We are doing things differently this year

The unofficial
Art in the Open 2026

Beach scene with painting supplies on sand, including a full sheet of watercolour paper with a landscape painting, watercolor palette, and bags, with houses and a green hillside in the background.

In support of the annual 5 Lands Walk, and the 20th year celebrations, the artists are stationed along the walking route, painting en plein air. Whether you are walking or painting, you are paying respect to the culture, history and land that we care for here in Darkinjung Country.

In the past, the en plein air event was organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers. However, in lieu of this committee, I, Maz, will organise the allocations of painting spots and the after-paint-get-together. I hope this will suffice.

By 31 May Fill in the form, with your location preferences, so that you are kept informed.

By 8 June The map will be emailed out.

Saturday 20th June 2026

8am-3pm - Paint en plein air at your designated spot.
Handy hint: if you are located earlier on in the walk (eg: MacMasters and Copacabana, start earlier eg: 8am, as this is when most of the people will be passing by. If you are at Terrigal 9-10am is probably a more suitable as a start time.
3.30pm - Pack up and head to Avoca Beach Surf Club, Restaurant area on the deck.
Add $30 cash (what would have been your registration fee) into the hat upon arrival.
Display your day’s paintings on the stage area.
5.00pm - Artists’ choice winner will take all!

Please spread the word!

Scroll down to register

Map of a coastal area with labels for different beaches and locations, including Avoca Beach, Copacabana, North Avoca, and MacMasters, along with directions and nearby landmarks.

Registration

FAQs

Contact Maz

The 5 Lands Walk may have reduced events on the day.
If the rain is intermittent, then paint when the weather allows.
Some of the beaches have surf clubs with verandahs. Go seek shelter where you can.
There are no gazebos for artists. En plein air is as it suggests, out in the open. Bring your hat, sunscreen and water. The day is long and tests your resolve, so bring your good humour.
Anything goes! Bring your prefered art materials. Go big or go small, its entirely up to you. Just remember, trekking all those supplies to and from the car isn’t fun. And a large canvas acts as a sail on a windy day.
Most painting spots are away from the walking route, so you might find it a bit of a solitary day. But we’ll make up for that when we meet after at the Avoca Beach Surf Club (note: venue change) for a drink and a chat about our day and the work we created.
Your designated spot for painting may not be very close to the toilets. Toilets are located at each of the Surf Clubs.
How you interpret the landscape is entirely up to you. Here are some prompts:
What do I feel?
What do I see?
What do I hear?
What do I know?
What do I share?
How does the history of these five communities play into my experience of being here right now?
It does not have to be conceptual work. Just enjoy creating in nature!
There are none. We are painting as individuals and we understand that in doing so, we do so at our own risk.