Mixed media artist - The CreativeMindClass Blog

Aug 6, 2022

"Let's begin by defining the adjectives that best describe my work: bold as well as expressive, and rich."

Claudia Melchor's painting. Chicago Marina Apartment Building Architecture out of context series (2019)
Claudia Melchor's artwork. Chicago Marina Apartment Buildings surrounded by plants in pink.


Claudia's background

"My name"is Claudia Melchor, I am formally trained as an architect. However, I've always had a love for art and 2D mediums since I can remember."

Claudia Melchor's portrait photo. Claudia standing in her worspace.
Claudia Melchor in her workspace.

How did you transfer from architecture to mixed-media illustrations?

"When the time came to choose the career path I was also advised by other people, not to take up a career in the arts. and I was adamant. Fast forward a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Architecture. I found myself completely bored with the job in front of the computer. Then , during my gap year after university, I started to create illustrations, paintings and other products that featured my own designs, which made me feel more content!

All of it started right after I secured a position at an office for architecture that I am now working on alongside my illustration work and ongoing studies in the field of art history. I hope that I can quit the corporate architecture job soon enough and concentrate fully on my passion for art-making and using mixed media techniques.

                                                                                                             Check out this post on Instagram                                                                                                                                                

   A shared post via Creative Mind Class (@creativemindclass)

I hope my story helps people who are undecided about the best course of study. I hope it helps you realize that the art degree is not important, you could be an artist from any background and the best part is that this can create a unique art. Of course, going to an art college is a wonderful learning experience too!"

Claudia Melchor's painting. A bridge in abstract plants.
The Bridge, Architecture Exhibition series (2020)


What would you say about your illustration style?

"I think describing your own style can be a challenge. I was forced to talk to my buddies about this, and how they described it couldn't be more accurate. 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 onto everything it comes into contact with. There is no better way to describe it honestly.

I enjoy layering textures and mixing a wide range of colors. I'm a maximalist in that sense. The harder I try to constrict a color palette and the more expansive the range of colors becomes.

Claudia Melchor's painting. A tower building in pink and blue plants.
Seattle Rainier Tower, Architecture Series (2019)

If we look at some of my topic choices, my favorite things to paint are landscapes containing mountains and oceans, as it reminds me of my home town of Tenerife is a charming little island situated in the Atlantic ocean.

In addition, I sketch human figures, that have exaggerated features as well as vibrant skin. Of course, I always include some architectural element - the six years of studying architecture will be visible in my work."

Claudia Melchor's painting. Abstract landscape and a building.
The Pavillion, Architecture Exhibition series (2020)


What's the secret in creating your mixed-media illustration?

"I consider that the secret for me to create my work is not to plan too much beforehand. It's fair to say that this technique sometimes works and it sometimes doesn't, but not worrying excessively about what will happen allows you to be free to play around with your painting.

I love watching the process of coloring , painting and changing my mind on my final work. The work reveals my connection to the paper, to my environment, and also to the paint. You are able to trace my decisions in the finished product.

Claudia Melchor's painting. Swiss Landscape.
The Swiss Landscape for Caran D'Ache (2020)

I enjoy being able work with my hands to mix up my own paints. All you require to be able to recreate my work is lots of different substances (doesn't need to be anything fancy, but I do like to mix media), a very loose hand and a willingness to apply paint layers and begin with a blank canvas."

You can find Claudia on Instagram as well as on her website. Claudia is an innovative instructor and teaches her talents on the internet. Her Mixed Media class: Paint your childhood home has already had more than 2k students.

                                                                                                             See this article on Instagram                                                                                                                                                

   A blog post that was shared by Claudia Melchor (@_claudiamelchor)

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