What does it mean to create a painting that is informed by the natural world around us, but is not exactly representational? The difference between representational painting and abstract painting is that in abstract work, the subject is not as evident.
Working with acrylic paints, students will be encouraged to let go of object orientation and see the landscape simply as shapes, colors and values. This workshop explores abstraction, composition, color and mark making, through the lens of landscape.
Students will learn how to coax hints of reality from an abstract background and perhaps how to integrate some textural and/or collage materials.
We will begin our trip to Mulranny by exploring the landscape so that we can get some photo references. We will then go to the studio and work at abstracting our photos and developing our acrylic paintings in an abstract manner.
We will work with our photos and transform them into rich, energetic paintings. Starting with some warm up exercises – we’ll create a series of several quickly done small abstracts on paper or in a journal/sketchbook. We’ll then move onto a larger substrate and start fresh with the same reference image. The goal is to create abstract paintings reminiscent of the world around us. This workshop is good for all levels of students. All paints and mediums are provided.
About Inspiration..
“The most Important thing is to hold on, hold out, for your creative life, for your solitude, for your time to be and do for your very life”
—Clarissa Pinkola Estes
About Jacqueline
Mixed media, acrylic paints, pastels. calligraphy, bookbinding, and fiber arts - I have loved them all since I first discovered each medium.
I have a degree in graphic design and worked for many years as a publication, marketing and advertising designer, but my passion has always been with color and paint, no matter what the surface. Personal artistic development has been a lifeline as I work my way through the challenges life has brought. My mixed media, book art, calligraphic and acrylic work has been shown in galleries and top juried art fairs throughout the U.S. and Canada.
My work has been published in Somerset Studio Magazine, Cloth Paper and Scissors Magazine, The Book, “The Best of Cloth, Paper and Scissors” and the “Best of Acrylic Works 6 & 7, published by F & W Media. I believe that asking “what if?” and keeping a spirit of adventure and discovery is important as I follow my creative path. I live and paint in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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 Jacqueline
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 5th - 12th, 2025
Painting the Landscape of Mulranny
with Jacqueline Sullivan
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: