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
- 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
What is PADU EXPERIENCE PEEL??![]()
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From 23 - 26 September 2025, Plein Air Down Under artists paint around the Peel Region, and we present a different location each day. These four days are known as PADU Experience Peel Paint Outs, and they are heaps of fun.![]()
Have a look at our day at Fairbridge Village last year, there was so much to paint there, we are going back this year, on Thursday 25 September. And the wisteria is in bloom.![]()
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Don't just come for the weekend, come for the week!
🎨 ATTENTION WATERCOLOUR ARTISTS! 🎨![]()
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Looking to take your watercolour skills outside the studio? 🌿![]()
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Join award-winning artist & tutor Gordon Alexander for a one-day workshop at Plein Air Down Under this Friday, 26 September 2025 in Mandurah.![]()
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This immersive workshop will cover:![]()
🖌️ Classic watercolour techniques![]()
🎯 Simplifying scenes & mastering composition![]()
🌈 Playing with values, colour & edges![]()
🌦️ Solving the common challenges of painting en plein air![]()
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Perfect for artists with some experience who want to grow in confidence and expand their skills in the beautiful outdoors.![]()
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🔗 Full details & bookings: pleinairdownunder.com/gordon-alexander/
We love seeing our Plein Air Down Under artists holding solo exhibitions, and this is Corrine Rapley's fifth!![]()
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Corrine's GOLDEN LIGHT exhibition continues to 1 June at Ellenbrook Art HQ, located at 34 Main Street, Ellenbrook. Call in and have a look, we all enjoy and asppreciate beautifully executed landscape paintings.![]()
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Corrine's oil paintings capture the play of light on Australia’s landscapes, particularly its coastlines and waterways. This exhibition further explores the theme of light, showcasing the artist’s portrayal of Australia’s natural beauty. ![]()
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Gallery Hours:![]()
Tuesday-Friday 10am to 5pm![]()
Weekends 10am to 2pm![]()
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Ellenbrook Arts
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Registering to paint at Plein Air Down Under automatically makes you eligible for all the awards and prizes on offer, and they continue to grow!![]()
Note: Artist Registrations now include two Feature Artist demonstrations and presentations*, at no extra cost.![]()
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YOUR ACCESS ALL AREAS ARTIST REGISTRATION INCLUDES:![]()
• Access to paint at all Experience Peel locations 23-26 September![]()
• Painting within the festival footprint during the festival weekend 27-29 September![]()
• Painting in the Quick Draw Two Hour Painting Competition, Monday 29 September (otherwise ticketed at $20)![]()
• Meet & Greet event in the gardens of the Leon Holmes gallery; includes light supper![]()
• *Feature Artist Aaron Schuerr Pastel Painting demo in Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 27 September (otherwise ticketed at $40)![]()
• *Feature Artist Michele Usibelli Professional Development presentation in Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 27 September (otherwise ticketed at $40)![]()
• Complimentary dinner, Saturday 27 September, provided by Ray White Mandurah![]()
• Eligibility to attend festival Masterclasses and Workshops (separate registration fee applies).![]()
• Eligibility to attend Portrait Night (separate fee applies)![]()
• Eligibility to exhibit a total of four artworks inside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre![]()
• Eligibility for over $12,000 in prizes and awards ![]()
• Complimentary light lunch Monday 29 September![]()
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$95.00 ADULT Early Bird Artist Registration, Access All Areas![]()
$120 from 1 August 2025 Normal Registration, Access All Areas![]()
$10 YOUTH aged 18 and under![]()
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Register to paint here: pleinairdownunder.com/![]()
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All mediums, all skill levels, all ages - come and paint, its buckets of fun!![]()
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Image: Painting of artist Noemie Turner, by Leanne Pearson
I am delighted with the warm reception I have seen while we plan an amazing program of masterclasses, panel discussions and painting demonstrations for Plein Air Down under this September. ![]()
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My classes are full with the exception of a few spots left in my "gouache" masterclass, September 25 & 26. If you have wanted to explore this versatile medium or take your gouache painting to the next level, this class is for you. Visit Plein Air Down Under for registration information.
Contact
Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
