HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2026
Capital Plein Air 2026 brought together 170 artists for a vibrant week of painting, workshops, demonstrations, social events and exhibition across Canberra. With artists travelling from six Australian states and territories — and 65% joining us from outside the Canberra region — the festival nearly doubled in size from its inaugural year. We were delighted to welcome Featured Artist and Judge Scott Gellatly from Portland, Oregon, USA, alongside a strong community of returning and new artists. Across the week, participants painted at some of Canberra’s most iconic locations, including Government House, where 120 artists painted in the grounds and viewed Her Excellency’s art collection. All six workshops sold out, more than 100 artworks were sold, and 80 artists took part in the Kingston Foreshore Quick Draw on the final day. This gallery captures some of the highlights from an unforgettable festival week — from daily paint-outs and demonstrations to workshops, social gatherings, award-winning paintings and moments of artists at work.
Workshop Weekend with Scott Gellatly at Strathnairn Arts
Monday Apr 20 – Tharwa & Cuppacumbalong Homestead
Tuesday Apr 21 – Government House
Wednesday Apr 22 – Cotter Bend & Casuarina Sands
Thursday Apr 23 – Weston Park
Friday Apr 24 – The National Arboretum
Saturday Apr 25 ANZAC Day – National Triangle
Sunday Apr 26 – Quick Draw – Kingston Foreshore
Awards and Exhibition
Workshops & Demonstrations
VOLUNTEERS & SOCIAL EVENTS
2026 WINNERS
OPEN CATEGORY
Sarah Pondevie (WA) “Autumn at Weston Park
Penny Yelf, (NSW) “Luminosity
Karl Lorenz — “Cotter #2”
Julie Simmons — “Amid the Trees”
“Cotter Morning”
“Cuppacumbalong”
“The High Court Early Shadows
NON PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
Penny Yelf – “Inferno”
Karen Koo “Blue Hues”
