This 8-day retreat will be a blend of studio time, enriching excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of time to relax and explore.
We will stroll along the beautiful coastline, visit enchanting villages, tour ancient castles and ruins, and create along the way.
Many of our favorite artists create landscapes that capture the feel of a place rather than what you might view through a camera lens, and that will be the goal of our journey together. Linda will share some of her favorite ways to create art that represents much more than a postcard version of your time in Ireland.
A wonderful way to loosen up and let go of what you see in front of you is to simplify and abstract the landscape.
There’s no need to depict every leaf on a tree when your brain fills in the rest with the right suggestion. Your paintings don’t have to be realistic at all. Instead, you can make them magical, and Linda will guide you in making that happen.
She’ll take you through fun exercises in choosing colors, quick sketching, and using word play to reveal new ways to approach encaustic painting and collage. We’ll also share experiences that we can draw from to help one another create much deeper work.
Most importantly, Linda will share how to imbue your encaustic paintings more directly with the spirit of the land.
We’ll create collage papers using materials from where we wander; emerald fields, winding paths, and ancient castle walls.
This imagery will be used in the paintings we create, and we’ll have a community table where we can share what we’ve collected. Throughout our time together we’ll be sharing both materials and ideas while creating long-lasting connections. We hope you'll join us in embracing Ireland and Embracing Magic!
Meet Linda Robertson
Linda Robertson creates imagined landscapes in encaustic, with vibrant colors reminiscent of her childhood in Hawai’i and her current residence in the Pacific Northwest.
Her multi-layered paintings celebrate how color and light interplay with lush botanical forms in nature. Linda is a nationally recognized artist, an art instructor for over 20 years, and author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She has been featured speaker and instructor at numerous art conferences across the US and in Ireland.
Linda is a recipient of the International Encaustic Artists prestigious La Vendéenne Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement and practice of encaustic painting. Her work has been published in books and periodicals including American Art Collector, Authentic Visual Voices, and Professional Artist Magazine. Paint with Linda in person at her 3-day retreats on Whidbey Island Washington and in her private studio in Vancouver Washington.
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 the constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever-changing light show on the bay. The wildness and grandeur of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.
Lie 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. Feel yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life as the mystery and beauty of this land awaken your senses.
This unspoiled landscape provides a haven of inspiration and experimentation, a place to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working with, all within 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 Linda 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.
May 18th - 25th, 2027
Embracing Magic with Linda Robertson
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.
$500.00