James Merriott stays local in lockdown for this stage of his watercolour tour of the county

Great British Life: ALL SAINTS CHURCH FROM THE SOUTH The finest view of the church, with the East sides showing contrasting shadows.ALL SAINTS CHURCH FROM THE SOUTH The finest view of the church, with the East sides showing contrasting shadows. (Image: Archant)

Lockdown obviously presents some difficulties for a landscape artist.

I did manage to visit Norton Mandeville for this feature, which is very local to me and quite remote, and was rewarded with some special images to share with you here.

Great British Life: AVENUE OF YEW TREES From the porch to the footbridge, to open countryside at the end of the churchyard.AVENUE OF YEW TREES From the porch to the footbridge, to open countryside at the end of the churchyard. (Image: Archant)

Now, of course, being unable to visit intended locations for a time, I’m going back through countless subjects previously chosen and will complete second and updated paintings which I hope the readers of Essex Life will continue to enjoy.

If you look closely, you will see differences as my style changes with time and paper textures also make for great variations.

Great British Life: COTTAGES AT NORTON LANE Showing all the superbly built chimney stacks. An important part of the painting.COTTAGES AT NORTON LANE Showing all the superbly built chimney stacks. An important part of the painting. (Image: Archant)

Being a landscape painter, I’ve never considered tackling figure portraits. That is until now, with this extended opportunity for time at home.

I’ve taken a blank sketch book and started to complete copies of the portrait masterpieces from throughout history, working in pencil from book reproductions.

Great British Life: NORTON LANE With only minimal summer tree leaf, revealing ‘depth’ in the countryside.NORTON LANE With only minimal summer tree leaf, revealing ‘depth’ in the countryside. (Image: Archant)

So far I’ve attempted to copy drawings of Leonardo’s Mona Lisa and Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring, along with around 50 to 60 others. I’m certainly feeling a little out of my depth with some of them, but I’m loving it.

All this brings me to say, if you’re looking to fill your hours, why not take up drawing and painting?

Great British Life: NORTON MANDEVILLE HALL A straight forward, straight on composition from between trees in the adjacent bridleway.NORTON MANDEVILLE HALL A straight forward, straight on composition from between trees in the adjacent bridleway. (Image: Archant)

Any of the reproductions featured here are perfectly possible to copy. Start with a simple drawing with a 2B or 3B pencil.

Tone variation is essential, so press lightly at first and then heavier for darker tones, this will create light against dark and an effective drawing.

Fill out my online form.

You never know, you may have a hidden talent! 

You can contact James at Cottage Corner Art, 9 Byron Road, Hutton, Brentwood CM13 2RU. Call 01277 210728

For your chance to win James’ original painting above fill out the form and answer the question:

__