Hundreds of artists will be in the Peel region this weekend for the annual Plein Air Down Under Festival. Coinciding with the month-long Mandurah Arts Festival, Plein Air Down Under involves artists of all levels. 

Keen painters were also out earlier in the month for the 23rd International Plein Air Painters Worldwide Paint Out on September 6. Plein air painting follows a tradition begun in the 1800s and has been growing in popularity in recent years, particularly since 2020.

A few years back a group of plein air painters were very welcoming of an impromptu visit by Reporters while painting by the river in East Fremantle.

Since then we have photographed plein air artists in Malaysia and Penang. The attraction is obvious: fresh air, common interest, inspiring locations and no minimum skill level required to join in.

One of the local groups bringing people together is Perth Plein Air Painters which organises weekly paint-outs (follow them on Facebook for more information).

For the Plein Air Down Under Outdoor Painting Festival 2025 programme visit pleinairdownunder.com You can also visit mandurahpleinair.com for more information.

Story and photographs © Danielle Berryman 2025