Canberra’s very own Plein Air Festival will paint the city in a new light

Posted on 16 April, 2025

Calling all aspiring and experienced artists! From Monday 21 until Sunday 27 April, you can indulge in the beauty of the autumn scenery and take part in the Capital Plein Air Festival.

Chaired by Natasha Ruschka, and co-founded alongside Chan Dissanayake and Rosanna Burston, the Capital Plein Air Festival has been created by artists for artists – and it’s the only national plein air festival on Australia’s east coast.

“The festival marks a significant milestone in the growth of Australia’s plein air movement, following in the footsteps of Plein Air Down Under, which pioneered the country’s plein air festival scene in Western Australia seven years ago. Now, we’re excited to establish the East Coast’s first major plein air event,” says Natasha.

The focus of the festival will be on outdoor painting, with “Plein Air” coming from the French term meaning “in the open air.” This type of painting dawned in the 19th century with the French impressionists at the forefront of this movement, making the style possible through the invention of portable paint tubes and collapsible easels.

For Natasha, it was her experience of plein air painting in the United States, along with her late-blooming love of painting (that was fast-tracked through capturing outdoor landscapes) that resulted in the inspiration behind creating this event.

“My journey as an artist started later in life, so when I began learning to paint, I was eager to develop and improve as quickly as possible to make up for my ‘lost time’,” explains Natasha.

“Many of the professional artists who inspired me emphasised that painting outdoors is one of the fastest ways to develop as a painter. Working on location requires speed and adaptability before the light changes. Since painting is a process of translating nature’s detail and complexity into a simplified visual statement, the urgency of outdoor painting teaches you to focus on the most essential elements to convey the story effectively.”

Natasha Ruschka.

So, what does the Capital Plein Air Festival include? Well, it’s not just a chance to paint an outdoor landscape, that’s for sure. There will also be multiple workshops and demonstrations held throughout the festival for artists to learn from experts within the field, such as Leon Holmes and Warwick Fuller, as well as the opportunity to immerse yourself in specifically chosen destinations all across the region – from the Cotter River and Dam area to Gundaroo, Tharwa, Weston Park, The National Arboretum and Government House –along with a quick draw competition on the final morning.

It’s all about embracing the beauty of Canberra’s autumnal landscape.

Natasha says that the format of the festival  “creates an incredible atmosphere of creative energy and gives spectators a chance to watch artwork emerge in real-time.”

“We also wanted to showcase the magnificent display of autumn colour that peaks during April – an especially captivating sight for interstate artists who may not experience such vibrant seasonal changes in their own regions.”

Now you might be thinking, ‘Wow, this sounds like you have to be really talented to take part’, but that’s not the case at all. You just have to be eager to embrace all that it is. It’s open to every artist at all levels, and the public is encouraged to come and spectate to help break the misconception of artists only being in studios.

“For beginners, it’s a chance to build confidence and skills in a supportive environment. For experienced artists, it’s an opportunity to push their boundaries and be part of Australia’s growing plein air movement. Most importantly, we hope everyone leaves feeling inspired by Canberra’s beautiful landscapes and energised by the shared creative experience,” says Natasha.

“Art is one of the most inclusive activities and knows no boundaries. There is never any right or wrong – just how you do it! Celebrating it outside in nature across the region will create the opportunity for connections across so many aspects of the community.”

“We want artists to walk away with more than just completed paintings – we’re creating an experience that combines artistic growth, community connection, and memorable moments.”

If you can’t make it to this spectacular event, don’t worry, there are different Social Paint Outs held at various points throughout the year, which still embrace the ‘plein air aspect. But if you can, book out your calendars from April 21 to 27 to take part in this inspiring festival to help spark your creative flair or learn something new. You won’t want to miss it.

Images supplied.