March 27, 2024
The artistic fiber in her since she was little, Claude Machado first worked in children's fashion, before finding her way of expressing herself: watercolor and Indian ink in paintings.
My name is Claude Machado, I am an illustrator, and I live in Mont-Saxonnex.
From fashion to paintings
Since the age of 7, I have always drawn. I got a box of watercolors for my birthday, and I only did watercolor drawings. I always copied and illustrated what I saw.
When I had to choose my profession, I turned to a creative profession and so I worked in children's fashion for 15 years. But I was never completely satisfied with this work. So slowly I came to this story: my paintings.
Nature, a source of inspiration
The starting point of my work is flowers. I love observing flowers, and bringing them back to life through drawing. My inspiration also turns to nature in general and the mountains. I'm very observant: when I walk or ski, I try to see the little things that make me smile, and that's what I illustrate.
Between watercolor and Indian ink
I use watercolor and Indian ink, which I apply with a calligraphy pen. I found this nib at a market when I was a teenager, and since then I have always drawn with it. I think it's all the result of all my experiences, which translates into this style today.
A story, a work
Before starting a painting, I tell myself lots of little stories: from each story a painting is born. Before I start, I research colors to find those that will go well together. Then I make several drafts to organize my drawing. Then, I work on the final drawing. Ultimately, what takes me the most time is the work before the final production, which takes me around 2 days.
Back to basics
I am originally from Romme-Sur-Cluses, where I lived until the age of 18. I subsequently left to study fashion, but I knew that I would return to the region later to find my roots.
Coming back, we were looking to settle in the mountains, and we arrived at Mont-Saxonnex. We found everything we were looking for in this village: a school, small shops, proximity to my family and the fact that I could work there. I can therefore coordinate family life and work.
