. Her work is in many residential and corporate collections including Google Headquarters, NY, United HealthCare Group Headquarters, DC, Dain and Rauscher, PA, University of Minnesota, CBS Conservatory, and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
She is a CORE teaching artist for R&F Handmade Paints, an Arts Ambassador for Ampersand Art panels, and a teaching artist for Silverbrush, Ltd.
She has taught printmaking, acrylic and encaustic painting as well as book arts classes/workshops at colleges and art centers regionally and internationally. She has taught encaustic workshops at the Essence of Mulranny in Ireland, Zijidelings in Netherlands, Kunstfreiraum in Basel, Switzerland, and San Miguel De Allende. Nationally, she has taught workshops at Arrowmont School of Craft, Penland School of Art, Tubac Center for the Arts, Wild Rice Retreat in WI, and Haystack School of Art as well as San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She has been an online video instructor with Painting with Fire for 4 years and has taught workshops at the International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown, Massachusets for the past 7 years. She teaches monthly painting workshops in her NE Minneapolis studio and offers art study coaching to artists for professional development.
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 Jodi 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’ll greet you at Westport Train Station at 4pm and bring you on a picturesque 30-minute drive to Mulranny.
Your arrival will be celebrated with a champagne reception, followed by a beautifully prepared dinner where we’ll share stories and set the tone for the days ahead.
As evening falls, you’ll be welcomed into the comfort of your accommodations at Heather Rise, DeBrun House, or Shangri-La, each offering its own charm and restful retreat.
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The MAC studio will be open daily from 9am to 8pm, just a short walk from the residence areas.
Classes run from 9:30am to 4pm, with a delicious lunch served at 12:30pm each studio day in the MAC.
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Your guide for the day is Colum, whose deep knowledge of Achill and lively sense of humour make every moment memorable. This full-day trip takes you across the island’s stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, wide beaches, and rich local history.
We’ll stop for lunch at the cozy café The Beehive (at your own expense) before returning to Mulranny via stops for photo ops and points of interest.
A light dinner will be served at the MAC for 6:30pm
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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.
June 29th - July 6th, 2027
Visual Language with Encaustic
with Jodi Reeb
US $4,295 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $3,995 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.
$500.00