Watercolours of Audley End, Saffron Walden and Wendens Ambo
Artist James Merriott takes us on a tour around the most charming places in north-west Essex
When the previous editor of Essex Life, Julian Read, asked me to do a ‘paint along with Jim’ for the magazine, he suggested Audley End House. I had no hesitation in accepting this challenge but instead chose the picturesque church view at Wendens Ambo to use as my subject. These two beautiful locations, little more than a mile apart, are equally worthy of being painted.
That urge to experiment at first had me thinking that I could overcome the difficult detail of Audley End House by using flat tones. Light for sky, mid for foreground and dark for the building; but this would not be the best way to describe watercolour technique thoroughly.
Returning my thoughts to Wendens Ambo, it had for a long time been my favourite painting location and was the obvious choice. Completed over five separate magazine editions between April and August 2008, it proved a successful venture with a successful painting.
jamesmerriott.com
AUDLEY END HOUSE
Painted ‘into the light’ showing the shape of the house in the composition, not detail.
CASTLE STREET, SAFFRON WALDEN
Just two of the glorious colourful houses along this beautiful street.
OLD MALTINGS, SAFFRON WALDEN
Said to be the oldest buildings in Saffron Walden, dating to the 15th century.
AUDLEY END GATEHOUSE
Situated by London Road, one time the London to Cambridge main road.
WENDENS AMBO
This view is undeniably the favourite of many artists and photographers – including me!
ROAD BRIDGE, AUDLEY END
From the grounds of the house, the bridge that takes Spring Hill Road over the River Cam.
WIN
For your chance to win James’ original painting, Wendens Ambo, click here.
Terms & conditions
The competition closes at 6pm on July 21, 2023. Usual promotion rules apply. For full T&Cs, visit greatbritishlife.co.uk/topics/essex-life
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.
