Watercolours of Coggeshall and Markshall Estate
Our resident artist James Merriott continues his watercolour tour of the county
I have visited Coggeshall as much as or even more than any other village in the county, attending countless craft fairs and watercolour demonstrations at the fabulous village hall and visitor’s centre.
Like everything else, it all came to a sudden end with the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. But in a strange way, it turned out that I wasn’t sorry that it had come to an end.
At the time, I was nearing my 80th birthday and age had caught up with me. I was, in fact, no longer able to cope carrying my equipment into the venues. I do, of course, continue to paint, with more than 200 new works being completed as part of my new numbered collections.
All work is now offered in return for donations to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Please do come and look at my vast collection at home (details opposite); just let us know you’re coming. Look forward to seeing you all, old friends and new.
The White Hart (Image: James Merriott)THE WHITE HART
Over 50 years of painting shows my development in style in this watercolour of the colourful White Hart Inn.
Robin's Brook (Image: James Merriott)ROBIN’S BROOK
Although I am traditionally a watercolour purist, a little gouache white body colour was used in this delightful composition.
The family (Image: James Merriott)THE FAMILY
Another with white body colour helping to define the lovely family of swans on the Blackwater.
River Blackwater (Image: James Merriott)RIVER BLACKWATER
Perhaps at its most beautiful, seen from the road bridge at Bridge Street.
THE CLOCK TOWER
I was tempted to add another figure or two, but concentrated on the strong shadows over the roads and architecture.
The Woolpack Inn (Image: James Merriott)THE WOOLPACK INN
Painted with little light on the subject, but brought to life with the addition of baskets and pots of flowers.
WIN
Terms & conditions
The competition closes at 6pm on March 24, 2023. Usual promotion rules apply. For full T&Cs, visit greatbritishlife.co.uk/essex-win
You can contact James at Cottage Corner Art, 9 Byron Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2RU. Call 01277 210 728 or email jamesmerriott_art@btinternet.com to make an appointment.