Kathrin Longhurst is a contemporary German-born Australian figurative artist whose work is celebrated both nationally and internationally.
Known for her compelling and evocative pieces, her work is widely exhibited and collected around the world. As the winner of the 2021 Archibald Packing Room Prize and a finalist in numerous prestigious awards, Longhurst has established herself as one of Australia’s most influential contemporary artists.
And this acclaimed artist’s art studio of choice?
A Melwood Mod, no less!
“You have been amazing, great communication, great service. I would say under-promised and over-delivered.”
The perfect canvas
Every artist – whether an emerging hobbyist or an internationally acclaimed professional like Kathrin – requires a sanctuary where creativity can breathe and grow. An artist’s workspace is so much more than just a room. It’s a living canvas that needs to inspire its resident and nurture artistic expression. Ideally, it is light and bright for detailed work, generous enough to store art supplies and emerging works, and versatile enough to showcase completed pieces. Above all it needs to be peaceful and convenient, ready to go when inspiration strikes.
That’s why, like so many other creatives, Kathrin found the ideal art studio in a Melwood Mod. Naturally airy and bright in its design, with its signature highlight windows flooding the interior with light, it’s the Melwood of choice for many an artist.
What’s more, the convenience of a workspace right outside the back door offers ultimate creative freedom – after all, inspiration doesn’t adhere to a 9-5 schedule!
As Kathrin herself notes, “I can come out here anytime, and I’m still connected with the rest of the family,” highlighting the studio’s ability to blend professional space with family life.
Comfort and creativity in every brushstroke
Kathrin’s Melwood Mod has enhanced her enjoyment of work considerably. Having a high-quality art studio within her very own back garden is not only convenient but incredibly comfortable.
“At night, when the temperature drops, I close the doors, and it’s warm in two seconds,” Kathrin tells us, relishing the fact that painting can continue long into the evening, even on the chilliest of days,
And with the double doors thrown open onto the deck, Kathrin feels truly connected with the world outside.
“I love that it’s green around me. It’s almost like sitting in a little cabin in nature,” she tells us.
An art studio that is picture-perfect
Inside her art studio, the atmosphere is calm and cosy with more of a gallery feel than a working space. The walls and ceiling have been painted white – the perfect backdrop to showcase the legendary artwork that adorns the interior. Pale timber flooring matches the minimalist, well organised storage that is tucked along one wall. Directional lighting highlights the art on display.
It’s the perfect environment.
Creating the optimal space was made possible by the personalisation freedom that comes with a Greenspan building, inside and out. “We were able to do a lot of the interiors ourselves to exactly how we wanted it,” states Kathrin.
And she was particularly impressed with the speed and efficiency of the process. “It was brilliant having that delivered and built in a day. So quick and easy,” she enthuses.
Summing up her experience, “You have been amazing, great communication, great service. I would say under-promised and over-delivered,” Kathrin says.
Where art and gatherings meet
Kathrin also tells us how her Melwood Mod is so much more than an art studio. It’s a versatile space that doubles as a fabulous, art-filled entertaining area.
“When we had people over for the weekend, we decided to move the dining table into the studio,” Kathrin says of a special moment enjoyed with family and friends, “You sit in there; it’s nice and warm. We had some candles burning, and you’re surrounded by the artwork.”
Dinner amongst Kathrin Longhurst’s original art? Now that is a dining experience!
Being in the garden, the studio was the perfect segue to enjoy some outdoor time post dinner.
“We stepped outside and lit the firepit, and everyone was having dessert,” recalls Kathrin, “It was lovely”.
Legends and masterpieces
In 2021, Kathrin’s artistic journey reached a pinnacle when she won the Archibald Packing Room Prize for her portrait of musician, Kate Ceberano. Imagine our honour to learn that a Melwood Mod once housed this masterpiece… plus the music legend and muse herself!
“She was very excited, and we were in the studio here on FaceTime talking to her mum about the painting… it was lovely having her in here,” Kathrin recounts of the moment Kate came face to face with her portrait for the first time.
What an incredible studio. The birthplace and exhibition space of incredible art, Kathrin Longhurst’s Melwood Mod captures the essence of artistic and lifestyle freedom. Whether hosting intimate gatherings, providing a warm refuge for late-night inspiration, or serving as the backdrop for award-winning artwork, Kathrin’s stunning art studio is where purposeful design meets artistic vision, embodying convenience, comfort and versatility.
Picture of 2021 Packing Room Prize-winning portrait of Kate Ceberano courtesy of Art Gallery NSW
Kathrin’s Melwood is a Mod 21 measuring 3.7m x 5.4m with a deck measuring 5.4m x 1.3m.
It features board and batten cladding, aluminium windows in “White” and Colorbond® roofing in “Woodland Grey”.
All measurements are approximate.
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