Since the days of the impressionists, artists have enjoyed the experience of painting outdoors. It is one of the true joys of being a painter.
Not only are we at one with nature, but there is also the camaraderie when two or more paint on location.
Plein Air Down Under is Australia’s longest running and largest outdoor painting festival and features awards and prizes, feature artists, youth involvement, demonstrations and two exhibitions of plein air paintings.
Plein Air Down Under presents a week of outdoor and evening paint-outs, over $12,000 in awards and prizes, workshops, youth involvement and two art exhibitions. Internationally renowned Feature Artists Michele Usibelli (USA), Aaron Schuerr (USA) and Leon Holmes (Aus) will run Masterclasses, paint and demonstrate throughout the festival.
Over 200 artists will be painting throughout Mandurah’s town centre, cultural precinct, and the historic town of Pinjarra. When the artists aren’t on site painting, the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre serves as the festival hub, offering artists and spectators the opportunity to watch demonstrations, and enjoy the festivities.
Highlights of the 2025 festival will include:
- Workshops and Masterclasses
- Painting demonstrations
- Free have-a-go art activities for all ages
- Spirit of the Landscape Art Exhibition
- Artist registration open to professional, non-professional and youth artists
- Over $12,000 in awards and prizes NOW $13,000!
- Day and evening paint-outs
- A two-hour Quick Draw painting competition
- Opportunities to exhibit, sell and buy original artwork.
Gallery
🌟🎨 Feature Artist Spotlight 🎨🌟![]()
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We are excited to welcome Aaron Schuerr (USA) – an international award-winning artist and teacher – to Plein Air Down Under!![]()
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If you’ve ever wanted to learn from Aaron, this is your only chance in Australia ✈️✨![]()
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📅 One-Day Masterclass![]()
🎨 Open to ALL mediums![]()
📍 Held on the picturesque Ravenswood Hotel waterfront![]()
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Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be inspired and guided by one of the world’s leading plein air artists.![]()
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👉 Places are limited – secure your spot now! Full details in the event below.
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The Plein Air Down Under educational program offers world class Masterclasses & Workshops, and there are still some places left:![]()
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AARON SCHUERR: Playful Exploration in Composition, all mediums NEW CLASS!![]()
ANDY DOLPHIN: Urban Sketching, pen and watercolour![]()
LINDA MACAULAY: Taking Acrylics Outdoors![]()
GORDON ALEXANDER: Fun Outside with Watercolour![]()
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Full details here: pleinairdownunder.com/workshops/![]()
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Thanks to Mark Labrow Photography for this video clip.
It energises us to see how excited our artists are in the lead up to Plein Air Down Under. It makes us want to make it even better!![]()
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Sarah Pondevie, you make us smile. ![]()
We love that you have found your tribe. ❤️❤️❤️
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Have you wondered what the judges look for when judging plein air artwork?![]()
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Below is an extract from “A Judge’s Perspective” by Gillian Kaye Peebles.![]()
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"PLEIN AIR IN COMPETITION are artworks executed outdoors, commenced and completed on the one site, in the one location. It is no longer Plein Air if it is touched up or worked on after leaving the site.![]()
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Plein Air artworks should foremost display the characteristics of being executed out of doors, on site and on location. The challenge is to display a singular image, an interpretation of that site’s collective objects and subjects. Generally executed in a single sitting, it should show skills of spontaneity in capturing the visuals while being challenged by climatic conditions and the elements of the artist’s surroundings."![]()
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A note from the Festival Organisers:![]()
Artwork created at all Plein Air Down Under events should be the artists interpretation of what exists in the natural environment or what is provided by organisers. This is the spirit of Plein Air Down Under based on the history of the Plein Air Painting movement.![]()
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You can read the full Judge’s Perspective here: ![]()
pleinairdownunder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gillian-Peebles-A-judges-Perspective.pdf
A big shout out and thank you to Mandurah Holiday Rentals - Accommodation for always looking after us, from year one!!!![]()
And we are now year seven.![]()
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If you need something small, something big, or something in between, give them a call first. Mention you are with Plein Air Down Under to receive your discount.
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Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
