Join me in the magic of western Ireland, where we’ll explore not only the pristine, peacefully wild landscape and the engaging, playful people of this area but also where we will unleash our creativity!
“I create intuitively, wondering where the painting will take me. Making random marks with pencils and charcoal, dripping paint, lifting out, and painting over, I build up layers until the visual elements command attention, offer something new, and until the images feel alive. I want my art to surprise me.
The intuitive voice is a whisper based on "what if" rather than rules or learned concepts. When I paint, I don't rely on preconceived notions of where I want to end up. It is as if I am singing a song while writing it. When I completely "let go," something beyond myself writes that song.”
— Joan Fullerton
This opportunity will immerse you into a place of soul refreshment, invigorate your curiosity, stimulate your ability to let go and laugh, and enhance your ability to express your inner and outer worlds with paint.
I can’t wait to share the coastal views, the Old Irish Goats, the holy mountain Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, and more!
Be inspired by Joan as you learn to…
Be receptive to an inspiring adventure in a beautiful location.
Make soul-satisfying art.
Be bold in your vulnerability.
Learn new techniques for expression.
Practice trusting your intuitive knowing.
Create a meaningful ritual for your imagination.
Ultilize contrasts for visual interest.
Collage local ephemera into your composition.
Design visual elements into a dynamic abstract composition.
Impose hints of representation into an abstract composition.
Complete your paintings with titles, a signature, varnishing, and framing.
Describe your art with descriptive language to understand and learn from your art.
About Joan
“My painting process is one of experimentation and discovery. While I do not work with a predetermined subject in mind, I often end up with paintings symbolic of man’s connection to the Earth.”
Joan Fullerton is an acclaimed international Artist Educator devoted to the upliftment of others. She is an expert creativity coach who inspires uninhibited humor, the ability to trust your impulses and to play like a child. A non-judgmental approach to artmaking expands students' confidence enabling genuine, expressive paintings. Her fine-art career of 50+ years has produced hundreds of poetic paintings hanging in museums and private collections worldwide.
Fullerton used her MFA painting degree to become an award-winning college art instructor. After 13 years of gaining valuable teaching experience in the classroom, she lived, painted, and exhibited full-time in Taos, NM. When divorce created a need for income, Fullerton evolved her unique teaching methods to a workshop format and moved to the Denver area. As her reputation grew, she widened her reach well beyond the studio. Now Fullerton inspires audiences internationally.
While she has been featured in several television interviews, painting blogs, magazine articles, and books, Joan Fullerton is most proud of her online art experience, "Paint Yourself Free.".
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 Joan
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.
September 13th - 20th, 2025
Paint Yourself Free in Ireland with Joan Fullerton
US$4250 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US$3895 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: