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 includes 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. In 2026 internationally renowned artists (TBA) will run Masterclasses, paint and demonstrate throughout the festival.
Over 200 artists will be painting throughout Mandurah’s town centre and beautiful foreshores, 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 2026 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
- Day and evening paint-outs
- A two-hour Quick Draw painting competition
- Opportunities to exhibit, sell and buy original artwork.
Gallery
✨ Good question! Let us explain… ✨![]()
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🎨 Feature Artist![]()
A Feature Artist is engaged for the entire seven-day Plein Air Down Under event. They:![]()
• Facilitate Masterclasses, Demonstrations and/or Theatre Presentations![]()
• Judge awards![]()
• Are invited to exhibit in the Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition![]()
• Have dedicated Feature Artist wall space during the festival weekend![]()
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Feature Artists are NOT eligible for the Quick Draw or Main Awards![]()
but ARE eligible for the People’s Choice Award, as this is voted by the public.![]()
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🎨 Guest Artist![]()
A Guest Artist is engaged to run a Workshop and is also invited to exhibit in the Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition.![]()
As a fully registered artist, they can:![]()
• Paint throughout the festival![]()
• Participate in all festival activities![]()
• Be eligible for all awards and prizes![]()
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✨ Now that that’s clear… stay tuned for some exciting announcements! 👀🎉
Some things are just meant to be.![]()
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Congratulations to Andy Dolphin Art on becoming a Michael Harding Watercolours Ambassador. It seems Andy's watercolour prowess has been noticed by Michael Harding himself, quite the accolade! ![]()
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Andy has been using MH Watercolours since their release in 2022, and combined with his limitless talent, Andy has won many Watercolour Awards.![]()
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At Plein Air Down Under last year Andy won both the Pinjarra Acquisitional Award AND Open Category Award, and has become a popular fixture on our teaching faculty.![]()
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#michaelhardingpaints #mhpaint
We are looking at locations for our 2026 Experience Peel Paint Outs.![]()
These Peel Region paint out locations are opportunities to paint away from the CBD, and ideally will offer natural landscapes, some interesting structures and something "pretty".![]()
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These photos, courtesy of Julie Macdonald, show some options from our day at Fairbridge Village. Let us know in the comments below if you would like to go back, or try somewhere different. There are four Experience Peel Paint Out events.![]()
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Suggestions are welcome 💕
Now that the "Silly Season" is over, you may be feeling the need for a plein air art experience somewhere exotic.![]()
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Have a look at the Norfolk Island Art Experience below, featuring Guest Artist Leon Holmes. ![]()
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Louise Collier from Art Outdoors has thought of everything! Accommodation is at Ocean Breeze Cottages, a lovely elevated spot where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation with beautiful views towards Phillip Island. Your hire car (one per cottage) will be waiting for you at your cottage and will enable you to head off to the shops to stock up on some supplies for the week or maybe a drive to explore some of the island. ![]()
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No Passport required 😍![]()
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This art experience is a collaboration between Art Outdoors & Plein Air Down Under, and we are excited to be part of this exciting initiative.
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Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
