Gouache Painting: Andean Weaving Patterns

This gouache painting brings the vibrant tradition of Andean weaving to life with a striking combination of pinks, oranges, blues, and greens, enhanced by the delicate touch of embroidery thread.

The painting is filled with rich, soft blues that echo the expansive sky or cool Andean waters, while deep greens reflect the lush, rolling landscapes of the region. Bright, playful pinks are woven throughout the design, highlighting geometric patterns—bold diamonds, zigzags, and chevrons—symbolic of Andean craftsmanship. These motifs burst in vivid hues, with subtle gradients and washes of gouache that provide a sense of movement and energy across the surface.

The embroidered thread, in matching pink, blue, and green tones, is braided and frames each pattern, adding texture and dimension to the piece. The thread makes the artwork feel almost tactile, inviting the viewer to imagine the handwoven fabric it represents.

The contrast between the smooth gouache paint and the raised braided embroidery creates a dynamic interplay of color and texture, bringing the timeless beauty of Andean art into a contemporary, layered composition.

Dimensions: 8.25"w x 11"h

                     21cm x 28cm

All images © Melissa Vickers