Through cutting, painting, and layering, María Camacho brings her favorite characters to life—turning delicate paper fragments into expressive, story-filled creations.
We spoke with María to explore her creative world, from first cut to final composition
First Experiments
When did painting first enter your life? And what were your earliest experiences with painting like?
Ever since I was a little girl, drawing and painting were my favorite things to do. I remember loving Disney princesses, and some anime series too, and I would try to draw all the characters. I still have some of those drawings, they're not very pretty, but they hold so many memories.
When did you begin to see painting as more than a casual interest?
When the pandemic started, during quarantine, my hobby went from being something I only did occasionally to something much more serious. I dedicated a lot of time to improving my watercolor technique, which is my favorite medium to this day.
Were there artists, movements, or images that shaped your early work?
Anime style definitely defined what I wanted to achieve with my drawings. Also, artists like Margaret Morales and Qinni were a great inspiration to me.
Combining, Testing, Resolving
How did this form become central to your practice?
Watercolor is a somewhat unpredictable medium. It took time to learn to master it; it required quite a bit of trial and error. Although even today it still sometimes surprises me, I think it's what I enjoy most.
How does cutting the figure change your relationship with the painted body?
When I work on paper art, cutting out all the pieces is essential to creating a 3D effect. I always work from a base drawing, so I don't have any problems with that. The painting will take shape at the end.
After working with Artify, what comes to mind first?
Very good brushes, they are comfortable to use and hold a lot of pigment.
Have better materials changed your relationship with painting?
Of course! In my case, for years I was using paper that wasn't suitable for watercolor painting. When I bought better paper, I felt like the painting practically did itself, haha!
What the Work Is Becoming
What do you hope remains consistent in your work, no matter how it changes?
My passion for my art. Whatever material I use, I want to create colorful pieces; I want to capture the beauty of the world as I see it. I want to leave that in all my works.
What feels most important for you to develop next?
I would like to explore other mediums, such as acrylics or digital art.
What does being a painter mean to you today?
It's a form of expression for me. I can't imagine my life without painting! I always find the time to do it, no matter the circumstances. It's a part of me, and I think it's the part I love the most.
If you could pass on one lesson, what would it be?
It's going to sound cliché, but there's no better lesson: practice makes perfect. Discipline, patience, and practice will do wonders for your art, even if it doesn't seem like it at first. There's always room for improvement!
From the first cut to the final composition, María Camacho transforms paper into something vividly alive. Her work reminds us that even the simplest materials can tell powerful stories in the right hands.
Follow María’s journey and discover more of her creations as she continues to bring her favorite characters to life.
Discover more of María's work and stay connected through her Linktree:
María Camacho's linktree
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