How Cement Tile Art Is Made | Warren Drawing Trees

Each cement tile drawing begins long before the ink touches the surface.

The tiles are hand-cast using a cement mix, poured into moulds and left to cure naturally. As they set, small variations appear in tone, texture and surface character. Air pockets, slight colour shifts and subtle movement are part of the material. No two tiles are identical.

Once cured, the tile is lightly sanded and cleaned. The surface needs to be smooth enough to draw on while still retaining the raw quality of the cement. That balance is important. Too polished and it loses its character. Too rough and the ink will not hold cleanly.

Each tree is drawn by hand directly onto the cement surface in ink. There is no transfer, no print and no duplication. Because cement is porous, the ink absorbs slightly into the surface, creating a depth that feels embedded rather than sitting on top. Every line is permanent.

Cement adds physical weight and presence. The material connects the drawing to architecture, landscape and structure. It feels grounded. The contrast between delicate ink lines and solid cement is central to the work.

Because the tiles are hand-cast and drawn individually, every piece is one of one. Subtle differences in texture and tone are part of the process and are never replicated. An original cement tile drawing is not just an image — it is an object.

If you would like to know more about a specific piece, feel free to get in touch