Have you ever wondered what would happen if one painting led naturally to another? In this workshop, you’ll explore how a simple idea can grow into a connected body of work using the Abstraction by Design (AbD) method.
Through layering paint and paper, building surfaces, and revealing unexpected textures and forms, you’ll learn how to create relationships between panels while developing your own abstract language. As the series unfolds, you’ll discover how color, shape, texture, and composition can flow from one panel to the next.
This workshop is designed for artists who want to loosen up, explore new possibilities, and gain confidence creating multiple abstract works that belong together.
What is Abstraction by Design- AbD
Abstraction by Design (AbD) is a mixed media method rooted in the layered interplay of paper and paint applied directly to panel surfaces. Through simultaneous application, artists create a foundation that explores sanding, scraping, saturating, peeling, collaging, and repainting, often in repeated cycles. This process encourages experimentation and embraces unpredictability. Wet and dry techniques are often used side-by-side, allowing for dynamic, textured surfaces to emerge organically.
What You’ll Learn
How to create a cohesive series of abstract works
Ways to connect paintings through color, shape, and composition
Techniques for layering paint and collage materials
How to build rich surfaces through the AbD process
Strategies for making creative decisions across multiple panels
How working in series can expand your artistic vision
No matter where you are in your creative journey, this workshop offers a supportive environment to experiment, discover, and grow.
About Michael
“I am an abstract artist living and working in Northern California. Largely self-taught, my path into the art world was anything but conventional, shaped by years moving between applied arts and visual expression.”
Over the past two decades, my work has evolved through a close, physical engagement with material and process. As technology began to shift how art was made, I felt compelled to slow things down, to return to fundamental materials like paper, paint, water, and gypsum. By simplifying my approach, abstraction became less about image and more about action, reaction, restraint, and reveal.
This inquiry led to the Surface Tension, Chroma, and G+P series. Each body of work is driven by organic processes using minimal materials and forces such as pressure, friction, gravity, and excavation. What remains after the process is what matters most.
Alongside my studio practice, I teach the principles of Abstraction by Design (AbD) through workshops and private mentoring. Teaching over the past seven years has deepened my work and reinforced my belief in creative community, shared inquiry, and collaboration.
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.
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. 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 Michael 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 28th - June 4th, 2027
Linear Thinking | Think in series. Create in flow.
with Michael Shemchuk
US $4,295 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $3995 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.
Michael Shemchuk
$500.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.