Join an immersive retreat class on Contemporary Portraiture with Torsten Wolber, one of Europe’s most acclaimed painters.
In this inspiring workshop, participants will explore the art of capturing the human spirit through modern techniques and expressive approaches to portrait painting.
Guided by Wolber’s masterful eye and decades of professional experience, you’ll learn to balance realism with abstraction, experiment with color and composition, and develop a personal visual language that brings portraits to life. Set in a tranquil, creative environment, the retreat combines in-depth demonstrations, one-on-one mentoring, and dynamic group critiques offering artists of all levels a rare opportunity to refine their craft under the guidance of a true contemporary master.
Spaces limited for this deep dive immersive experience!
“Here, land and sea meet at the threshold of a powerful creative adventure.“
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from his inspiring approach and unique teaching style.
Explore contemporary oil painting, unleash your creativity, and draw expressive portraits with an innovative technique.
Over the course of this 3-day workshop, Torsten Wolber will demonstrate his signature alla prima painting technique, guiding participants on how to free their mindset from rigid expectations and discover their authentic artistic voice. Together with Torsten, you will explore the delicate balance between traditional portraiture and contemporary painting, discussing where the boundaries lie and how they can be creatively crossed.
Torsten will help you loosen your painting arm and unlock the expressive artist within. From laying down tones and color across the canvas to understanding the nuances of values, he will introduce the principles of hard, soft and lost edges, alongside his distinctive use of “imaginative shapes.” Through this process, you’ll develop a solid grasp of composition, enabling you to paint with greater freedom and confidence, ultimately achieving a fresh, dynamic style
Meet Torsten Wolber
Although illustration was my dream job even as a child, there was always this feeling that one day I would paint and create my own ideas.
But “one day” is not a day on the calendar, and so it took a literal punch in the face during a robbery for me to realize that dreams need to be lived while we are still willing and able to do so. So now.
I already had 10 years of experience in plein air painting, but now there was no turning back. On January 1, 2020, at the age of 55, I declared myself a painter and worked with all my energy on my technique. My biggest surprise was that painting does not work like illustration: the result was no longer the focus, but rather the actual process of painting was the path that was the goal.
Since then, a video camera has accompanied most of my paintings. I want to get closer to the actual effect of painting, I want to understand why and how resonance arises.
I quickly focused on portraits and figurative painting because my academic training allows me to best bring out the emotional range and experiential depth and expression in these genres. I prefer a lively and spontaneous painting style that changes and reorients itself repeatedly during the painting process.
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 Torsten 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.
-
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 to meet Torsten for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM .
-
The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a few steps away from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm but Torsten will be available for guidance
We will serve lunch at 12.30 pm each studio day at the MAC.
-
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.
-
Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm. Dinner at 6 and you can paint away afterwards to your hearts content!
-
Painting all day. Evening entertainment
-
1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner out at a cosy pub
-
1/2 Studio day and finishing up work. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.
-
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 9th to 16th, 2026
“Contemporary Portraiture ”
with Torsten Wolber
US $3,995 $3,695 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $3795 $3,495 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Grab the Early Bird Discount - Save $300. Limited spots only.
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