Resident artist James Merriott continues his watercolour tour of Essex, this time he has stopped off at Little Burstead

Great British Life: Village PondVillage Pond (Image: Archant)

I always love to portray anything red in the countryside as it complements the surrounding greens

Great British Life: The Duke's HeadThe Duke's Head (Image: Archant)

At the roadside in the village centre I found more delightful timberwork enhancing the beauty of the pond

Great British Life: The Old StileThe Old Stile (Image: Archant)

This popular country inn is much appreciated by villagers and visitors alike

Great British Life: Eagle HouseEagle House (Image: Archant)

It’s wonderful to see such lovely craftsmanship, but you wouldn’t need to use it with gaps in the fence allowing you to walk through

Great British Life: St. Mary's ChurchSt. Mary's Church (Image: Archant)

An ornate, pinnacled tower is a beautiful focal point in this composition.

I completed this scene a year or two back, when I visited a group in Billericay. This picturesque local church was an obvious choice for a demonstration watercolour