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
Congratulations Andy Dolphin Art for making the front page of the Plantagenet News.![]()
Happy reading everyone. This article highlights Andy’s work ethic and his well deserved rewards.
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Today is the last day to visit the Leon Holmes exhibition, "Holmes Sweet Home". ![]()
Mandurah is sparkling today, come and spend the day; beautiful artwork to view, and make time for morning or afternoon tea in the spectacular gardens. AND Sara Holmes delicious cakes.
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Harlow Paton is definitely a young artist to watch.![]()
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Congratulations to Harlow for winning the People's Choice Award for Plein Air Down Under's foyer gallery, voted by the general public.![]()
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This award is sponsored by Community Bank Halls Head ![]()
and Piggy was excited to present this award to a young local artist with a big future.![]()
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Harlow was also the winner of the Gillian Kaye Peebles Youth Award for Excellence with the artwork titled "Got any Grapes?"
Congratulations Leon Holmes on winning the Spirit of the Landscape People's Choice Award, presented by Community Bank Halls Head for the painting titled Bungle Bungle Breakaway. ![]()
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Piggy was very excited to present the award and hang out in the Leon Holmes Gallery. Leon's exhibition continues to 2 November at 49 Leslie St. Dudley Park.
Plein Air Down Under is a big and multi-layered festival, with events spanning a five week period. ![]()
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It begins with the opening of the Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition in early September, followed by nine workshops, a week of outdoor painting in different locations, two theatre presentations, one portrait night, a three day festival weekend with multiple free have a go activities, two awards ceremonies and over 200 artworks to be presented in two more exhibitions that continue to mid October.![]()
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Whew! That's a lot! And it's our fabulous Steering Committee who are the drivers to make this all happen, supported by an army of energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. Huge thanks to Leon Holmes Barbara Thoms Alan Pickering, Keryn Channing, Vicki Lee, Jackie Quantock, Sara Holmes and Xanthe Turner.
Contact
Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
