Plein Air Painters of Australia is a community serving website dedicated to outdoor painting in Australia.
Find an outdoor painting group near you!
Prizes and festivals dedicated to outdoor painting.
Helpful tips and tricks for Artists
Leon Holmes
Founder – Plein Air Painters of Australia
“In 2005 I spent 12 months traveling, camping and painting my way across this wide land and I did not find a single painter to paint with. I thought, there must be someone out there following in the traditions of our early impressionist, painting our beautiful landscape. So the idea was born and I created the facebook group Plein Air painters of Australia hoping that I might find like minded people I could connect and paint with. Wow was I in for a surprise!”
“As the group has grown, so too has the wider plein air community in Australia. The creation of events like Plein Air Down Under, Sunshine Coast Plein Air Paint Out and more recently, Capital Plein Air, has brought artists together in new and inspiring ways. With the support of these communities, this website now serves as a central hub for all things plein air—connecting artists, sharing opportunities, and supporting the broader Australian art scene.” Leon Holmes
Our Mission
Community, Artistic Development, Recognition
COMMUNITY
Our mission is to foster a strong and connected Australian plein air community. By creating spaces—both online and in-person—where artists can share, learn, and grow together, we aim to encourage camaraderie, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation of painting outdoors in our unique landscapes.
DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to supporting artists by making it easier to discover plein air events, workshops, and art prizes across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, our platform helps you stay informed, get involved, and make the most of opportunities to paint, exhibit, and develop your practice.
RECOGNITION
We proudly showcase the extraordinary talent of Australian plein air painters—artists whose work stands shoulder to shoulder with their international peers. Through this platform, we shine a light on the depth, diversity, and excellence of our local artists, helping them gain the recognition they deserve both at home and abroad.