James Willis – författare

We grow what we know. As a boy in Drew County, Arkansas, author James Willis grew into what he knew. In this memoir, he provides insight into who he was, what he did, and how his circumstances, experiences, and relationships helped him mature to the man he is today.

What Almost Did Not Happen chronicles the details of Willis lifehis birth in 1938 in Monticello, Arkansas; being raised as an only child by his parents; growing up against the backdrop of the 1940s; his various national and international travels; his education and work as a high school teacher and university professor; marriage and raising children; being a grandfather; and the people and places that shaped his life.

An engaging account, What Almost Did Not Happen preserves the memories of Williss life and records the history of an uncommonly common man and how he became that man.

Painting buildings is an exciting and versatile genre - it allows you to enjoy the lines of architecture but also to add feeling and context to a picture. This practical book explains the full depth of the subject, from first sketches to final presentation. Using a range of examples, it is packed with advice and information, and follows the riches of painting the built landscape. Not just a handy reference, this is a beautiful and inspirational guide for every artist who wants to capture and interpret a scene. Topics covered include: Drawing - practise observation and sketching to identify the principal lines of view. Perspective - understand three-dimensional structures and their position to each other and in space. Oils - use the versatility of the paint to express and experiment with your ideas. Location - develop your paintings outdoors and in the studio. Style - add figures, weather and atmosphere to your work to give it character and mood. Finally, Inspiration - learn new ideas and themes from finished examples by a number of leading artists.

What does a ghost town remember when the last resident is gone?In the isolated hollow of St. Charles, Virginia, the only witness to a century of history is an ancient Sycamore Tree. When a man returns to the ghost town and sits beneath his old friend, he asks the haunting question: I bet you have seen everything.The Sycamore answers.The Lost Lens is the unforgettable, true story of an Appalachian coal town that exploded with prosperity only to vanish after the industry left and the destructive floods rose.Through the Sycamore's unique voice, the town springs back to life. It witnesses the Saturday night crowds on Main Street, the heroism of town legend Sam Sharp, the resilience of the miners, and the collective sorrow of a community that saw its heart break after the devastating floods of 1963 and 1977.This powerful history is brought to light by the astonishing box of forgotten pictures collected by James Willis. This book is a collective search for lost faces and a touching tribute to an entire generation, proving that the spirit of St. Charles will continue to touch hearts.