DISCOVER ART IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND - A UNIQUE PAINTING HOLIDAY
Dates: August 29th - September 6th 2026
Location: Wicklow & Dublin, Ireland
Skill Level: All levels welcome
Immerse yourself in a truly inspiring artistic experience with The Schoolhouse for Art’s 9-day retreat, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland’s east coast. Based in the picturesque village of Enniskerry, this retreat offers a rich blend of plein air painting, cultural exploration, and professional instruction, all designed to deepen your practice and connect you with Ireland’s vibrant landscapes and history.
Participants will enjoy daily painting sessions with acclaimed artist and tutor Susan Kuznitsky both on-site at the Schoolhouse for Art and out in the field at iconic locations such as the Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough, Russborough House, and the scenic seafronts of Bray and Greystones. Each setting offers unique inspiration - from majestic estates and serene monastic ruins to the rhythm of the Irish Sea.
The experience is enriched with cultural outings including visits to the National Gallery of Ireland, the EPIC Museum, and the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship in Dublin. Artist demonstrations and an exhibition of participant work at the end of the retreat round out the artistic journey. Shared meals, including a traditional evening at Johnnie Fox’s with live Irish dancing, foster a strong sense of community throughout.
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Embark on an immersive artistic journey through the "Garden of Ireland," guided by the expert tutelage of artist Susan Kuznitsky. This is not just a painting course; it is a curated experience designed to deepen your connection to the landscape and refine your ability to translate its beauty onto paper. We will move beyond the studio walls to paint en plein air (in the open air), responding directly to the ever-changing moods of the Wicklow landscape.
Our classroom will be the breathtaking scenery of County Wicklow itself. From the wild, dramatic shores of the coast to the serene, hidden valleys nestled in the mountains, each chosen location offers a unique set of artistic challenges and inspirations. As we travel and create together, a core element of the course will be fostering a supportive and collaborative community, where students can learn not only from the instructor but from each other’s perspectives and techniques.
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Under Susan's guidance, this course will focus on four key pillars of successful landscape painting:
Capture the Moment and the Fleeting Light:
The Irish light is famous for its soft, diffused quality and rapid changes. You will learn to work with speed and confidence, training your eye to observe the essential play of light and shadow. Susan will teach you how to mix and layer pastel hues to replicate the specific time of day. This skill is about seizing the "feel" of a place before the moment passes.Create a Strong Composition:
A beautiful scene does not automatically translate into a compelling painting. At each location, Susan will demonstrate how to find and frame a powerful composition within the vastness of the landscape. You will learn to use elements like leading lines (a winding path, a flowing stream), interesting focal points (an ancient oak tree, a lone cottage), and a considered balance of shapes to guide the viewer’s eye and create a dynamic and engaging piece of art.Simplify - Say More with Less:
Faced with the intricate detail of nature, it's easy to become overwhelmed. A central theme of this course is the art of simplification. Susan will show you how to see the landscape in terms of large, cohesive masses of colour and value (light and dark), rather than countless individual leaves or blades of grass. You will learn to edit out the unnecessary, to suggest detail rather than meticulously render it, resulting in a painting that is more powerful, expressive, and cohesive.Create Depth – Aerial Perspective:
Learn the secrets used by the Old Masters to create a convincing sense of vast, receding space on a flat surface. Susan will explain and demonstrate the principles of aerial perspective: how colours become cooler (more blue-grey) and less saturated, contrasts soften, and details blur as elements recede into the distance. You will practise techniques for making your foregrounds appear crisp and close, while your backgrounds feel atmospheric and far away, giving your paintings a true three-dimensional quality.
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Susan Kuznitsky will be your mentor throughout this adventure. An experienced artist with a deep understanding of pastels, Susan is skilled at demystifying the landscape. Her instruction is known for being both insightful and accessible, helping artists of various levels to break through technical barriers and discover their unique visual voice.
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Since 1818 a small Schoolhouse nestled under the gaze of the clock tower in the heart of the picturesque village of Enniskerry in Ireland’s ‘garden county’ Wicklow. This was a school for children, a house of learning where young minds explored, examined and recited the rhymes and reasons of the unfolding world. For almost two centuries its solid walls absorbed the chants and childish chatter of thousands of young voices.
In 2011, the children marched up to the top of the hill to their perfect new school. The old schoolhouse fell silent for two years and quietly waited while its guardians debated and deliberated over the commercial and the common good…
… ‘Schoolhouse for Art’ was deemed to be a fitting substitute.
Schoolhouse for Art is in essence a facility for the study and exploration of the visual arts. Located in ‘the old schoolhouse’ in the heart of Enniskerry village it is an exhibition space and a meeting place where images and ideas mingle. It caters for adults of all abilities. The former school playground is a natural arena facing the clock tower, a three-dimensional canvas to display an evolving gallery of large pieces of sculpture. The ‘Schoolhouse for Art’ is also a host to visiting artists from across the globe who want to paint the surrounding inspiring countryside and experience the unparalleled Irish hospitality.
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Summerhill House Hotel has been awarded a 4-star rating by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority in Ireland. The prestigious rating is a testament to the hotel’s exceptional quality and commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience.
“This recognition from Fáilte Ireland is the validation that our Summerhill House Hotel team strives tirelessly to create a beautiful and tranquil environment for our guests to relax and explore the stunning surroundings of the Wicklow mountains. This award is a testament of our commitment to providing unparallel hospitality and service. We want our guests to relax and experience the elegance of a bygone era in our beautiful period house where glamour and countryside blend in one of Ireland’s prettiest villages in Enniskerry.
Their bright and welcoming Terrace Restaurant is the perfect location for a dining experience. They offer a fine classic, temporary and fusion cuisine. Their kitchen team extracts the very best flavours from the wonderful produce Wicklow has to offer. One of the finest in Wicklow, our luxurious breakfast is served in beautiful bright surroundings.
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This agreement sets out what Schoolhouse for Art & Susan Kuznitsky agrees to provide during the workshop and what the workshop participant agrees to do in return.
To reserve your place, each participant should fill out the form upon registration to agree that you have fully read and understood the Terms & Conditions as listed below.
Art workshop total costs:
Based per room & number of occupants• Solo workshop participant €4,950
• Two workshop participants sharing a room (Limited number of rooms available) €8,995
• Workshop participant with travel companion €8,520
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Welcome to the terms and conditions for the “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience painting workshop in Wicklow & Dublin, Ireland August 29th – September 5th 2026. Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly. This will ensure you and your fellow guests will have the best experience possible. SPECIAL NOTE: The “Art in the of Ireland!” Art Experience is a collaborative effort led by the Schoolhouse for Art and Susan Kuznitsky. It is important to understand this is a custom-built itinerary, and as such is unique. If it will improve the group’s total experience there may be changes to the published itinerary before or during our travels. If you are not a flexible and adaptable person this may not be the trip for you.
WORKSHOP PERIOD
The workshop period is from August 29th – September 5th 2026.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Participants are responsible for their own travel. We suggest you fly in to Dublin Airport and get a taxi to Enniskerry (approx. 1hour at €100 per journey). The starting point in Enniskerry Wicklow is the Summerhill Hotel https://summerhillhousehotel.com. Return flight arrangements should be arranged from your starting point to Dublin. We can provide recommendations for travel upon request. The “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience Workshop will begin in Enniskerry at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29th, 2026 and will conclude in Enniskerry at 13.00 on Saturday afternoon, September 5th 2026.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE FOR PAINTERS
• Pre-trip Zoom orientation
• 9 days, 8 nights hotel accommodation, in a private single or double room with ensuite bathroom.
• WIFI at Hotel.
• Transportation within Enniskerry & Dublin (If you elect not to take or you miss the scheduled transportation, you are responsible for your travel costs.)
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinner with wine (fixed menus) for each day of the trip.
• All entrance fees and field trips as specified in the itinerary.
• 6 sessions of painting instruction with artist Susan Kuznitsky.
INCLUDED IN PRICE FOR NON-PAINTERS
• Pre-trip Zoom orientation
• 9 days, 8 nights hotel accommodation, in a private single or double room with ensuite bathroom.
• WIFI at Hotel.
• Transportation within Enniskerry & Dublin (If you elect not to take or you miss the scheduled transportation, you are responsible for your travel costs.)
• All breakfasts, lunches, and dinner with wine (fixed menus) for each day of the trip.
• All entrance fees and field trips as specified in the itinerary.
The published price is based on a minimum group of 6 registered and enrolled participants.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Airfare and travel costs outside those specified above.
• Alcoholic drinks beyond those included with fixed menu meals.
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
• Painting supplies.
• US plug to EU-style electrical adapters.
• Entertainment or activities during scheduled free periods, and any other expenses, costs or charges not specified in the section titled “Included in the Price.”
• Items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: laundry, extra transportation services, porter services, gratuities, etc.
• US customs charges upon return for your purchases made during the trip.
PAYMENT TERMS
The trip is limited to 12 students/artists, and total number of 20 travellers. All stated prices are in EUROS (€).
TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON THE TRIP
A deposit of €500 for each traveller is due at the time of registration to secure your spot(s).
Final payment of the balance of the trip cost is due by April 15, 2026. Missing the deadline for the final payment may result in cancellation of your reservation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Insurance is not provided. Personal travel insurance is strongly suggested to cover non-refundable costs such as airline tickets, loss of luggage, trip delays, medical evacuation, foreign medical coverage, and reimbursement of accommodations, workshop tuition and other tour costs. A travel/insurance agent should be able to help you with this.
WORKSHOP CANCELLATION POLICY “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience is offered based on a minimum number of participants and may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not met 90 days prior to the workshop start date. If Schoolhouse for Art or Susan Kuznitsky Fine Art elects to cancel the workshop, the entire amount you have paid will be refunded to you within 14 days after the trip’s cancellation. In the unlikely event this should occur, SFA & SKFA has no other obligations to participants for cancelled trips including, but not limited to, costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by SFA & SKFA. SFA & SKFA has no responsibility to provide refunds if the workshop is cancelled as the result of risk or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural disaster, fire or other similar events beyond SFA & SKFA’s control. SFA & SKFA highly recommends purchasing refundable airfares and/or travel insurance.
CANCELLATION BY PARTICIPANT(S) AND REFUNDS
Cancellation by the participant for any reason more than 150 days prior to the date the workshop starts will result in a full refund of amounts paid to SFA & SKFA minus the €500 deposit. Cancellation by the participant for any reason between 150 days and 75 days prior to the date the workshop starts will result in a 75% refund minus the deposit only if SFA & SKFA is able after a good faith effort to fill the vacancy. Cancellation by participant for any reason 74 days or less prior to the date the workshop starts will result in a forfeiture of all amounts paid to SFA & SKFA.
PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS
Guests are required to act in a respectful and responsible manner at all times. Life in Ireland is undoubtedly different from that of many participants’ home countries, which is part of the charm and challenge of foreign travel. Meals, excursions and art classes are largely communal and participants are expected to enter into the spirit of the adventure. An overly critical or abrasive participant can diminish the experience of the entire group. Acting irresponsibly or behaving in any way that disrupts the experience of fellow participants will not be tolerated. Unruly participants will be asked to leave the group and premises immediately. We reserve the right to recover from participants the cost of any loss or damage caused by a failure to respect property, or any other form of negligence. Please understand that many of the conveniences which we accept as normal in the USA are not always as readily available in other countries. It is very important to bring with you all medications and prescriptions you will require during the trip. Your needs may be difficult to meet in another country. You should understand that the electrical systems in Ireland function on a 230 voltage current. We recommend that you bring your own adapter and bring only electronics that can handle both 110 and 230 voltage. All day trips require a reasonable amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended along with a variety of clothing for various weather conditions. August/September is typically a warm, beautiful time of year in Ireland, but being a small Island with the Atlantic & Irish Sea surrounding, weather conditions can vary often. Consider consulting weather predictions in order to bring what is most appropriate for your comfort. Also, US Customs does not permit many meat products and other items into the USA. Please check before you purchase items to be sure they will be allowed entry into other countries.
LIABILITY
Schoolhouse for Art & Susan Kuznitsky Fine Art accepts no liability for any reason by participants. Participants in “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience Workshop are 100% responsible for themselves as if they were traveling alone and are fully liable for all unforeseen events to include but not limited to acts of God or war, riots or civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fire, adverse weather conditions, or consequences of any person during the course of the journey. The “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience Workshop trip organizers shall not be held responsible or liable for any food-borne illness, personal injury, damage, or service failures to participants to include but not limited to delays, breakdowns, accidents, or failure of the means of transport, nor illness, bad weather, labour strikes nor for any other reason due to force majeure. These conditions must be accepted by all “Art in the Garden of Ireland!” Art Experience Workshop participants.
To reserve your place, each participant should click the BOOKING INFORMATION button and follow the steps proceeding.