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
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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Discounted Early Bird Artist Registrations ACCESS ALL AREAS are open – save yourself $25!![]()
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Held annually in Mandurah and the Peel region, Australia’s premier outdoor painting festival brings together artists of all skill levels, mediums and ages for a week of creativity, connection and learning.![]()
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What to Expect:![]()
🎨 Outdoor Painting – Paint with over 200 plein air artists![]()
🏆 Competitions & Prizes – Over $12,000 in awards up and prizes![]()
🖌️ Workshops & Demonstrations – Learn from world renowned Feature Artists Greg Barnes, Leon Holmes & Andy Dolphin and Guest Artists Linda MacAulay & Leanne Pearson![]()
🎭 Art Exhibitions – Exhibit and sell your festival plein air paintings![]()
🌿 Scenic Locations – Paint rural landscapes, waterways and heritage sites![]()
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Register for ACCESS ALL AREAS now to be part of an immersive and inspiring celebration of outdoor painting: pleinairdownunder.com/![]()
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📅 When: 22 – 29 September 2026![]()
📍 Where: Mandurah and the Peel region, Western Australia.![]()
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Leon Holmes Andy Dolphin Art OIL LANDSCAPE PAINTING - Two day Masterclass #1 with Greg Barnes Leanne Pearson Artist PASTELS - IMPRESSIONIST STYLE - Two day Masterclass #2 with Greg Barnes Linda MacAulay
Mandurah Open Studios art trail welcomes PADU artist Peter Munday.![]()
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Peter’s love of art came later in life and remarkably his talents are self taught. He captures hidden gems and secret valleys of rugged landscape and the beauty of the Australian outback. He describes his style as rustic realism. With the use of acrylic paints and brushstrokes, Peter catches the reflective light. ![]()
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Parking available onsite for visitors in allocated bays.![]()
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Studio: Bethanie Peel Community Housing 10-18 Maclaggan Turn, Coodanup![]()
10am – 4pm ![]()
2, 3, 9 & 10 May
Atelier de Joie Painting and Sculpture introduces you to Joie Villeneuve, another PADU artist participating in Mandurah Open Studios Art Trail.![]()
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Working across painting, sculpture, and installation, Joie’s art explores the intersections of material, memory, and meaning. Each piece becomes a meditation in texture, colour, and form, rich with symbolic resonance. Her process is one of devotion and discovery—an ongoing dialogue between the physical act of making and the unseen forces that guide it, offering viewers a space for contemplation and connection. Special Mother’s Day offerings available.![]()
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Studio: 35A Breakwater Parade, Mandurah![]()
10am – 4pm ![]()
2, 3, 9 & 10 May
Contact
Postal Address
P.O Box 788
30-32 Pinjarra Road
30-32 Pinjarra Road
Mandurah, WA
Australia, 6210
Australia, 6210
