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 (PADU) 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.
Held annually in Mandurah and the Peel Region of Western Australia, this vibrant festival brings together over 200 artists for a week of creativity, learning, connection and outdoor painting.
PADU Experience Peel Paint Outs are held from 22 – 25 September in the wider Peel Region, incorporating rural landscapes away from the CBD. The festival weekend of 26 – 28 September is held around Mandurah and the historic town of Pinjarra and celebrates outdoor painting with exhibitions, painting demonstrations, free have-a-go activities and awards and prizes.
Plein Air Down Under presents a week of outdoor and evening paint-outs, over $13,000 in awards and prizes, workshops, youth involvement and two art exhibitions. In 2026 internationally renowned artists Greg Barnes (USA), Leon Holmes (Aus) and Andy Dolphin (Aus) will run Masterclasses, paint and demonstrate throughout the festival.
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, enjoy the festivities and visit the Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition.
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 $13,000 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
We love how little reminders of Ray White - Mandurah pop up in the most out of the way places!![]()
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Earlier this week the Mandurah Plein Air Artists were painting at the stunning Warrungup Springs Reserve in Dawesville, and here was artist Susan Lewis, proudly wearing her Ray White cap from last year's festival.![]()
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The Ray White Mandurah Team have been an integral part of Plein Air Down Under since 2023, and are back again this year, sprinkling their kind of magic. Their aim, from the beginning, has been to elevate the artists experience and they have done that, and more! Saturday's complimentary morning coffee and evening dinner, the Ray White Mandurah $3,000 Acquisitional Award, the whole team volunteering their time, a door prize, children's free activities and face painting - just a few ways they make our festival better. Thank you for your continued support, it makes a big difference.![]()
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Photo: courtesy Peta Kapor![]()
Ray White - Mandurah
It looked like a fun and productive Norfolk Island art adventure - have a look at just some of the work created by Leon Holmes during his time as a guest artist on this trip.![]()
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This special event trip was a collaboration between Art Outdoors and Plein Air Down Under Satellite Events, offering a group of artists and partners an adventure to cherish.![]()
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Thanks to Louise Collier Artist for making this happen. 😍
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Congratulations Ray White Mandurah on your 4th birthday! You have achieved so much in a short time, and it feels like we have been on the journey with you - in the best possible way.![]()
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You have proved that when community is your focus, success will follow. Wishing you all the very best, and huge congratulations, from our team to yours. 😍
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At the footsteps of the Darling Escarpment, Redgum Wine Estate is the perfect destination.![]()
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Nestled amongst the Marrinup State Forrest, Redgum Wine Estate provides a delightful day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With uninterrupted views stretching all the way to the Dawesville Estuary, there’s a lot to paint!![]()
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The picturesque scenery and intimate setting of the estate also provide the perfect backdrop for our Experience Peel Paint Out #3 on Thursday 24 September. All artists registered with an ACCESS ALL AREAS PASS are welcome to paint throughout the grounds and if you are booked in for a Masterclass that day, what a magical location for learning.![]()
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The estate is closed on Thursdays, but owners Maree & Ben are looking forward to welcoming artists for an exclusive day of painting, learning and camaraderie.![]()
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To read more about this elegant estate, visit: redgumwineestate.com.au/![]()
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Below are the two Masterclasses to be held at Redgum Wine Estate:![]()
WATERCOLOUR - Two day Masterclass #1 with Andy Dolphin![]()
PASTELS - IMPRESSIONIST STYLE - Two day Masterclass #2 with Greg Barnes
The Norfolk Island Art Adventure is a Plein Air Down Under Satellite Event in collaboration with Art Outdoors![]()
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The artists have arrived and excited to be learning from Leon Holmes and Louise Collier Artist![]()
Stunning scenery and learning from a master plein air artist, who could ask for more!
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Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
