A 5-Day Visual Journaling & Intuitive Art Journey
Deadline for Applications is January 15, 2026 (applications reviewed by committee)
APPLY NOW
Do you ever feel creatively stuck, unsure of where to begin, or disconnected from your own artistic voice? This 5-day guided course offers a relaxed space to explore, express, and rediscover your creativity through visual journaling and intuitive painting. There’s no need for prior art experience—just a willingness to explore, be open, and curious about your natural creativity.
Over the course of five days, you'll be guided through simple, intuitive exercises using paint, drawing, colour, texture, and collage. These practices are designed to help you move past self-doubt and overthinking, allowing you to tap into the more instinctual, playful parts of yourself.
Program Schedule
Each day will offer guided prompts and an exploration of different materials and techniques, creating a soothing rhythm that invites exploration, reflection, and personal expression.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Let go of perfectionism and fear
- Develop a personal, expressive art practice
- Use visual journaling as a tool for self-discovery
- Reconnect with inspiration and the joy of creating without expectation
Whether you’re just beginning or a seasoned artist looking for a fresh perspective, this course is an invitation to explore and nurture the artist within you.
Join us for this transformative journey — your creativity is waiting to unfold!
Visual Journaling Exercise
Cost & Materials
€1500/$1650
Includes
- A gently structured and spacious rhythm that balances guided creative sessions, personal reflection, community sharing, and rest. Beginning with arrival, welcome, and orientation, the week gradually unfolds into morning sessions focused on creative exploration through art-based practices such as collage, visual journaling, mark-making, and reflective exercises. Each day opens with grounding and warm-up practices to support presence and ease.
- Afternoons are intentionally unstructured, allowing time to walk, rest, write, draw, or reflect, followed by open studio sessions where participants can work independently or in shared creative space, indoors or outdoors. Daily check-ins provide opportunities for reflection, discussion, and gentle group connection, while evenings offer communal meals and optional gatherings.
- Optional participation in the Benedictine community’s prayer life—including mid-day prayers and evening Vespers—is woven into the schedule for those who wish to engage. The final days focus on nurturing the creative self, integration, and carrying insights forward, closing with a reflective and supportive group conclusion.
- Flexibility is built into each day, encouraging participants to engage at their own pace and in ways that feel most nourishing, reflective, and creatively supportive.
Room and board
Private en-suite bedroom in a newly renovated, high-standard private ensuite room. Each room is equipped with a writing desk, and residents will have access to the libraries, social spaces, and opportunities for self-guided walks along the lakes of Kylemore. A hot or continental breakfast is offered every morning, as well as Irish-inspired lunches and dinners each day, including dessert! Meals are designed and prepared by our in-house award-winning chef, Mikel Redondo.
FAQs
Who is this class for?
This workshop is for anyone who would like to spend time immersed in a creative, non-judgemental atmosphere exploring art materials and techniques. It’s for people who have no experience of art, beginners or practising artists – all are welcome.
What Is Art Therapy & How Can This Workshop Help?
This workshop is grounded in art therapy principles, offering a non-judgmental and supportive space to explore a variety of materials and techniques. In art therapy, the focus is on the process of creating rather than the finished product. Often, the greatest barrier to creative expression is our own self-criticism. By learning to let go of judgment and simply engage with the materials, you can reconnect with your natural creativity and discover a sense of flow, freedom, and renewal.
Liz Rackard
Liz is an award-winning artist, art therapist, and teacher with a deep interest in the intersection of creativity, art, neuroscience, and well-being. With years of experience in mental health, she has worked extensively with children and adults, using art as a powerful therapeutic medium. As a working artist, she understands the highs and lows of creative practice and how to move through creative blocks. In addition to her expertise in art therapy, Liz has a background in alternative medicine through her study and practice of traditional Chinese acupuncture. Her work seamlessly integrates art, creative exploration, therapy, and scientific inquiry to foster well-being and personal transformation. View Liz’s Portfolio Liz’s Instagram Profile