Feature Artists 2025

    In 2025, Plein Air Down Under presents internationally renowned artists to paint and demonstrate their skills during the festival.  The artists for 2025 are Michele Usibelli (USA), Leon Holmes (Australia), and Aaron Schuerr (USA) who bring their distinct perspectives, adding an enriching global dimension.

    Our festival is further supported by Guest Artists from Australia including Andy Dolphin (Mt Barker), Gordon Alexander (Perth), and Linda MacAulay (Victoria).

    MasterClass and Workshop access will be available for those with a PADU 2025 Festival Ticket. Registrations will open 28 February 2025

    Michele Usibelli (USA)

    OPA, AIS, AWA, CAC, LPAPA

    Vibrant-Passionate-Captivating

    After earning her Architecture degree from the University of Washington, Michele merged her professional expertise with her love of travel. Her extensive life experiences and global adventures serve as the foundation for her art. Michele began her artistic journey rooted in the Russian Impressionist tradition, focusing on light and colour through expressive, loose brushstrokes. Her work spans genres—from still life and landscapes to cityscapes and figurative pieces—all unified by a consistent voice and distinct application of paint.

    Primarily working in oils, Michele also explores acrylics, gouache and watercolour. Her goal is to create original pieces that resonate uniquely with each viewer. Collectors often remark that her work is recognizable “from across the room,” a testament to her artistic identity.

    View Michele’s work at: Michele Usibelli Fine Art

    Read more on Michele

    Leon Holmes (WA)

    Leon is an international award-winning plein air artist, lecturer and ambassador. 

    He paints from life on location, without the aid of photography, using his small studies as reference for larger studio works created in his home studio in Mandurah.

    A professional artist since 2003, Leon paints outdoors in the old masters’ style of impressionistic realism.  He works in oil to quickly capture natural light and colour.

    View Leon’s wok at: leonholmesart.com.au

    Read more on Leon

    Aaron Schuerr (USA)

    Aaron is from Montana (USA), and is well known for his works in Pastel and Oils. 

    Livingston, Montana artist Aaron Schuerr has embarked on solo plein air painting treks across the Grand Canyon, over the Beartooth Mountains, and deep into the alpine wilderness areas of Montana and Colorado. He also makes regular trips to the coast, painting and teaching workshops in Maui and along the California coast.

    View Aaron’s work at: www.aaronschuerr.com 

    Read more on Aaron