Mixed media artist The CreativeMindClass Blog
"Let's begin by defining the adjectives which most accurately describe me: bold creative, expressive and multi-layered."
Claudia's background
"My Name is Claudia Melchor, I am formalized as an architect, but I have had a passion for painting and the 2D mediums since I can recall."
What was the process of transferring from architecture to mixed-media illustrations?
"When the time came to choose the career path I was told, as numerous others, to not pursue a career in arts. And I listened. Then I graduated with a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Architecture. I found myself completely bored with the job in behind the computer. In my time off after university, I started creating illustrations, artworks as well as products that had my design on them which made me feel happier!
The whole thing took off when I was offered a position at an office for architecture that I now juggle with my illustration career and my ongoing studies in the field of art history. I hope to be able to drop the job in corporate architecture soon enough and concentrate fully on the art I love as well as using mixed-media methods.
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I'm hoping that my experience will help people who are undecided about what to study to realize that the art degree does not matter, you could be an artist from any background and the best aspect is that it will create a unique art. Naturally, attending an art college is a wonderful time!"
What is the style of your illustrations?
"I consider that the process of describing your style is something extremely difficult. I was forced to talk to my buddies about this and their descriptions of the style couldn't be more precise. The way they described my work is like my paintings are in movement like the wind is blowing through the painting , and then dropping colors all the things it touches. It's impossible to find a more appropriate way of describing it honestly.
I enjoy layering textures and playing with lots of shades, and I'm the ultimateist in this regard. The more difficult I attempt to restrict a color palette, the wider the color range gets.
In a glance at some of my subject options, some of my most favorite subjects to paint are landscapes containing mountains and the ocean, because it brings me back to my home town of Tenerife, a quaint little island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.
But I will also sketch human figures, with over-the-top features and vibrant skin. And of course, I always include some architectural element - the six years of studying architecture will be visible in my work."
What is the key in creating your mixed-media illustration?
"I consider that the secret for me to create my work is to not plan too much beforehand. To be fair, this method can work and it sometimes doesn't however, not worrying over the end result really gives you the freedom to explore your art.
I enjoy watching how I color and painting and changing my mind when I finish my work. This shows the relationship I have with the paper, my environment, and also to my painting. You are able to trace my decisions to the end result.
I like being able to get my hands dirty and mix my own colors. The only thing you require to create my work is lots of different substances (doesn't need to be anything expensive, but I enjoy mixing media) as well as a flexible hand, and some courage to layer paint and start at the beginning."
There is a way to connect with Claudia over her Instagram as well as on her website. Claudia is a talented teacher and teachers her skills online. Her Mixed Media class paint your childhood home attended already more than 2k students.
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