I’ve always been a wanderluster.
Travel, unfamiliar places, new cultures, and the act of exploring the world have deeply shaped who I am, both as an artist and as a human. But wanderlust, for me, has never been only about getting on a plane.
It’s also about local exploration, discovering places close to home we’ve never truly seen OR seeing new places through the eyes of a local.
And it’s also about inner travel, wandering through our personal realms of curiosity, emotion, memory, and creativity.
I’ve always loved how wanderlust gently echoes wonder. At the heart of everything I teach is the wonder of creativity itself, the curiosity to ask "what if?", and the courage to follow where that leads.
This retreat is an invitation to explore:
the world around you
the creativity within you
and the wonder that’s been quietly waiting to be rediscovered
It’s a thoughtfully held experience, with structure where it’s helpful, and enough spaciousness to allow for magic to unfold.
Some of the most meaningful moments on my retreats over the years have been the unplanned ones: quiet conversations, creative breakthroughs, shared laughter, moments of deep rest, and unexpected inspiration.
Painting Together in Ireland
Our painting sessions are inspired by the colors, textures, and landscapes of Mulranney and surrounds.
Working in my signature mixed-media style, sessions move from exercise to exercise in a playful, non-linear way. Expect sketching, paint, acrylic inks, collage, expressive mark-making, layering, and intuitive decision-making... Always with an emphasis on process over perfection.
Rather than focusing on finished outcomes, we’ll focus on:
process over product
curiosity over control
intuition over expectation
No pressure. No perfection.
Just curiosity, colour, connection, and creative flow.
Whether you’re new to painting or have years of experience, my teaching meets you where you are, encouraging confidence, freedom, and authentic self-expression.
During your stay, you’ll cover:
Introduction to acrylic inks and mixed media
Layering techniques
Approaching collage, sketching on the go, and whimsical portraits
Exploring glazing, composition, and narrative
Loosening up and breaking free from self-criticism
Combining personal experience and imagery to create paintings that tell your own story
Activating your imagination and creating compelling paintings with fresh energy
Boosting your artistic confidence
...and much more.
You'll experiment freely with acrylic inks, paints, oil pastels, charcoal, and pencils, diving into layering, composition, glazing, and visual storytelling naturally and intuitively. Tracy’s warm, supportive teaching style encourages you to embrace spontaneity, overcome hesitation, and fully immerse yourself in the joy of creating.
Enjoy a nurturing environment designed to inspire meaningful connections, personal growth, and artistic discovery. Surround yourself with fellow creatives who will share inspiration, encouragement, and camaraderie throughout your artistic journey.
About Tracy Verdugo
Tracy Verdugo is a painter, author, and gentle creative guide whose “curiosity and wonder” approach inspires students worldwide.
From her vibrant Jervis Bay studio in Australia to workshops and retreats across the globe, she encourages artists to loosen up and embrace possibility. Tracy’s joyful, color-rich work reflects her travels, her deep love of storytelling, and a life filled with family and art.
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 Tracy 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.
July 6th - 13th, 2027
Paint Your Wanderlust Ireland
with Tracy Verdugo
US $4,995 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,395 for a private bedroom / shared bathroom
US $4,095 for a shared twin bedroom / 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 lunch & 1 dinner
Wine included with 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.