Elizabeth Schowachert
"The Art of Tools"
June 30th - July 7th, 2025
The workshop focuses on encaustic monotype artistry, emphasizing innovation in mark-making on a heated plate with encaustic mediums. Participants will explore various mark-making techniques, utilizing carbon and encaustic paint for creating exquisite prints. Additionally, ink will be applied to the backs of completed prints to create depth and add color, utilizing the wax's resistive properties. The program includes unique methods like adhering prints to panels and employing carbon strategically.
Participants will have access to a range of specially developed silicone tools (brushes, blades and drawing tools) to enhance creative expression. The workshop aims to challenge traditional art forms, encouraging exploration of dynamic and fluid techniques to broaden artistic capabilities.
Included materials for participants:
Two cradled Panels
Encaustic medium and paint (Carbon and R&F Paints)
Scroll and Masa paper
Talas Jade #403 adhesive
Various tools for workshop use
Brusho ink and India ink
Heated Palettes for the encaustic process
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth has a deep connection with nature that she channels into her artwork.
Based in Montana, Elizabeth is inspired by the captivating beauty of her surroundings and often uses found materials from her environment in her brush and tool designs. Elizabeth believes strongly in the power of connection. When she creates her designs, she is forming a connection between nature and the brush or tool she creates. And a second connection is formed when she works with the brushes she produces, as she develops a unique appreciation for the remarkable ability of her creations to make distinct marks that uncover inspiring visuals. With a deep respect for nature and a passion for art, Elizabeth is committed to crafting meaningful and beautiful pieces that evoke emotion and captivate viewers Elizabeth’s encaustic monotype work also speaks to this connection. Her practice reflects years of designing, crafting, and working with a wide variety of silicone tools in combination with carbon black encaustic paint. Having taught in-person workshops in Texas for over a decade, Elizabeth relocated to Bigfork, Montana in 2019. There, she continues to offer a variety of courses and workshops online and still teaches in person in TX, with an emphasis on Sumi-e brushwork, encaustic monotype creation, and working with her fiber and silicone tools. Elizabeth's artwork has been displayed internationally in exhibitions spanning the US and Asia.
See more of Elizabeth’s work at elizabethschowachertart.com
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 Elizabeth
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!
Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.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 will let 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. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.
Day 8: Departure Day
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 30th - July 7th, 2025
“The Art of Tools” with Elizabeth Schowachert
US$3295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
US$3950 for a private 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 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: