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 to Andy Conlin Art! ⏱️🎨![]()
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A huge round of applause to Andy Conlin, winner of the Quick Draw Best in Show, proudly presented by Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park 👏![]()
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Andy’s watercolour painting was executed to perfection — beautifully drawn, and perfectly capturing the essence of Plein Air Down Under: painters along the boardwalk, people strolling with their dogs, and Mandurah’s iconic Simmo’s Ice Creamery. 🍦✨![]()
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A heartfelt thank you to Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park for the continued sponsorship and support. The Quick Draw is always fast, fun and full of energy — and this year was no exception!![]()
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Feature Artist Michele Hampson Usibelli purchased this winning artwork and it is now part of her international art collection. Kudos to you Andy.![]()
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@Simmo’s Mandurah Icecreamery
If you attended Plein Air Down Under this year, you would have experienced a BIG event, with many layers of activities and richness.![]()
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The only way we can deliver a festival of this size is with the support of our Sponsors and Community Bank Halls Head have been with us from year one, 2019.![]()
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Being a community bank, their profits go back into the community. They value events that have local impact, follow ethical practices and create community engagement.![]()
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Thank you to Community Bank Halls Head for believing in us; to Chair Ian Ilsley for attending our awards ceremony to present the Youth Awards, and to Jenny Hammington for the tireless work in connecting our community. ![]()
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@jenny_hammington
Here's another gem of an artist. If you haven't met Lorene Vigus, you are in for a treat. Full of life, enthusiasm, and the ability to have us roaring with laughter. But there's more. Her artistic journey has been a joy to watch.![]()
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Thanks for being part of PADU again Lorene. Wherever Lorene is, so is her adorable partner in crime, Sarah Pondevie. And trying to distance himself, but always mysteriously part of the antics, is Andy Dolphin Art![]()
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Here is Lorene's Plein Air Down Under week, what fun!
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Apologies to Gordon - previous post had the wrong name, it's Bath Time (not Bathtub). Either way it's a great painting!![]()
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Congratulations to Gordon Alexander @gordon_alexander_art, winner of the PADU Experience Peel Award for his beautifully rendered and fun watercolour artwork titled 'Bath Time' from inspiration he found at Caraholly Orchard @carahollyorchard - the first of our Peel Paint Out locations.![]()
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This award is presented by the Plein Air Down Under.![]()
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Over the next few days we will be spotlighting all the 2025 PADU winners. Artworks can be viewed in the foyer gallery space area at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre @manpac, along with other art works created during the Plein Air Down Under Festival @pleinairdownunder. Artwork is available for sale (if not already purchased). Select your favourite artwork and be sure to cast your vote in Peoples Choice.![]()
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Mandurah Performing Arts Centre![]()
9 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah![]()
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Opening Hours:![]()
Available to view until 12 Oct 2025![]()
Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm![]()
Weekends - please check the Mandurah Performing Arts website www.manpac.com.au - when a show is scheduled the centre will be open one hour prior and during the show.![]()
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Spirit of the Landscape exhibition @spiritofthelandscape is also open at the same times and available to view in the Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery @alcoamandurahartgallery![]()
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#padu2025 #MandurahArtsFestival #mandurah #shireofmurray
Congratulations to Nola Ellis, Runner Up in the Non-professional category (presented by Senior Art Supplies) for her gorgeous oil painting, 'Edenvale Welcome', painted en plein air at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct Pinjarra, on Day 2 of the Festival Weekend. ![]()
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This award is presented by Senior Art![]()
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Over the next few days, we will be spotlighting all the 2025 PADU winners. Artworks can be viewed in the foyer gallery space area at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre along with other artworks created during the Plein Air Down Under Festival. Artwork is available for sale and remember to vote for People's Choice Awards presented by Community Bank Halls Head![]()
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Mandurah Performing Arts Centre![]()
9 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah![]()
Opening Hours:![]()
Available to view until 12 Oct 2025![]()
Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm![]()
11 & 12 October: 1 - 5pm![]()
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Spirit of the Landscape exhibition is also open at the same times and available to view in the Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery, inside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre![]()
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#PADU2025 #mandurahartsfestival #mandurah Edenvale Heritage Precinct
Contact
Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
