Join award-winning artist Helen Dannelly for a soul-stirring week of artistic exploration along Ireland’s dramatic Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you walk the line between observation and interpretation, practice plein air painting, or embrace pure abstraction, this workshop will inspire you to create powerful new work rooted in your personal response to place.

“Abstracting the Landscape” is not tied to a single technique, but rather to each artist’s unique way of distilling visual experience. Let the rugged cliffs, shifting skies, and ocean energy of North Mayo feed your imagination as you explore bold compositions, layered textures, and dynamic color relationships. Helen will guide you both in the field and in-studio, helping you connect deeply to your vision.

​

The Setting: Ballycastle & Ballinglen

Located in Ballycastle, a village of 350 residents nestled in northwest County Mayo, the Ballinglen Arts Foundation has welcomed artists from around the world since 1992. Situated 3.7 miles (6 km) from the iconic sea stack Dún Briste at Downpatrick Head, and 5 miles (8 km) from Céide Fields, the world’s oldest known stone-walled field system, the area is steeped in both natural wonder and ancient mystery. Expect rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling farmland, and sweeping Atlantic vistas, all animated by the ever-changing weather and light. This is a haven for artists and wildlife alike — a rare place where creative solitude and natural grandeur meet.

​

What's Included

Retreat Fee: $3,300
Maximum Attendance: 12 participants

- 8 nights accommodation – All private rooms, most with ensuite baths
- Round-trip transport from Dublin Airport to Ballycastle
- Daily lunch and dinner – Traditional Irish meals with accommodations for food allergies, vegan, and gluten-free diets
- Workshop tuition with Helen Dannelly
- Basic supplies in your cottage
- Studio space at Ballinglen
- Support from Ballinglen staff and facilities
- Optional advance ordering of select supplies (e.g., solvents for oil painters)

​

Who This Is For

This is for artists ready to go deeper. Painters seeking space, support, and an elemental setting that sparks something new. Beginners comfortable with self-directed time and established artists looking to reignite their vision are all welcome. This week is about more than technique — it's about transformation.

​

Workshop Content

This workshop is open to painters working in any water media or oil. Paintings will be based on observation and investigations ranging from literal to abstract, capturing the atmosphere and sense of place, and complex elusive qualities of shape, light and color inherent in this landscape. Emphasis will be on outdoor work, although we also have 24/7 access to a studio space.

The workshop will include PowerPoint presentations, demos, Q&A, and group critiques.

​

Registration & Payment

To reserve your space, a deposit of $300 is required (refundable through January 31, 2027). Installment payments are available. Full payment is due by March 31, 2027.

 

Payment Options

Zelle (helen.dannelly@gmail.com)

Check mailed to: Helen Dannelly, 2721 W. Berwyn Ave. #3, Chicago, IL 60625

Travel insurance is required. There will be no refunds after March 31, 2027.

​

Installment Options (12 or 6 Months)

12 Months

March 15, 2026: $275

April 15, 2026: $275

May 15, 2026: $275

June 15, 2026: $275

July 15, 2026: $275

Aug 15, 2026: $275

Sept 15, 2026: $275

October 15, 2026: 275

Nov 15 2026: $275

Dec 15, 2026: $275

Jan 15, 2027: $275

Feb 15, 2027: $275

March 15, 2027: $275

 

6 Months

October 15, 2026: $550

Nov 15, 2026: $550

Dec 15, 2026: $550

Jan 15, 2027: $550

Feb. 15, 2027: $550

March 15, 2027: $550

​

Instructor Bio 

An award-winning artist, educator, and curator, Helen Dannelly is a formally trained painter and sculptor raised in California and currently living in Chicago. She studied painting and printmaking at San Francisco State University and sculpture at the University of Minnesota. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S. and internationally, including Slate Contemporary (CA), Conrad Wilde Gallery (AZ), and the Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ireland.

Helen is co-founder of Catalyst Art Lab, curator of the Forshey Gallery in Chicago, and teaches workshops nationally and abroad. She is a featured presenter at NorCal Wax at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto in 2026.

​

Suggested Packing List

- Casual art clothes
- Good walking shoes (that can get wet)
- Layers! From Summer -Fall clothes + rain jacket with hood and umbrella. (The Emerald Isle is green for a reason!)
- Toiletries and any personal medications
- Copies of driver’s license and passport
- Art materials (paper, canvas boards, flat substrates)
- Parchment or freezer paper for wrapping work
- Brushes, paints and dry materials
- Sun hat, apron and gloves 

​

Praise for Helen

Master Artist Steve Puttrich: “Helen’s painting speaks with sophistication. The interplay of shadow and form shows a mature understanding of contrast and restraint... What I appreciate most is the patience in her brushwork; everything is resolved with intention.”
 

Student Testimonials
“You were answering questions I never knew how to ask. Such a generous teacher.” – Suzanne D.
“I’ve loved the class and been humbled by how much there is to know about color.” – Karen F.
“You’re an excellent teacher. I’m growing by leaps and bounds.” – Jan M.
“Loved the course. Your feedback helped me get comfortable with beginner’s mind.” – Adelaide S.
“Absolutely wonderful class.” – And E.
“What an inspiring class. I’m learning so much!” – Deb P.