Painting by Melbourne artist Barbara Kitallides.  Photo - Eve Wilson.

Studio details from the workspace of Melbourne artist Barbara Kitallides.  Photo - Eve Wilson.

Barbara at work in her home studio.  Photo - Eve Wilson.

Melbourne artist Barbara Kitallides in her home studio.  Photo - Eve Wilson.

A couple of months ago I gave a little talk at The Social Studio in Melbourne, as part of their 'Quick Unpick' series of talks and lectures for the The L'oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival cultural program.  It was a really lovely event because it was so intimate - perhaps about 20 people came along and sat around a communal table whilst I spoke and flicked through a few slides, and afterwards there was an opportunity to chat with some of the lovely ladies who attended.  One attendee was Melbourne based designer-turned-artist Barbara Kitallides, who followed up shortly after our first meeting with some images of her paintings.  I was instantly taken with her incredible use of colour, and was super keen to share her work with you guys (before anyone else beat me to it!).

Barbara originally studied visual communication at Monash University in Melbourne.  After studying she travelled throughout Europe, and visiting all the incredible European art galleries instilled in her a deep appreciation for fine art, and her for painting was born.  'It was during this trip I found myself drawn more to painting, and wanting to break away from the design grid' says Barbara.

Barbara draws on a wide range of influences in her work.  She loves Australian, Spanish and American art, and is particularly fond of the work of Australian artists Albert Tucker and Sidney Nolan.  At the other end of the spectrum, Barbara says she also finds new media endlessly inspiring - 'Instagram and online resources provide such an amazing source of inspiration and reference for my work too' she says.

Barbara currently works from a home studio, creating large abstract works using acrylic paint on canvas.  They're extraordinarily vibrant works, full of colour and energy.  'In some ways I describe my style as abstract 'emotional landscapes’ says Barbara. 'Everything I do both in life and art is very much linked to human emotion'.  It follows, then, that Barbara tends to paint spontaneously - painting around 80% of a new work in the first two sittings, then re-visiting it in the following weeks to add the finishing touches. 'For me art is the most frustrating yet beautifully rewarding thing I do. I love the days when hours of painting feels like minutes, getting completely lost in the canvas' she says.

Barbara is not currently represented by a gallery - for all enquiries, please contact her directly through the contact form on her website.

Painting by Melbourne artist Barbara Kitallides.  Photo - Eve Wilson.

Studio mess is the most photogenic kind of mess!  Photo - Eve Wilson.

Finished works in the studio.  Photo - Eve Wilson.