FRAMING GUIDANCE

    Dear Artists,

    To be prepared for exhibiting artwork following Plein Air Down Under’s festival weekend, please read on for hints and guidance.

    Keep in mind that how you present your artwork will support your chances of:

    • Being awarded a prize;
    • Supporting the price you set; and
    • A possible sale.

    All artwork should be presented in a way that a buyer can take it home following the exhibition, without incurring any damage, especially pastel work. You can assume wet oils will dry during the time they are hanging.

    PADU has two exhibitions.
    1. Experience Peel (EP) Exhibition, is for up to TWO (2) artworks completed between 22 – 25 September 2026. Surfaces should be stamped prior to starting. Check the website for more info.
      • Artwork should be conducted 100% plein air – A photo should be taken on location, with artwork visible in the context of the scene. This is if you win a prize, and judges ask you to validate its creation as plein air.
      • These paintings are to be UNFRAMED to create a “fresh from the easel” feel however watercolours could and pastels must have a matt board and protective cellophane.
      • Experience Peel paintings are to be handed in by 9.30am on Saturday morning 27 September, inside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC).
    1. Festival Weekend Exhibition, is for up to TWO (2) artworks created on Saturday 26 and/or Sunday 27 September, the traditional festival weekend. Please note the following:
      • Framing is REQUIRED for all work, in this section.
      • The check-in for long weekend artwork is at the end of Saturday and Sunday from 5-7pm at ManPAC.
    Options for Obtaining Frames
    1. Affordable frames are available for purchase by pre-order from 4th August and during the event (whilst stocks last) from Leon Holmes Art. These are available in three sizes 20x30cm, 20x40cm and 30x40cm and are suitable for oils and acrylics. Painting panels are also available. Call or message Sara Holmes on 0435 026 940 or contact Sara here. https://leonholmes.au/contact-us/
    2. Bring your own frames and painting surfaces to suit your preferred medium.
    3. You can pre-purchase basic frames from outlets such as K-Mart, Big-W, Officeworks, Ikea etc, however do this before you travel to the festival, as local stocks in Mandurah are not guaranteed.
    HINTs
    1. Please remember that a quality and matching frame will better show off your artwork.
    2. A simple clean frame may be all you really need.
    3. With a little pre-planning and organising you can pre-cut watercolour papers, pastel boards or oil panels to fit your own frames, so completed artworks can be readily fitted prior to artwork check-in.
    4. Consider the size and orientation of the likely artwork beforehand. Choose painting sizes to match common frame sizes. Pre-drill holes in both Landscape and Portrait formats for D-Rings.
    5. All frames need to have two D-Rings and a hanging cord.
    6. Some hanging hardware assistance is available at the check-in desk (D-Rings, cord, drills, pliers etc).
    7. You do not need to frame your work completed in the Quick Draw on the Monday.

    END