tree of life – Reptile Tiles

These tiles were our first commission for 2025. A customer near the Brecon Beacons in Wales gave me a list of some of the fauna and flora in and around their garden and asked me to design something for their bathroom. They are very pleased with the final result and immediately came back for some kitchen tiles too.
The tree features fruits and a few leaves from various trees and bushes in their garden, as well as some of their insects. The birds and animals were also all specified.

Also there were a few birds of prey dotted around the other walls, and a small panel of one of their views above the sink.

Here are a few of the tiles that went in the kitchen. A mix of some 10 cm Delft tiles we had in stock, and some Coffee and Little bird tiles painted especially.

This is the fourth tile panel I have painted with the tree in black and white, and splashes of colour on the fruit. Lots of colourful birds, butterflies and insects liven it up. A friend suggested the title “Tree of Life” and I think that fits perfectly. I have another panel in the offing, but would love to paint a huge one. I have lots of ideas for some more – the leaves would look good in green, or perhaps in gold lustre, with lustre also on the insects.

These panels can be designed any size, and the birds, butterflies, insects and flowers can be specific to where you live, or what you love.

I am currently designing another tree based on an old English embroidery. I love Elizabethan and Blackwork and stumpwork. The naivety appeals to me. My mother taught embroidery throughout most of my childhood, so embroidery and needlework have always been part of my life.

Here are some of the other Tree of Life tile panels I have painted as commissions over the past two years: