Andrea Garvey
“Create Joy in the Emerald Isle”
Sketching, Watercolour + Mixed Media”
July 14th - 21st, 2025
Explore the beauty of Ireland with color and mark-making in fresh new ways to help create more expressive artworks in the studio. Inspired by the coast of Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands and heather hills, we will create beautiful memories in our sketchbooks and on paper with watercolors and mixed media.
Learn how to “see” fresh color palettes, shapes, patterns, and textures on our excursions that can be incorporated into future artworks.
Here's what you can look forward to in this art retreat:
Sketching on location and in the studio with watercolors and pen
Experiment with creating an inspired color palette, mark-making, and other mixed-media materials.
Gain confidence and learn techniques with a sketchbook practice
Learn how to be more intuitive in your work, using nature for inspiration.
Fill your art journal and travel sketchbooks with memorable pieces from our trip
About Andrea
After a wonderful career as a Creative Director in the corporate world, Andrea decided to chase her dream of becoming a full-time artist when she turned 50.
It was a leap of faith she has never regretted. Now, Andrea is all about spreading the joy of creativity far and wide, teaching art classes online, and building a community of fellow art enthusiasts. Her mission? To sprinkle a bit of color and joy into everyone's lives and help them discover their inner artist.
Andrea's art is a delicious mix of abstract playfulness and real-world beauty, all done with a free-flowing, intuitive style. She dives into her work with layers upon layers of lines, marks, and all sorts of paints and tools, creating vibrant colors and textures. It reminds her of the little things that make life beautiful—from the bold clash of orange and pink to the soothing harmony of turquoise and red.
Now residing with her family in sunny Santa Cruz, California, Andrea finds endless inspiration in the sea and the local flowers, which are always in bloom. She feels like she's living in a dream, and she's beyond grateful for the chance to share her passion with the world.
Andrea was born in Limerick, Ireland, and can’t wait to return to Emerald Island with an amazing group of people who are ready to tap into their creativity, have fun, and be inspired by all the beauty!
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. 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 Andrea
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!
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 14th - 21st, 2025
Colorful Joy in the Emerald Isle with Andrea Garvey
US$3950 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US$3295 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
Accommodation: