Painting the Elements: Nature, Light & the Wild Atlantic
A Mulranny Painting Experience 2026Join me on a journey of colour, connection, and creativity this May in the heart of Mulranny, Co.Mayo
A 2-Day En Plein Air Painting Workshop in Mulranny, Co. Mayo
Step away from the ordinary and into a world of colour, connection, and creativity. Join us in the magnificent landscape of Mulranny on the Wild Atlantic Way – where sea, sky, mountain and marsh converge – for a creative and immersive painting workshop. Over two days you’ll reconnect with nature, harness the atmospheric forces around you, and translate light, texture and movement into your own artwork.
Dates: 19th & 20th September 2026
Location: Mulranny, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
The coastal village is situated on the isthmus between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay, offering panoramic views of Clew Bay, its islands, and the Nephin Mountains.
Level: All levels welcome — whether you’re new to en plein air work or experienced and looking to push your boundaries.
Media: Oils, acrylics, watercolour or mixed media – you choose.
Group size: Small and focused (max 12) so you receive plenty of personalised support.
Why This Workshop is Special
Work directly outdoors at stunning locations in and around Mulranny – beach, woodland, mountain vistas, marsh and shoreline – letting the elements (wind, water, sky, terrain) guide your creative response.
Learn To Interpret And Express The Elemental Forces...
Learn how wind shapes foliage, how changing light and cloud define form and mood, how sea spray or marsh reflections add texture and energy to a scene.
Guided Demonstrations
Mix guided demonstrations and encouragement with time to explore your own subject and visual voice. Nina will provide one to one support but also give you space to choose your own spot and project.
Whatever The Weather
Come rain, wind or sunshine — you’ll be supported. We have full use of the Mulranny studio with beautiful views out over Clew Bay.
Location
Mulranny is conveniently placed on the Wild Atlantic Way, with views over Clew Bay, the Nephin Beg Mountains and the expanses of the Atlantic. Mulranny sits right on the northern shore of Clew Bay, overlooking the islands and the tidal flats – an ideal base for creative outdoor painting.
Studio Sessions
Share your progress, discuss colour, composition, creative choices and challenges in a relaxed and supportive group setting.
Compact Format
From this compact format you’ll leave motivated, refreshed, and with new observational skills, stronger confidence working outdoors — and at least one painting (or four!) to take away.
Workshop Itinerary
Day 1 – “Sky & Wind”
- This workshop will open at 9am each day. Meeting in the studio to set out the plan & locations for the day ahead. Settle in, meet fellow participants, overview of materials and workshop goals. Warm-up sketch exercise – prime & prepare for working En Plein Air.
- Enjoy a coffee before heading off to our 1st painting location.
- Morning en plein air session (approx. 10.30-12.30 – 2-3 hours depending on weather / location): explore sky and wind in landscape – how the elements shape the scene.
- Break for lunch (1:00pm-2:00pm) – relaxed setting, informal chat about the morning’s discoveries.
- Afternoon en plein air session (approx. 2.30-4.30 / 2-3 hours depending on weather / location): focus on foreground/middle ground interplay – grasses, water reflections, movement of light. Demonstration on colour and composition in dynamic outdoor settings.
- After the day regroup at the studio with a cuppa approx.1 hour: Wrap-up sharing: group review, feedback and look ahead to Day 2.
Workshop Itinerary
Day 2 – “Sea, Shore, Stone & Land”
- Morning 9:00am meeting at the studio: Warm-up, choosing subject among shoreline, sheep, rocks, marsh grasses etc.
- Enjoy a coffee before heading off to our 1 st painting location.
- Morning en plein air session (approx. 10.30-12.30 – 2-3 hours depending on weather / location: focus on water, rock formations, land/ animals and atmospheric reflections. Emphasise texture, contrast, and capturing mood under variable skies.
- Break for lunch (1:00pm-2:00pm).
- Afternoon en plein air session (approx. 2.30-4.30 / 2-3 hours depending on weather / location):
Bring together what you’ve learned — choose your scene, work deeper on your piece; optional mini demo on finishing touches, integrating foreground, mid-ground and background. - Final session studio session after the day approx.1 hour: show-and-tell of painting outcomes, constructive feedback, discussion of next steps in your practice, how to keep working en plein air beyond the workshop.
- Close and informal farewells.
What's Included
- Full instruction, tutorials, demonstrations, and guidance throughout the two days.
- On-site location planning and support. Nina will select 2–4 scenic outdoor spots around Mulranny (weather dependent). Includes four guided painting sessions, each approximately 2–3 hours, plus morning and evening studio warm-up and discussion sessions.
- All equipment provided: field and table easels, hairdryers (indoor only), palettes, palette knives, water tubs, wipes, aprons, and more.
- Full use of our indoor studio space, available at all times and as a backup in case of weather changes.
- Lunch provided each day.
- Daily refreshments (tea/coffee) and a light snack break.
- A reference booklet with images and tips for en plein air painting, including gear checklists, weather considerations, quick sketches, view-finding, andcomposition pointers.
- Small group setting (up to 12 students).
- En plein air painting adventures at remote and historic locations.
- A supportive and inspiring environment to explore and develop your artistic skills – suitable for all levels.
- Complimentary gift included.
What To Bring
- Your own complete sketching & painting kit suitable for your preferred medium – or purchase an add on to include everything you need to work in your chosen medium (yours to take home at the end of the workshop) – paint, brushes, medium / solvents, palette / plate, canvas / paper. A drawing & sketching kit – paper or notebook, pencils / charcoal, eraser etc.
- Comfortable outdoor clothes and footwear (we will be walking to vantage points, maybe uneven ground).
- Weather-proof outer layer (wind/rain jacket) – West Coast weather can change quickly.
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen – even when cloudy the light is strong.
- A small stool or portable seat if you prefer to work seated outdoors.
- Camera or phone for reference images and for capturing the scene.
- Travel insurance is recommended to cover any circumstance that may arise that would affect your ability to attend the workshop. Should you need to cancel for any reason no refunds are given.
- Medical emergency & accident insurance is recommended, to include medical emergency evacuation.
- A car is a must for getting around for En Plein Air painting outings & travelling to & from the location.
- This 2 day workshop requires students to have a moderate level of fitness & mobility. Some painting sessions will be worked En Plein Air (outdoors) on location and require varying levels of demands on fitness. Students are responsible for & will need to carry their painting kit to their chosen painting spot. Mayo is a rural place where harbour piers, beach walks, boreens & pathways all have uneven ground
What Not Included - Accommodation & Logistics
- Airfares & car hire.
- Transfers / transportation costs to & from Mulranny & daily travel to & from painting locations.
- Travel insurance to include Workshop fees – highly recommended to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may effect your ability to attend the Painting Holiday Retreat. Should you need to cancel for any reason no refunds are given.
- Medical insurance to include accident, emergency & emergency evacuation.
- No accommodation or morning / evening meal / drinks are included. There are several accommodation options available around the area depending on your preference. Mulranny Arts [email protected] offers artists accommodation options. With Mulranny Park Hotel just a stone throw from the studio offering B&B or self catering accommodation options as well as many B&B’s and eateries around Mulranny including Nevins pub / B&B
Who This is For
Whether you’re a beginner curious about painting outdoors or an experienced artist wishing to deepen your connection with nature and light, this workshop offers a supportive, inspiring, and condensed retreat experience. You’ll meet like-minded creatives, share insights, and leave with fresh work and new perspective.
Booking & Cost
- The cost of this 2 day workshop is €450.00 per person (includes two full days of tuition, equipment as described, studio use, en plein air painting, lunch & refreshments each day, a reference booklet with images and tips, complimentary gift).
- Maximum participants 12.
- Please book early to ensure your place; small group size ensures high quality of instruction and personal attention.
Final Thoughts
Come and embrace the elements — feel the wind on your easel, observe the shifting light on the water, discover the drama of stone and sky, and let your brush respond. In just two days at Mulranny, you’ll reconnect with the rhythms of nature and harness them for creative expression. I look forward to sharing this creative journey with you.
Location
Mulranny Art Centre
