Revisiting for this feature is to revisit perhaps my most favourite location from throughout the County.

Not that it has awe inspiring views or even picturesque areas of significance, but it does have the wonderful and even magical creek.

A lengthy narrow lane from the village terminates at the creek and on the way passes the ruined Church of St. Peter, it’s these two locations that I find an artist's paradise.

I first found my way to the creek some forty or so years ago guided by my map indicating a boat symbol signifying a marina.

Discovering the creek was like discovering paradise. Perhaps I shall let the watercolours speak for themselves but must add one other meaningful part of my love for Alresford.

During more than 50 years of painting ‘en plein aire’ only once was I accompanied by a fellow artist.

I first met Brian in my home village, Hutton in 1994 and until he moved house to Kent in 1997 we spent many wonderful days out painting together.

Although only a starter in his art endeavours, Brian like me, adored Alresford Creek and we accomplished what we considered some of our best loved landscapes when painting alongside each other.

Perhaps not surprising as we found it such a magical place.

Thanks for the memories Brian.

ST PETERS CHURCH
Maintained as a sacred and beautiful ruin following a disastrous fire in 1971.

ALRESFORD CREEK SALTINGS
Artistic licence enables me to place the eye catching blue and red boat in the saltings. Taken from a small painting completed in 1996.

LOW TIDE
The view of the creek and boats complimented by colourful and beautiful skies above.

THE COTTAGE
Sturdy timber posts in the foreground, somewhat add tranquility to the saltings and cottage beyond.

SMALL CRAFT COLLECTION
Perfectly placed on slightly higher ground, an ideal subject for artists and photographers alike.

THE WHITE YACHT
With other yachts and of course magnificent magical mud, what more does the artist need, but time to paint it.

WIN!

For your chance to win  a watercolour of a collection of small boats in Alresford by Essex artist James Merriott click here.

Competition closes on June 30th, 2024.

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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.