Francisco Benitez
Homage to Fayum: Painting Figuratively in Encaustic
May 7th - 14th, 2025
Come to Ireland to study encaustic with Francisco Benitez, a highly-respected specialist of historical figurative encaustic techniques. Long fascinated by the funerary portrait paintings from Fayum, he has taught workshops at Harvard University, R&F Paints, and numerous other places internationally. The workshop teaching will last 5 days, and will be a thorough exploration of ancient techniques and materials, using the live model. There will also be trips organized to visit beautiful sites in this stunning part of Ireland.
Francisco Benitez, a New Mexico-based artist, mastered art historical figurative techniques in oil before switching over to encaustic. Long fascinated by the funerary portrait paintings from Fayum, and the mystery of the great lost school of Greek painters, he embarked on a quest to master the techniques of the Ancients using both modern and ancient tools. Join him here, to find out how…
What You Will Learn
In this workshop, the students will learn how to prepare the proplasmos, or Greek version of verdaccio underpainting, to then subsequently develop their paintings with heated tools, certain cauteria (spatulas), heat guns, and brushes, while at the same time gaining insight into flesh tone chromatics through the use of the tetrachromy, or four-color palette of the Greek and Fayum painters. This workshop will give students the basics of encaustic figurative painting, which can be later developed and expanded according to their specific sensibilities.
About Francisco
Francisco Benítez (b. 1967) was raised in New Mexico, New York, and Spain.
His mother, a flamenco dancer and choreographer, and his father, a Spanish set designer, influenced his subsequent interest in tenebrist painting and baroque art. Benítez studied Classics at St. John’s College (Santa Fe), and then academic painting techniques and anatomy/figure drawing at the Art Student’s League in New York City. Benítez subsequently obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Mexico, during which time he studied abroad at the Facultad de Bellas Artes in Granada, Spain, through an exchange program, and later did graduate-level independent study.
Benítez lived in Southern France for over four years, during which he participated in a number of museum shows. He exhibited at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain de Nice, and co-organized, curated, and participated in an exhibition featuring cutting-edge New Mexico artists at the Musée Denys-Puech in Rodez, France. Benítez also had several one-person and group shows in Southern France as well as in Paris.
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 Francisco
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!
As above, 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 willlet 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. Pizza party dinner with wine and sharing.
Day 8: Departure Day
The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 945 departure to Dublin.
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 7th - 14th, 2025
Homage to Fayum: Painting Figuratively in Encaustic
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 required that you 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: