Lora Murphy
Painting the Magic and Mystery of Ireland Abstracted Birds, Figures and Landscape
May 16th - 23rd, 2024
June 10th - 17th, 2024
Encaustic Painting Retreat in Mulranny, Ireland
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of encaustic art amidst the mystical landscapes of Mulranny, Ireland. Our exclusive retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient technique of encaustic painting, a method revered since the times of the Greek and Roman empires. We will aim for compositions that features strong, gestural mark-making and a dynamic interplay between light and shadow using layered textures and a palette that reflects the natural elements along with an emphasis on the structural elements within the landscape.
With encaustic we will emphasize a more textured and vigorous brushwork, capturing a sense of raw energy and movement in the landscape and figure.
Our Gorgeous Studios and Surrounds
“The hero’s journey always begins with the call. One way or another, a guide must come to say, ‘Look, you’re in Sleepy Land. Wake. Come on a trip. There is a whole aspect of your consciousness, your being, that’s not been touched. So you’re at home here? Well, there’s not enough of you there.’ And so it starts.
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The focus in this workshop is Encaustic paint, Oil Paint, Cold Wax, Chalk Paint, Drawing Materials and more. Each day, Lora will provide demonstrations on techniques, including layering, excavating, monoprinting, glazing, color mixing, texture, markmaking, and editing.
What You Will Learn
Fundamental techniques: layering, texturing, and embedding.
Advanced skills: Collage and abstraction, both with landscape and figure.
Artistic expression: developing your unique style and vision.
Students will receive individualized attention on their art process with the aim of expanding their own artistic practice. The class will focus on content, how to see, and how to move work forward. Some may find keeping a written journal useful during this workshop. The journals will not be shared but you may find your words as touchstones to generating imagery.
BONUS: Experience More than Just Art
Guided tours to ancient Celtic sites and local landmarks, connecting you with the land's rich heritage.
Evening storytelling sessions, where local myths come to life.
Opportunities to interact and collaborate with a community of like-minded artists.
About Lora
International Encaustic Artists 2022 La Vendéenne Awards
Outstanding Contribution Lora Murphy’s impact on the world community of artists and the introduction to encaustic has been truly extraordinary.
When the pandemic brought all in-person instruction to a full stop and left artists and teachers stranded in their studios, Lora created the online Painting with Fire encaustic masterclass and single-handedly raised the profile of encaustic instructors while providing significant financial support for the School at Mulranny.
In the past year, 2000 students have joined this wonderful program along with 26 of the best encausticteachers in the world! Lora is continuing Essence of Mulranny’s programming and the online 2023/24 Painting with Fire program started in April 2023.
Lora Murphy was born in Ireland and educated in Ireland, U.S., and Italy. Trained as an oil painter, she now works primarily in Encaustic and mixed media. Lora teaches workshops in contemporary portraiture in encaustic throughout the world and online. In 2018, Lora became the Director of the Essence of Mulranny Art School in Mulranny Co Mayo on the wild west coast of Ireland. Here she has developed an international program andbought together teachers and students from all over the world. Lora brings a warm, personal touch to her role as Director and in all her actions she demonstrates a philosophy of professional cooperation – not competition – among artists. She has enhanced knowledge, passion and pride for encaustic as a fine art among students and instructors at all stages of their artistic careers. Lora’s artistic career is marked by experimentation, pushing the boundaries of the medium and finding new ways to work with this ancient medium .Her work is expressive, heartfelt and process-driven.
Reviews
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.
Your Time with Lora
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!
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 willlet 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 945 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.
May 16th - 23rd, 2024 / June 10th - 17th, 2024
Painting the Magic and Mystery of Ireland Abstracted Birds, Figures and Landscape
US$3295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
US$3950 for a private bedroom & bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
All supplies
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
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