3. Making a Colour Study - Paper Weaving

I created a range of coloured papers using various techniques in a palette close to those appearing in the wall, and then cut strips in various widths to weave together:

The decorative papers used for this exercise were:

• Candle wax and graphite wall rubbings with ink wash and/or frotage using Inktense blocks and home-made print blocks (visible in the background of the top photo)
• Sketchbook pages roughly painted with gesso and then rubbed over with oil pastels to pick up the surface texture

I organised colours within the weave to approximately represent their balance and distribution across the wall sample.

I've stuck this into my sketchbook but deliberately left the long, unfinished edges as I like the contrast and balance this gives to the more densely woven area.  I really like the abstract effect this technique achieves and feel it captures the essence of the mingled construction of this old wall - though the colours used require a bit more attention.  The effect is slightly graphic, which I like - although equally this could be softened to be a more traditional weave, which I think would work well.  I'd also like to interpret this by weaving with more unusual materials.

I may explore this further for one of my resolved textile pieces using various yarns, textiles and materials to create a more textured and raised surface.

Here is a close up of the woven surface: