‘Cycling through Paradise, Tresco’ is an exuberant celebration of colour, light and island life, painted by one of Cornwall’s most celebrated artists, John Dyer. Set on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, this immersive large-scale painting captures the unique blend of tropical planting, turquoise seas and coastal joy that makes Tresco feel like a world of its own.
The composition opens with a vibrant tapestry of plants that sweep across the foreground. Banana leaves arch with vivid stripes of green and yellow, while tall palm trees stand against a radiant blue sky. Flowering aloes, agapanthus, daisies and island succulents fill the land with rich reds, coral oranges, soft blues and deep violets. Every leaf and petal is alive with energy, echoing the botanical abundance of Tresco’s sub-tropical landscape.
A sandy pathway winds gently through the planting, leading the eye towards the shimmering shoreline beyond. Two bicycles rest along the path, painted with characteristic spontaneity, and suggest a leisurely island adventure. The sense of movement and freedom threads naturally through the painting.
Beyond the foliage, the sea glows in sunlit blues, with small white waves rolling calmly to the shore. Sailboats and colourful yachts drift across the horizon, giving the scene a sense of gentle travel and island rhythm. Puffins soar playfully through the sky, painted in quick bright strokes that capture both humour and life.
Trees and shrubs unique to Tresco’s Abbey Garden add further texture to the scene, rising in distinct silhouettes that reflect the island’s remarkable climate. The entire canvas radiates light and optimism, celebrating Tresco’s reputation as one of the most magical and botanically diverse places in Britain.
This uplifting, large-scale painting offers collectors a vivid escape to island sunshine and the joy of exploring nature by the sea. It is a statement work that brings colour, warmth and wellbeing into any interior, as well as a meaningful investment in the work of a famous Cornish artist.
Item Information
| Description |
Framed Original Painting |
| Artist |
Cornish Artist John Dyer (born 1968) |
| Signed by the Artist |
Signed by John Dyer |
| Painting size |
100 x 100 cm |
| Medium |
Acrylic on canvas |
| Framed size |
120 x 120 cm |
| Frame type |
John Dyer: In the 1950s simple neutral frames became popular for St Ives artists. John chooses an off-white so the lightest tones appear in the painting. The moulding is a variation of 'Salvator Rosa' from Italy. Hand-finished in almond white paint. |
| Ready to hang |
Strung with picture cord and ready to hang |
Artist Chronology I Paintings in Public Collections I View John Dyer's Latest Paintings