Mixed media artist The CreativeMindClass Blog
"Let's begin with the words to most accurately describe me: powerful, expressive and layered."
Claudia's personal background
"My Name is Claudia Melchor, I am formalized as an architect. However, I've had a passion in painting and 2D mediums since I can recall."
What was the process of transferring from architecture to mixed-media illustrations?
"When the moment came to choose the career path I was advised, like other people, not to pursue a career in arts. And I listened. Then I graduated with a Bachelor and Master degree in Architecture and being utterly bored with the job in behind the computer. Then , during my gap year following university, I began making illustrations, drawings as well as products that had my design on them and I've never been happier!
The whole thing took off after I secured a position at an office for architecture that I am now working on alongside my illustration business and ongoing studies in the field of art historical studies. I'm hoping to get rid of the position of corporate architect quickly enough to focus completely on what I enjoy doing and using mixed-media techniques.
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I'm hoping my tale will aid individuals who aren't sure what to study to realize that a degree in art is not important, you can be an artist with every background. And the most important part is that this can make your art more unique. Of course, attending an art school must be a fantastic learning experience too!"
How would you describe your illustration style?
"I believe that describing your personal style can be a challenge. I asked my friends about this one, and how they described it couldn't be more accurate. They said my art looks as if everything I paint appears moving like the wind is blowing across the artwork and dropping colors on everything it touches. It's impossible to find a better way to describe the effect honestly.
I love layering textures as well as playing with lots of colors, I am the ultimateist in this regard. The harder I try to limit a palette of colors and the more expansive the spectrum of color gets.
If we look at some of my subject options, some of my most favorite subjects to paint are landscapes containing mountains and oceans, because it brings me back to my home town of Tenerife, a quaint little island that lies in the Atlantic ocean.
But I will also create human-like characters with over-the-top features and vibrant skin. Also, of course, I always include some architectural element - the 6 years of architecture studies must be represented somewhere."
What are the most important factors for creating mixed-media artwork?
"I consider that the secret for me to create my work is not planning ahead too much. It's fair to say that this technique sometimes works however it is not always successful however, not worrying too much about the outcome allows you to be free to experiment while painting.
I enjoy watching the process of coloring , painting , and of changing my mind in my final pieces. The work reveals my connection to the paper, to my surroundings, as well as to my painting. You can trace my decision-making process in the finished result.
I love being able to get my hands dirty and mix up my own colors. The only thing you require to create my artwork is a variety of different materials (doesn't have to be extravagant, however I enjoy mixing media) and a loose hand and a willingness to apply paint layers and begin from scratch."
There is a way to connect with Claudia her Instagram as well as on her website. Claudia is an innovative educator and shares her expertise on the internet. Her Mixed Media class paint your childhood home attended already more than 2k students.
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