Painting the Elements: Nature, Light & the Wild Atlantic
A Mulranny Painting Experience 2026Join me on a journey of colour, connection, and creativity this September 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 & 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 of the day.
- Morning en plein air session (approx. 2-3 hours painting depending on weather / location): explore sky and wind in landscape – how the elements shape the scene.
- Break for lunch (approx 1:00pm-2:00pm) – relaxed setting, informal chat about the morning’s discoveries.
- Afternoon en plein air session (approx. 2-3 hours painting 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 approx 5-6pm, 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. 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 (approx 1:00pm-2:00pm).
- Afternoon en plein air session (approx. 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 finishing 5-6pm: 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.
- 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, and composition 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 tailored to your preferred medium. Or, if you prefer to just turn up & paint, 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 €100) – 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. 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's Not Included - Accommodation & Logistics
-
- Airfares & car hire.
- Transfers / transportation costs to & from Mulranny & daily travel to & from painting locations.
- Participants are strongly advised to obtain travel insurance that covers workshop fees, in order to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent attendance at the two-day workshop. Please be aware that cancellations are non-refundable.
- Medical insurance to include accident, emergency & emergency evacuation.
- Accommodation, and morning or evening meals and drinks are not included. There are several accommodation options available in the area to suit different preferences.
Mulranny Arts offers newly purpose-built accommodation for artists attending courses or workshops at the studio. Places are limited, so early booking is advised. For enquiries, please contact Nuala at [email protected].
There are also many B&Bs and eateries in and around Mulranny. Several pubs in the village serve food; Doherty’s Bar is highly recommended, and advance booking is advised. Other options include Nevin’s Pub & B&B (approx 4km outside Mulranny village).
Mulranny Park Hotel, located just a stone’s throw from the studio, offers both B&B and self-catering accommodation.
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.
Deposits Payments Refunds & Cancellations
Payment transactions are carefully handled to provide customers with peace of mind throughout their purchasing experience. Please read the following cancellation policy carefully before booking.
If you have any questions or there is anything that is unclear to you, please email Nina with your query [email protected]
Payment Options
- Pay in full at the time of booking or choose to pay in two instalments.
- A €200 non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure your place. This deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Instalment Payment Option
- To pay by instalments, book the workshop through the website and paying €200 non-refundable deposit. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 11th July (10 weeks prior to the start date).
- After booking, you will receive an email with payment dates & link. The final balance may also be paid by bank transfer if preferred.
- Failure to make payments by the stated deadlines will result in your booking being cancelled, with no refund of any fees paid.
- The final date to pay by instalments is 11th July.
If You Have To Cancel
- More than 90 days in advance: 50% refund of the total payment (excluding the non-refundable booking deposit).
- Between 60 and 90 days in advance: 25% refund of the total payment (excluding the non-refundable booking deposit).
- Less than 60 days prior to the retreat: No refunds are given, unless your place can be filled. In this circumstance a 25% refund of the total payment (excluding the non-refundable booking deposit) will be made. Please note even with a waiting list, cancellation places are more difficult to fill nearer to the retreat start date.
- Insurance Reminder: While retreat insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to safeguard your investment.
- It is students responsibility to read, understand & be familiar with full Terms & Conditions
Nina's Commitment
- Nina is committed to providing the retreat experience as described, and we will make all necessary arrangements in advance to ensure your participation is enjoyable and rewarding.
- Should an unforeseen circumstance arise where Nina needs to cancel the retreat, refunds of fees LESS deposits will be made.
This policy balances the needs of the retreat group, ensuring fairness and flexibility while acknowledging the logistics & upfront costs associated with organizing retreats. Please consider your personal circumstances and insurance coverage before booking this retreat.
”I can’t wait to share this memorable and inspiring retreat experience with you.”
Location
Mulranny Art Centre
