An American West Adventure
Wyoming Ranch Workshop
September 6 - 12, 2025
Registration Opens January 15th. Mark Your Calendar.
Creating photo encaustic art with a focus on horses in the heart of the American West.
About the Workshop
In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of horses, breathtaking landscapes, and the captivating American West.
We will spend time in the studio, honing our photography skills and learning new techniques. You’ll have the chance to ride horses and photograph them in their natural element, surrounded by the magnificent beauty of the Big Horn Mountains. Watching over 200 horses running past every morning will leave you spellbound and inspired to capture their power and beauty through your lens.
But this workshop is more than just photography. We’ll take your images, print them on tissue paper, and embed them in encaustic.
This is a gathering of like-minded artists who share a passion for art. We will come together for discussions, laughter, learning, and creating in a supportive and inspiring environment where creativity can flourish.
Not only will you leave this workshop with stunning artwork, but you will also make new friendships with fellow artists who share your love for encaustic and photography.
So come join us, immerse yourself in the art of photography, and create lasting memories while surrounded by the awe-inspiring landscapes and horses in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming.
Our adventure takes place in the heart of the American West where not much has changed over generations. Set on a working cattle ranch in an out-of-the-way part of the world, our week will be filled with wide open spaces, horses, photographing, and making art in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Creating photo encaustic art specifically focusing on horses, can be a captivating and inspiring artistic endeavor. This is a unique opportunity to combine your photography and encaustic skills with the beauty and power of horses.
Our mountain ranch is a place for inspiration and has over 200 horses. On the first morning being there as the horses run past is both exhilarating and powerful. Throughout our time together you’ll have the opportunity to take images of horses at liberty, portraiture shots with the horses and wranglers, and rodeo roping. The light and colors of the fall will infuse your art with an energy, bringing your creations to life.
As we explore the ranch, our cameras will become our constant companions. The stunning landscapes and majestic horses will provide the perfect subjects for our photographs, capturing the untamed glory of Wyoming. Whether we’re capturing sunrises over the horses as they graze in the mountain pasture or candid moments of wranglers in action, our artistry will be inspired by the beauty that surrounds us.
The days will be filled with workshop instruction, dedicated studio and open studio time, mentoring, and group discussions. After each shoot we’ll download the images and decide which ones will work best for your creative vision. We’ll have a large studio set up to accommodate the workshop along with a 13×19 photo printer. The supply table will be overflowing with materials, and you’ll go home with up to four finished pieces.
We’ll cover the creative process including:
• Perspective
• Composition
• Photographing
• Editing (determining what photos work best)
• Printing
• Embedding photographs into encaustic
This one-of-a-kind experience and as the workshop comes to a close, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of creativity, a collection of stunning photographs, and memories that will last a lifetime. It’s in these moments of connection, both with nature and with each other, that make this adventure truly remarkable.
So, saddle up, grab your camera, and join us on this unforgettable adventure.
“A horse is the projection of people’s dreams about themselves — strong, powerful,
beautiful — and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.”
– Australian poet Pam Brown
About Clare O'Neill
Clare is a master encaustic artist and is recognized for embedding tissue paper prints in encaustic. She shares this process freely and is known for her hands-on approach, allowing participants to actively engage in the process of photo encaustics. She provides step-by-step guidance and demonstrations, ensuring that everyone understands the techniques involved.
During the workshop, Clare encourages participants to experiment with different materials and methods to enhance their photographs. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing the unexpected, as these can often lead to exciting and unique outcomes.
Clare’s teaching style is supportive and nurturing, creating a safe and inclusive space for all participants to explore their creativity. She provides constructive feedback and personalized guidance, helping everyone to develop their own artistic voice.
In addition to her workshops, Clare also offers ongoing support and resources through her online programs. These resources are designed to inspire and motivate artists to continue their artistic journey beyond the workshop.
To learn more about Clare go here.
FAQ's
How much photography experience do I need?
It doesn’t matter what level of photography experience you have if you love photographing. So, bring your point and shoot or your mirrorless DSLR. Choose whatever camera you are comfortable using. All you need is the ability to transfer photos from your camera to a jump drive or computer so they can be printed.
How much encaustic experience do I need?
To fully understand and participate in this workshop, you must have prior experience and knowledge of working with encaustics. This workshop is not suitable for absolute beginners. If you are new to encaustics, it is advised that you either purchase my online photo encaustic class or take a beginners workshop elsewhere. The basics of substrates, applying wax, fusing, using different pigments, and photo transfers will not be covered in this workshop.
Do I need to bring any supplies?
Most materials will be provided. However, if you have any favorite materials, colors, or mark-making tools that you prefer to use, you should plan on bringing them along. A detailed list of the materials that will be provided will be given to you several weeks before the workshop, so you can make any necessary arrangements.
Can I bring photographs along that were not taken at the ranch?
Absolutely. You can work on any photographs you’d like during the workshop. We’ve had people bring images of penguins, nudes, and their own horses. This is your time to learn and create.
When does the workshop start and when does it end?
Plan on arriving by 4p on Saturday September 6th. We will finish up on Thursday, September 11th, so you can plan your departure anytime on Friday, September 12th.
Where is the workshop?
Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf Wyoming.
What airport do I fly into?
There is a regional airport located in Sheridan, Wyoming which has a connection through Denver with United Airlines (this may or may not show up on 3rd party sites so make sure you go to United.com for all available flights). Transfers to/from Sheridan are included in the package price.
Alternatively, you can choose to fly to Billings, Montana, you have the option of selecting from a variety of major airlines. The Billings airport is approximately a 2-hour drive to the ranch and you will need to rent a car.
My flight arrives in Sheridan late at night, will the ranch still provide a transfer?
If your flight is due to arrive late and you need accommodation for the night before, I recommend booking a hotel room in Sheridan. The following day, the ranch van will conveniently pick you up at your hotel. This way, you won’t have to worry about any potential issues or delays with the airport run and transportation arrangements.
Is it possible to plan an extra night after the workshop?
Yes if you’d like to spend a day or two after the workshop you can arrange that directly with Eatons’ Ranch.
Can someone join me who is not taking the workshop?
No, in the past this has been distracting to the workshop and other participants, so to be fair to all involved I ask that you not bring along any spouses, partners, or friends.
What is the accommodation like?
The ranch has 51 individual cabins on the property and no two cabins are alike. I have an allotment of cabins and suites in the main house. I have requested accommodations near one another so in the dark you won’t have to walk alone to your cabin. This means that there are cabins in different categories assigned to our group. We all pay the same base rate, but cabins will vary by size and decor and will be filled first come first served for the ‘nicer’ ones. If you are returning to Eatons’ and would like your same cabin you had last time, make sure you register early!
My friend and I are coming together, can we share a cabin?
Yes, if you would like. There are several 2-bedroom cabins in my allotment. Otherwise, you can each have your own cabin.
What kind of food will be served?
The food is authentic ranch style western cuisine and is usually served buffet style with a choice of several entrees.
Can food sensitivities be accommodated?
Yes, upon registration you will be asked is if you have any dietary restrictions. This is then forwarded to the ranch so the kitchen staff will be aware and provide the necessary alternatives for you.
I haven’t ridden a horse in years can I still ride?
Yes, of course. Every participant will have the opportunity to ride and for one or two photo shoots you may choose to ride to the location. These will be simple rides and by no means is it mandatory for you to ride. If for any reason you are uncomfortable riding, you’ll be able to walk to the photo shoot.
How fit do I need to be?
Although the ranch is 7,000-acres we won’t be covering the entire ranch. However, in the mornings we will frequently climb up to a mountain pasture to photograph the horses as they are rounded up in the mornings (generally a 5 to 10-minute walk uphill).
I’m an experienced rider, can I ride without a wrangler accompanying me?
Yes. If the barn staff is comfortable with your riding ability you can certainly go out without a wrangler.
What if I don’t want to ride, will I miss out on photo shoots?
No. You will be able to gain access to all photo shoots that we do without getting on a horse. It’s your choice if you want to ride out to the shoot or not.
Is there a weight limit to ride a horse?
Although the ranch doesn’t have an official weight limit–250 pounds seems to be the industry standard. Once a rider’s weight hits 20% of the horses weight it becomes a welfare issue for the horse.
Is Internet available at the ranch?
Kinda. Certain areas of the ranch (main house and our studio) have internet; however, it is not available in the cabins.
What other expenses will I incur?
Airfare, transfers to the ranch from anywhere other than Sheridan, alcohol, and sundries are not included in the workshop cost. Otherwise, it’s all inclusive.
When is the final payment due?
The remaining balance after deposit is due June 9, 2025. You will be sent a payment link about a week beforehand. If you don’t want to pay this all at once and want to schedule installment payments between when you register and the final payment is due, please contact us.
What are the cancellation policies?
We have a firm cancellation policy. A non-refundable deposit of $497 is due upon registration for this workshop. Balance will be due 90 days prior to workshop. In the unlikely event that a workshop must be cancelled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits are refunded in full. This determination will be made at least 30 days prior to the workshop. Cultural & Destination Specialists, Inc., d/b/a Taylor & O’Neill is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets or other travel related expenses in the event of a workshop cancellation.
If your plans change after you have registered, your spot is transferable if you find a replacement. You will be asked to provide us the name and contact information of the person you are transferring your reservation to along with your notice of cancellation. Once your replacement has paid and is confirmed, we will issue you a refund less 3.5% of your payment to cover the credit card fees of your payment(s).
If you don’t have someone who will take your spot and want to withdraw from the workshop for any reason, the following reimbursement schedule applies:
Cancel before June 8: No refund of deposit
Cancel between June 9 – August 7: Refund less 35%
Cancel between August 8 – August 22: Refund less 50%
Cancellation between August 23 – September 6: No refund
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that will cover your costs in case of cancellation or a medical emergency during your trip.
Nothing beats totally immersing yourself in your art. Giving yourself a designated time to eat, breath, laugh, photograph, and make art. When you sit next to someone at the dinner table and hear their story, get to know who they are, and laugh alongside them, you create bonds and friendships that will last forever.
We’ve got you covered
Workshop Includes:
>> 6 nights single room accommodation
>> 5 full workshop days of photographic and encaustic instruction
>> All studio materials and fees
>> Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily
>> Daily horseback riding
>> Group transportation to/from Sheridan, WY
>> All taxes and gratuities to ranch staff and wranglers
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Join Us!
$4350
Space is limited and fills quickly. Register early.
Price includes $325 studio fee per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the workshop commencing with a non-refundable deposit of $497 required to hold your space. If you are signing up within 90 days of the workshop, full payment will be required to register. See FAQ’s for cancellation policy.
Working with beeswax and photography is full of mystery and magic. Combine this with the power and beautify of a horse and you have something simply captivating.
