The Plein Air Down Under outdoor painting festival is brought to you by Mandurah Plein Air Artists Inc. a not-for-profit organisation.

The annual Festival now spans 9 days in late September and comprises 5 days of lead up workshops, paint outs and activities; a 3-day long weekend of painting opportunities, demonstrations, talks and entertainment; and a follow up 1-day workshop. There are opportunities to exhibit your freshly created artworks and enter competitions which offer prizes.

Significant effort goes into planning, arranging and running Plein Air Down Under and we are indebted to our volunteer team, which creates a festive and joyful event.

While we are not-for-profit, our festival does incur costs and we are truly grateful to our sponsors, and to the participating artists who register and pay the festival registration fee to participate and supplementary fees for our sought-after workshops.

PLEASE NOTE:  We encourage spectators to attend to watch the artists and take part in the free have-a-go art activities however all painters need to be registered to paint within any of the festival footprints. Register here: 

All participation enquiries to the PADU team. See website for contact points.

Saturday 27 September from 11am – 3pm, outside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

• Watch the artists paint around the Mandurah CBD and Marina
• Ray White Mandurah children’s art activity
• Bendigo Bank children’s art activity
• Junior Painting Activity presented by the Mandurah Arts Festival
• Have-a-go watercolour activity for grown-ups
• Live music with Best Friends Duo

 

Sunday 28 September 10am to 4pm, Edenvale Heritage Precinct

• Watch the artists paint along the Pinjarra Heritage Trail
• Feature Artist Painting Demonstrations x 3
• Children’s painting activity
• Live music with Best Friends Duo
• Peel Makers Markets
• Nu-arts Collective at Liveringa Gallery
• Roger May Machinery Museum
• Pinjarra Patchwork and Quilters
• Murray Districts Historical Society
• Pinjarra Arts Hub Shop

Monday 29 September 10am to 4pm, in and around Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

• Watch the artists paint in the two-hour Quick Draw Painting Competition (10am to 12 noon)
• View the Quick Draw artwork at the outdoor easel exhibition (12.30- 1pm)
• Visit the Spirit of the Landscape Exhibition inside the main gallery (12noon – 4pm)
• Watch the main awards ceremony in the foyer, the bar will be open
• View the Festival Weekend Art Exhibition in the gallery foyer (1.30 – 4pm)

Yes, all the above activities are free and for everyone.  In addition, on Saturday 27 September there are two ticketed presentation / demonstrations in the Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

1pm Live Pastel Demonstration with Feature Artist Aaron Schuerr Register here $40 Fee

3pm From Reference Photo to Final Painting with Feature Artist Michele Usibelli, presented by the Mandurah Arts Festival Register here $40 Fee

Your Artist Registration ACCESS ALL AREAS covers painting for the whole period between 23 and 30 September 2025, including the Quick Draw (Monday 29 September). It also allows you to submit two paintings for exhibition, sale and judging in the main awards. Paintings need to be framed, presented on a stretched canvas or a minimum of a matt board for watercolours and/or pastels.

In addition to the two paintings mentioned above, another two UNFRAMED paintings can be entered in the Experience Peel Award. More information is in the PADU Experience Peel Paint Out Section.

There are no size restrictions.

If you can only paint on Monday 29 September, the Quick Draw has a separate registration of $20, allowing you to be eligible for the Quick Draw Awards, but not the main awards.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE REGISTERING

PLEASE NOTE:  We encourage spectators to attend to watch the artists and take part in the free have-a-go art activities however all painters need to be registered to paint within any of the festival footprints. Register here: 

Stamping of Surfaces :
1. Only stamped surfaces are eligible for judging. Times and locations will be communicated to all registered artists via email and Facebook.
2. Surfaces must start off blank. Pre-toned canvas in a single colour, paper or gessoed surface is acceptable.
3. There is no limit to the number of blank surfaces however these will need to be stamped before painting begins.

Judging and Awards:

4. This is a plein air competition which means all Entries (the “Artwork”) must be the Entrant’s original work of art created, started and completed by the Entrant while outdoors, within the designated areas and times of the festival. The Artwork cannot be touched up or modified away from the defined contest locations or time periods.

5. Artworks created during Plein Air Down Under Workshops or Masterclasses are not eligible for prizes and/or awards.

6. Entries submitted for judging will be an original plein air painting or artwork. No photography, prints or three-dimensional artworks will be accepted.

7. Entrants will allow Plein Air Down Under to use photographs of paintings for existing and future promotional purposes.

8. When registering to paint at Plein Air Down Under, artists must select only one of the following categories:

• Open (Acquisitional): All artists, regardless of age or skill level, may select this option and will be judged against professional artists and feature guest artists.
• Non-Professional: For artists over 18 years of age who would prefer to be judged against other non-professionals , rather than professional and/or featured artists.
• Youth: Aged 18 or under

9. Entrants aged 18 and under will include parent/guardian information on the Artist Registration Form.

Plein Air Down Under Festival Exhibition: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 29 September to 12 October 2025

10. Each registered artist may submit two artworks to be exhibited at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (MANPAC), painted at Plein Air Down Under events between 17 and 22 September 2025.

11. Paintings exhibited as part of the Plein Air Down Under Festival Exhibition will need to be framed or presented with a matt board.  Plan ahead and bring frames to suit the size of your board, canvas or paper.

12. Artwork for exhibition and judging can be submitted to MANPAC on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September, from 5 – 7pm each night, and will include the following:

• a. On the back: Artist name, title, price, medium, contact phone number
• b. On the label provided: Artist name, title, price, medium
• c. Hanging mechanism eg. Two D Rings and string (note – hanging in 2025 will comprise single dropper using your string)

13. It is the responsibility of the Entrant to present their work for judging in a professional manner, with appropriate framing and hanging options. e. framed, on a stretched canvas or with a minimum of a matt board for watercolours

14. 25% commission will be applied to artworks sold at the Festival Exhibition and/or any time during the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival.

15. Payments to artists (after 25% commission) will be made approximately 30 days after the exhibition period, typically by bank transfer.

16. The Plein Air Down Under Festival Exhibition will run from 29 September to 12 October 2025. Paintings will hang for the duration of the exhibit unless prior arrangements have been made with the curator.

17. It is the Entrant’s responsibility to collect artwork on Monday 13 October, or arrange a method of delivery and/or freight. A Perth metropolitan collection point will be offered as an alternative to collecting from Mandurah. Artwork not collected will be donated to a local charity.

Refunds not related to a Covid-19 event cancellation
1. Artist Registration fees are non-refundable.
2. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration more than 30 days before the event will incur a 20% retention fee.
3. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration less than 30 days before the event will not receive a refund, however may transfer their place to another participant/person.
All refunds that are due are issued after the festival weekend is over.

Covid-19

Plein Air Down Under will be following the directive of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.  If the directive is to cancel the event, all Artist Registrations, Masterclass and Workshop fees will be refunded in full within four weeks of the cancellation date.

Note:  Artist Registrations now include two Feature Artist demonstrations and presentations*, at no extra cost.

• 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 exhibit a total of four artworks inside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre i.e. Two framed artworks in the main awards and two unframed Experience Peel paintings in the Experience Peel Award.
• Eligibility for over $12,000 in prizes and awards
• Complimentary light lunch Monday 29 September

Covid-19

Plein Air Down Under will be following the directive of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.  If the directive is to cancel the event, all Artist Registrations, Masterclass and Workshop fees will be refunded in full within four weeks of the cancellation date.

Refunds not related to a Covid-19 event cancellation

• • 1. Artist Registration fees are non-refundable.
    2. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration more than 30 days before the event will incur a 20% retention fee.
    3. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration less than 30 days before the event will not receive a refund, however may transfer their place to another participant/person.
    4. All refunds that are due are issued after the festival weekend is over.

No. The online booking system doesn’t allow us to change your information.

Covid-19
Plein Air Down Under will be following the directive of Australia’s Chief Medical Officer.  If the directive is to cancel the event, all Artist Registrations, Masterclass and Workshop fees will be refunded in full within four weeks of the cancellation date.

Refunds not related to a Covid-19 event cancellation
1. Artist Registration fees are non-refundable.
2. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration more than 30 days before the event will incur a 20% retention fee.
3. Participants who cancel a Masterclass registration less than 30 days before the event will not receive a refund, however may transfer their place to another participant/person.

All refunds that are due are issued after the festival weekend is over.

All Masterclass & Workshop information, with each class’s material list is here: Workshops – Plein Air Down Under

No.

Yes, providing you have registered for the Artist Registration ACCESS ALL AREAS and your surface is stamped with the Experience Peel stamp before you begin.

Either at the Experience Peel Paint Out locations between 8.30am and 10am OR Ray White Mandurah, 32 Pinjarra Road Mandurah (cnr Sholl Street), from 9am to 5pm, between 23 – 26 September

No, but any unused for EP can be restamped at the festival weekend sign in. Painting surfaces with both EP and PADU stamps are acceptable.

Yes, they are eligible for the Experience Peel Award, with the following reminders:-

• Ensure your painting surface is stamped before you begin.
• Take a photo of your completed artwork in front of the scene you painted.
• Ensure you are fully registered to paint at PADU

No. When you finish your painting, take a photo of it, on your easel, with your subject in view.  If there are any discrepancies, this will allow the judges to see the painting was completed on location with no studio touch ups.

On Saturday, 27 September.  Bring up to two UNFRAMED paintings with you to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC) and place them in the judging area by 9.30am. Ensure the painting has the following information:

– your name, title of painting, mobile number and a price.

This award will be judged by the participating artists. Each artist submitting an Experience Peel painting will be given one voting ticket to choose their preferred winner, to be lodged by 3pm on Saturday 27 September.  If the vote is tied, a non-participating Feature Artist will be asked to make the final decision.

These paintings are to be UNFRAMED to create a “fresh from the easel” feel however watercolours and pastels can have a matt board and protective cellophane.

Yes, however it will need to be framed or presented with a matt board.

No.

No. Only paintings done on Saturday 27 September are eligible for this award.

No. It is for fully registered ACCESS ALL AREAS artists, their partners, rostered volunteers and Sponsors

Your Artist Registration ACCESS ALL AREAS covers the payment and no registration is required.

No.  Stamping for the festival weekend will begin at 8.30am outside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Saturday 27 September.

• BYO drinks
• A chair, if possible
• Something warm to wear as the event is outside

Yes. Please advise the organisers before the event and we will reserve some space for you.

Parking is available on the side streets.  Please do not park in the U shaped driveway, this is a drop off and pick up point only

A light supper/finger food will be supplied.

Artist registration and painting surface stamping is from 8.30am outside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC), 9 Ormsby Tce., Mandurah

Yes, free parking with no time limit

Yes. Leon Holmes Products will be set up inside ManPAC all day Saturday and 5 – 7pm Sunday, carrying a large range of good quality art materials and accessories.

Yes, and we recommend pre-ordering as the frames are limited.  Sizes are:

20 x 40cm, 20 x 30cm and 30 x 40cm.  Primed boards are also available in these sizes.

Contact Sara Holmes on 0435 026 940 or here to arrange a pre-festival visit to the Leon Holmes Studio & Gallery at 49 Leslie Street, Dudley Park.  Pick up only.

A selection of fine art materials is also available for purchase at Leon’s studio with early bird special of up to 20% on selected items.

8.30am onwards:

Artist Sign In & Painting Surface Stamping, outside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre

Submit up to two unframed Experience Peel paintings for judging by 9.30am

Artists vote for Experience Peel paintings (ends 3pm Saturday 27 September)

Complimentary coffee provided by Ray White Mandurah

Artists painting around the Mandurah CBD, new Eastern Foreshore & Marina

11.00am to 3.00pm: Young Painters Zone, outside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre:

• Free children’s art activities
• Live music with Best Friends Duo
• Free have-a-go watercolour activity for grown ups

 

1.00pm Live Pastel Demonstration with Feature Artist Aaron Schuerr Register here

3.00pm From Reference Photo to Final Painting with Feature Artist Michele Usibelli, presented by the Mandurah Arts Festival Register here

Note:  the Workshop and Demo above are already included in the ACCESS ALL AREAS Artist Registration. Do not register again.

5.00pm onwards, inside ManPAC

• Submit one painting for the Festival Exhibition between 5 – 7pm
• Bar open
• Evening meal provided with compliments of Ray White Mandurah
• Feature Artist Panel Discussion
• Door prize presented by Ray White Mandurah

This award is for a painting of Mandurah, painted on Saturday 27 September, and submitted the same evening by 7pm.  Judging will occur that night and the winner will be announced at the main awards on Monday 29 September.

.

Ray White Mandurah are providing the following for registered artists and partners:

• Coffee cart
• Evening meal at ManPAC

Yes, there is no time limit.

From 10.00am, the festival hub will be in the Heritage Precinct, 1 George Street Pinjarra. Painting will be anywhere around the Pinjarra Heritage Trail. (see map).

Yes, just ensure your painting surface has been stamped and that you are painting within the festival footprint of the Pinjarra Heritage Trail. (see map).

Yes, there will be three; check at the Bendigo Bank marquee for exact locations:

11.00am:                  Aaron Schuerr: Pastel Painting Demo

1.00pm:                      Michele Usibelli: Gouache Painting Demo

2.30pm:                Leon Holmes: Oil Painting Demo

Yes, there are three free demos to watch on Sunday and there are also free have a go activities on Saturday and Sunday.

.

Yes, the Heritage Tea Rooms will be open, the Peel Makers Market has food trucks and there are cafes around the town.

Yes a small number is available for interstate and overseas visitors. Register with Keryn Channing prior to 20 September so we know you need transport. Email pleinairdownunder@gmail.com

After painting for the day, travel back to Mandurah.

5.00pm – 7.00pm: Submit one painting for the Festival Exhibition, inside ManPAC

6.00pm onwards:  artists are meeting at Sharky’s, Mandurah Ocean Marina.  Tables will be booked under PADU and everyone orders and pays for their own dinner and/or drinks.

PLEASE NOTE:  There are no PADU activities at ManPAC other than the submission of artwork for the Festival Exhibition and Judging.

Quick Draw painting surface stamping is from 8.30am – 9.30am, in Mandjar square, outside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC).

It is a two hour painting competition, beginning at 10.00am and finishing at 12.00 noon sharp. After the Quick Draw, bring your painting and easel to the judging area and set it up in your category.

If you have registered to paint at PADU, this ACCESS ALL AREAS registration includes your Quick Draw registration.  However you will need your Quick Draw painting surface stamped at the festival marquee in Mandjar Square (outside ManPAC).

If you haven’t registered to paint at PADU, you can register for the Quick Draw  here, cost is $20 for over 18, and $10 for 18 and under.

Yes, you can set up, sketch on a different surface or mix paints.  The main rules are to ensure your painting surface is stamped with a Quick Draw stamp, not to mark your Quick Draw painting surface, and not begin before 10.00am.

No. There is a separate stamp for the Quick Draw, and separate awards.

Only winning Quick Draw paintings can be exhibited inside ManPAC as part of the festival exhibition, but are not eligible for the main awards.

Artists bring their easel and painting into the judging area outside ManPAC, where sales are encouraged. Remember to add the 25% Plein Air Down Under commission to your price. The Quick Draw judging is done, and awards are presented.

At 1.00pm, easels and paintings are removed from the judging area and artists and spectators gather inside ManPAC for the presentation of the main awards, and art sales.

Yes, from 8.00am there will be a food and coffee van in Mandjar Square, around the festival hub.

From 1.00pm there will be a light lunch available for artists who hand in their lanyards.

At 1.30pm, they will be held in the main foyer, allowing artists to be seated.

This award is for a painting of Mandurah, painted on Saturday 27 September and submitted for judging by 7.00pm the same day.  Judging will occur that night and the winner will be announced at the main awards on Monday 29 September.

Two for the main awards and exhibition.  These can be painted from 23-28 September (excluding Masterclasses or Workshops).

In addition to the main awards, another two, unframed, can be exhibited as part of the PADU Experience Peel Award, painted between 23 – 26 September.

Paintings exhibited as part of the Plein Air Down Under Festival Exhibition inside ManPAC will need to be framed, or presented with a matt board.  Plan ahead and bring frames or matt board to suit the size of your board, canvas or paper.

Yes, and we recommend pre-ordering as the frames are limited.  Sizes are:

20 x 40cm, 20 x 30cm and 30 x 40cm.  Primed boards are also available in these sizes.

Contact Sara Holmes on 0435 026 940 or here to arrange a pre-festival visit to the Leon Holmes Studio & Gallery at 49 Leslie Street, Dudley Park.  Pick up only.

A selection of fine art materials is also available for purchase at Leon’s studio with early bird special of up to 20% on selected items.

Festival Exhibition paintings can be submitted between 5.00pm and 7.00pm inside ManPAC on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September. The hanging will commence on Saturday evening, continue on Sunday evening and be judged on Monday morning

Once the exhibition is hung, the judging of the main awards takes place. These awards will be presented on Monday 29 September at 1.30pm, inside ManPAC.

Monday 13 October between 10.00am and 4.00pm. If this is not possible, please let the committee know so alternative arrangements can be made. A Perth metro collection point will also be available.

With prior arrangement, eastern states artists can take paintings as they leave Mandurah.

Yes. Each artist can exhibit two UNFRAMED paintings done between 23 – 26 September (excluding Masterclasses or Workshops).  See the section titled PADU Experience Peel Paint Outs for more details.

Yes, absolutely!  Paintings can be sold between 23 – 30 September, at any time.  Remember to include the Plein Air Down Under 25% commission to every sale price.  Sales outside the festival footprint are on an honour system, simply let us know you have sold your painting to arrange payment of the commission.

Yes, there will be PA announcements and Art Sales volunteers to help with card transactions at the Bendigo Bank Marquee. PADU will deposit your money into your nominated bank account, less 25% commission.