Win an original painting of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex

Posted:
3:38 p.m. January 4, 2022

Artist James Merriott takes us on a watercolor journey through the unspoiled riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, and you can enter our competition to win one of his original watercolors

At the start of a new year, my optimism is higher than ever despite the passing years, which only trip me up with my arthritic hands leaving me little more than to paint. My optimism remains high because I can still hold a brush or a pen, and maybe more than that, as I still have my three guardian angels – my wife, my son and my daughter – each taking care of me.

There is no better place to start my 2022 feature films than Burnham. Visiting with my family we found the tide as high as my wits and the white sails of the yachts performing a delightful scene as they moved across the water.

With the magnificence of the architecture along the promenade and the High Street, it all left me spoiled for choice with the subject. The wonderful day photographing the beauty matched my time painting them in my home studio.

My last word is gratitude. We visited in November with poppies worn for Remembrance Sunday. The main reason for my optimism is certainly that the sacrifice made by those who have been lost has given me not only the freedom to paint, but also to share it with my family.

THE CLOCK TOWER

Well visible by the side of the road, the beautiful tower is perhaps the best known and most beloved part of the city.

The walk
– Credit: James Merriott

THE WALK

It is wonderful to walk along the promenade between the magnificent architecture and the captivating river Crouch.

White sails at high tide
– Credit: James Merriott

WHITE SAILS AT HIGH TIDE

A pleasure to see and a joy to paint, with a large part of the sails in unpainted white paper.

Ye Olde White Hart Hotel
– Credit: James Merriott

YE OLDE WHITE HARTE HTEL

A difficult watercolor to paint with a black pen and white gouache added to pure watercolor.

Shore House and Anchor Inn
– Credit: James Merriott

SHORE HOUSE AND THE AUBERGE ANCHOR

Another of Burnham’s great painting views for the artist. Two buildings that complement each other wonderfully.

The main street chalets
– Credit: James Merriott

GRANDE RUE CHALETS

Incredibly beautiful with the rich colors that I love to use.

TO EARN ‘WHITE SAILS AT HIGH TIDE‘