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.
Join over 200 artists at Australia’s premier outdoor painting festival (est 2019). Held annually in Mandurah and the Peel Region of Western Australia, this vibrant festival brings together 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, have-a-go activities and awards and prizes.
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
ELEVATE YOUR SOFT PASTEL SKILLS with GREG BARNES!![]()
PASTEL - IMPRESSIONIST STYLE - en plein air![]()
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2-day Masterclass with PADU Feature Artist & pastel master, Greg Barnes (USA)![]()
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There's something absolutely MAGICAL about soft pastels! 😍 The way they glide across paper, the rich pigments that blend like silk, the immediate satisfaction of pure colour flowing from your fingertips to the surface...![]()
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✨ WHY PASTELS ARE IRRESISTIBLE:![]()
🌈 Pure pigment intensity - colours so vibrant they practically glow![]()
🤲 Tactile joy - feel the art flow directly through your hands![]()
⚡ Instant gratification - no drying time, immediate results![]()
🎭 Versatile magic - from soft whispers to bold statements![]()
🌟 Forgiving medium - easy to use, layer and correct![]()
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Join award-winning American artist Greg Barnes and take your pastel work to the next level! Greg will show you how to harness pastel's luscious qualities to paint more loosely and spontaneously.![]()
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🎯 EXPERIENCE THE PASTEL MAGIC:![]()
• Master Greg's impressionist techniques with this dreamy medium![]()
• Learn to capture light and atmosphere effortlessly![]()
• Perfect colour harmonies that make pastels sing![]()
• Personal guidance from a true pastel master![]()
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Monday 21 & Tuesday 22 September![]()
📍 Mandurah & Peel Region![]()
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Ready to get your hands dirty with this captivating medium?![]()
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👆 REGISTER: www.facebook.com/events/1390125139550760![]()
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Whether you're new to pastels or seasoned - Greg's expertise will transform your approach! ![]()
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#SoftPastels #GregBarnesArt #PADU2026 #PastelPainting
PADU Co-founder Barb Thoms will be opening her creative space as part of this year’s Mandurah Open Studios. She is also one of the founding members of the Mandurah Plein Air Artists and an accomplished plein air artist in her own right![]()
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Travelling initially stimulated her artistic development, and it was during these holidays that the joy of painting “en plein air” became evident. ![]()
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More recently, Barb’s travels have focused on painting the majesty of the New Zealand landscape. These artworks, painted recently across the South Island of New Zealand, will be presented at this year’s Mandurah Open Studios. Some were painted in rural locations, from the side of the road, and others at busy tourist lookouts – each one has its own unique story and connection to place.![]()
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Call in and have a look at Barb’s work, both plein air AND studio. And if you need to know anything at all about PADU, she is the person to ask. Barb is sharing her studio space with Textile Artist Denise Fisher. One studio visit, two artists.![]()
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Studio location: 16 Mariners Cove Drive, Dudley Park![]()
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Opening Hours:![]()
Saturday 2- Sunday 3 May: 10am - 4pm![]()
Saturday 9- Sunday 10 May: 10am - 4pm![]()
Weekday visit: Friday 8 May: 10am - 4pm![]()
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@denisefishertextileartist @Mandurah Open Studios
🎨 EXPERIENCE PEEL PAINT OUT LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED! 🎨![]()
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Get ready for 4 incredible days of painting in some stunning locations! The Experience Peel Paint Outs will showcase the diverse beauty of the Peel Region.![]()
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THE LINEUP:![]()
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Experience Peel Paint Out #1 - Tuesday 22 September 2026![]()
📍 Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra![]()
A PADU favourite... step into living history! This heritage-listed village from the early 1900s offers beautifully restored cottages and historic buildings where heritage, nature, and community come together. Paint the stories of the past in this charming and historic place where the wisteria should be out in bloom!![]()
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Experience Peel Paint Out #2 - Wednesday 23 September 2026 ![]()
📍 WILDCARD LOCATION! 🎲![]()
To be confirmed - stay tuned for this exciting surprise destination!![]()
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Experience Peel Paint Out #3 - Thursday 24 September 2026![]()
📍 Redgum Wine Estate, Teesdale![]()
New for PADU 2026... farmhouse charm meets modern luxury on the edge of the picturesque Darling Escarpment! Nestled in stunning natural landscapes and forests of Dwellingup, overlooking Marrinup State Forest - this venue promises breathtaking views and unforgettable painting opportunities.![]()
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Experience Peel Paint Out #4 - Friday 25 September 2026![]()
📍 Thorny Devil Brewery & The Thrombolites![]()
Another new location for 2026... paint ancient wonders! Capture the incredible 2,000-year-old living thrombolites at Lake Clifton in Yalgorup National Park - the largest reef of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Plus enjoy the unique atmosphere of nearby Thorny Devil Brewery.![]()
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🎨 Four days, four completely different painting experiences - from historic villages to wine estates, mystery locations to ancient natural wonders!![]()
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Perfect for artists wanting to explore diverse subjects and locations across the beautiful Peel Region. Early bird registrations for PADU now available pleinairdownunder.com/
Plein Air Down Under News, April 2026![]()
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If you want to know what's happening in the Plein Air Down Under world, follow the link below for all the latest news.![]()
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mailchi.mp/6179ab17627d/plein-air-down-under-news-april-11047758
What a great week these talented West Aussies had at Capital Plein Air, painting their hearts out.![]()
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Congratulations to all of you on a highly productive week, those plein air smiles are magic.![]()
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Ashley Hay Art Corrine Rapley Artist Andy Dolphin Art Sarah Pondevie Harry Harrison @jpwesleyart
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Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
