Artist James Merriott shows his original watercolour paintings, drawings and sketches to the world for your joy of seeing Jim’s amazing works of art.
You are invited to purchase Jim’s original creations via the Shop Now buttons. Your payment will go to the charities that Jim supports including the Essex and Hertsfordshire Air Ambulance charity as a Donation.
The photo shows Jim donating SIX of of his beautiful watercolour paintings to the Addenbrooke's and Royal London Hospitals, outside the Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge as a token of his gratitude for rescuing his wife Joan (in the pink jumper) from a bad car accident in July 2022.
Due to the Air Ambulance skills and expertise, Joan has thankfully recovered from her severe leg injuries.
Joan continues to be Jim’s ‘right hand man’ in giving all her love and support through Jim’s life, his Rheumatoid Arthritis and of course - his daily ‘need to paint’. Joan is a keen photographer and her own photography skills partnered with Jim’s artistry have enabled this website to be developed for your delight!
Jim’s Vision
“From the moment the possibility of creating this website was first discussed I have been excited about having my paintings available to be viewed worldwide.
My intention was not to generate business from it, just simply to exchange what I have created over the last 50 years for donations to charitable organisations; particularly to The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, which has a special place in my heart.
I hope my many dear friends and acquaintances – as well as those yet to come – will enjoy and support it.”
James Merriott, April 2023
My Art, My Pain, My Passion, My journey, My Story
In 1971 I was diagnosed with chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis and for the next 50 years have been battered with cruel pain and aggressive deformity of both hands.
The good news was that the disease was not terminal and was to direct me into a life of love and beauty.
I first returned to painting in 1973 while serving as a professional fire-fighter in the London Fire Brigade. I was inspired by the work of the late Gordon Benningfield (1936-1998), and completed a watercolour of a Blue Tit, the first I had done since my ‘O’ level work in 1957 and the first of many thousands that were to follow.
From those early paintings I learned that the tasks would not be easy, but each time I experienced severe pain, I hit back first with one watercolour and then another and so found myself at the beginning of ‘My Journey’ recording beauty from all over Europe. A journey of learning, progress and improvement, and best of all a journey through life without any need to reach targets.
Painting has brought me into contact with many wonderful friends, and without doubt it is those friends that I am most indebted.
‘My Story’ is one that in spite of that diagnosis in 1971, has been filled to the brim with so many wonderful times and good fortune. A lifetime that has been a continuous flow of lucky breaks.