WIN a watercolour original of Great Oakley

PUBLISHED: 15:17 12 February 2020

I just had to bring the magnificent trees in the spacious churchyard, a little nearer to the church. Artistic licence of course.

Archant

From my home in Hutton, in the south of the county, providing there's no hold ups along the way, I find it quite easy to head out onto the Tendring Peninsula to reach this part of the county which I have so much affection for.

I loved this view of the gates, churchyard and wall as much as I did the church.

Heading out onto the direct route of A12 followed by the A120, for this feature, my choice was to visit, not for the first time, the unassuming but charming village of Great Oakley.

I rarely ever add motor vehicles to paintings. These two perfectly parked Land Rovers I thought were exceptional for the composition, alongside the cottage with its mansard roof.

Situated a few miles from Harwich, I find in Great Oakley everything that thrills me so much in so many of the delightful locations I visit for this feature.

This timeless view complete with the wonderful porch was more than anything I expected to find.

An ancient church, a picturesque and welcoming inn, and well maintained and beautiful cottages sprinkled about the village.

I visited Great Oakley on a Saturday in winter when the limited daylight hours added a special calmness and enhanced the tranquillity.

For the locals, the Convenience Store, is an essential and convenient' part of the village.

In the words of the author, American Airman John T Appleby, describing the English countryside when he was stationed at Lavenham in 1945, 'There are no scenes of overwhelming grandeur, no vast panoramas of awe-inspiring magnificence. Instead there is an intimate scene of neatness and order.'

Thank you, John. Your beautiful words are an apt description and something I try to emulate in my watercolours here.

Everything that an English pub should be. The figures in the foreground tie it into the buildings.

You can contact James at Cottage Corner Art, 9 Byron Road, Hutton, Brentwood CM13 2RU. Call 01277 210728

For your chance to win James' original painting fill out the form and answer the question

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The competition closes at 6pm on March 31, 2020. Usual promotion rules apply. For full terms and conditions, visit our website