Watson Books

Insightful account of one young soldier's Civil War experience. His experiences as a prisoner were riveting and heartbreaking....you believed you were alongside of him. Editor did a wonderful job of including historical context. It was terrific!

I wish there were more diaries from soldiers written as well as this one. Hitchcock had a flair for writing and describing his events as a soldier very well. Hitchcock diary takes the reader on a long journey from enlisting in summer of 1862 to his final discharge in December of 1864. Throughout the journey Hitchcock brings to life the daily soldier grind, picket duty, camp life, fighting, being captured and the tough life of being a prisoner at Andersonville. I found the several chapters on Andersonville to be the most interesting in the book as it acts as a great resource of information for daily life at the prison. Hitchcock's daily diary writing is usually quite short and he doesn't write long narratives as compared to other soldier accounts. Sometimes I had wished he had written more details on the fighting, although his explanations of the fighting during the battle of Cold Harbor were very descriptive and I could easily vision the horrors. In other situations, Hitchcock was brief about his experiences at Fredericksburg in 1862 although he didn't see much fighting there. His best work on that subject came about from descriptions of the city and the hardships endured there. Overall, this book is an excellent source of information for those seeking insight about soldier life in the Civil War and books like this are priceless.

Few books have captured my interest and emotion as this one...a young man tells his personal tale of the Civil War ~ revealing his code of ethics, bravery, love of country, and the horrors of war. The editor provides an excellent backdrop with well-researched, newly-revealed historical data about the war. A MUST read!

George Hitchcock had a talent for describing the country side and people. His journal is a fascinating, personal account of bravery and adventure of a soldier during the Civil War: a descriptive story of suffering, courage and endurance - sometimes in situations of mismanagement and confusion.

I found "From Ashby to Andersonville" a particulary moving and interesting book. The experiences of the civil war private who wrote the original diary encompass a remarkable amount of the war, both East and West. The tale told is rich in the real human drama of that life in all its day to day trials and tribulations and occasional joys. Editor Ron Watson keeps the reader oriented by insightful forwards to each chapter establishing the context of the place and time. From it I have a much better sense of the ebb and flow of that great war. Few books do I plan to re-read, but this is one of those.

The "Blank Star" review at the bottom is actually just a snipet of self promotion from the book's author Rob Howard. It's strange that he does this because it drags down the average rating which could affect sales. I suppose that since this book is out of print it doesn't matter, but anyway, great book, one complaint: Some of the tools that Howard recommends are no longer manufactured and it would be nice to get some existing alternatives.

This is one of the beswt books i have in my collection. I have studied arts in Holland. I like gouache very much. (www.loekweijts.nl) It's a pitty however Holbein gouache is not available in the Netherlands. Falling in love on the mighty gouache. Amazed myself with the results. A MUST to have.

This is almost the only book you'll need to get started with gouache. As the medium of such outstanding artists as the late Bob Peak and industrial design master Syd Mead, gouache has so many possibilities IF you can learn how to use it and this book will tell you exactly how to get started! Be sure to do the exercises, get some decent sable brushes, and use one of the quality gouaches listed. Winsor Newton is pricey but Holbein's Acryla gouache is incredible once you figure out their color names (not standard like W&N or Holbeins standard gouache). His basic color palletes are a great start & his recommendation of the Quiller color wheel is right on. There is a new Quiller wheel out but the one in the book will not lead you astray. Study(!) the sections on color and color mixing and you will soon have a leg up on every other "beginner" and start seeing "what" makes some art professional as opposed to "straight out of the tube" amateur attempts. This book is great and I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to paint in gouache.

This book is an excellent introduction to the best techniques for painting in gouache, also known as opaque watercolor. Gouache has been a standard medium for illustrators for generations, yet it is not often taught in American art schools. It also has been used by fine artists for centuries. Gouache is remarkably easy to use, has low toxicity and is easy to clean up. Considering all that, it is amzing how little information about is available for professional artists.

Howard's book goes a long way toward correcting the problem. He explains how to select the right type of paint for your project, reviews several different brands of paint, and gives sound advice on color mixing. Even if you don't want to use opaque watercolor, the book is worth buying just for Howard's chapter on "Color Theories That Don't Work."

This book is jam packed with valuable information for not just painters who work in gouache, but all painters. If you only have room or money for just a few more books, make sure that this is one of them. It is excellent, I have worked in illustration and and have painted in watercolors for 24 years. Many gouache techniques and properties, for some reason, are not commonly taught. Some of the working knowledge in here is the type that one only learns either on the job, or as an assistant/apprentice. The author has been very generous to be so informative while writing this book. Definitely not your average "how to" book!!

So many of us search for happiness our entire lives but still it eludes us. We search outside of ourselves never looking where it truly matters. Alexandra's book changes all that. She takes you on an introspective step by step journey that truly leads to finding lasting happiness. This book is a true gem for women everywhere!

I can tell you from 25 years of clinical practice as a psychologist that you identified the biggest roadblocks I have heard women run into, and you give clear and practical methods for getting around, over and through them. This book will change lives for the betterm and FAST! One secret (don't tell anyone) is that so many of the exact same issues are faced by men... so men might do well sneaking a copy of this while their wives are out of the house and reading it also!

[..]

Loved it! Alexandra has a very down-to-earth approach to helping women BE happy. I love the focus on "inside-out" and the distinction that happiness can be achieved by anyone at any time!

`Alexandra has designed a blueprint for happiness that takes the reader into a journey of enlightened possibilities. No longer is happiness an intangible essence that is elusive. Rather it becomes accessible for all through her warmth, wisdom and wit. A must read for anyone who wants to raise their quotient for living happily ever after.' Dr. Tianna Conte-Dubs co-author Loves Fire: Beyond Mortal Boundaries.

The Happiness System for Women by Alexandra Watson (a.k.a. The Happiness Coach) is a book devoted to the subject of happiness--what it is, what it is not, and how women can create a fuller and happier life. Where this book advocates reliance upon self, that is to say,taking responsibility for one's own happiness, it is prescriptive in format. The author offers you the formula, then coaches you though the process.

Alexandra tells us, "You need a healthy relationship with yourself before you can create happiness." At each stage, she poses thought-provoking questions and exercises that guide you through the process of self-discovery. And, although the slant of this book is for women, the principles discussed, can easily be adopted by men.

If you're the type of reader who likes to cherry pick chapters instead of reading sequentially, don't bother with this book because its benefits lie in the process of completing each stage.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in creating a happier more fulfilling life. The Happiness System for Women isn't a quick fix--it's a fix-for-life!

This book is very well organized, systematic, and most of all very very inspirational. It is a compilation of stories from 20 highly successful people. It is about how they made it, their inspirations, their values and beliefs and how all these factors combine to make them who they are today. These people are divided into 3 categories: CEO's, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries. This distinction is very useful because there are different traits that are associated with each category. To be successful is to hold firm to your own beliefs, but we all know this is difficult because you will be taking enormous amount of risks and inevitably be facing a lot of insecurities. This book will remind you that you are not alone and many of these highly successful people have gone through the same thing. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to find support in achieving their goals and dreams.

This is a great book--full of interesting insights and sound advice, yet fun and spunky--just like the author.

Lucinda Watson made reality her dream of understanding how very successful people get where they are. The book is lucid and informative. More importantly it is inspirational. The great collection of interviews serves as a learning voyage into the minds of greatness and determination.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Watson previously and this book is every bit delightful and enlightening as she is. Her book shows that strength of character, passion and hard work are the most important components to a successful business career and happy life. She brings her subjects to life, and leaves the reader with the impression of really knowing these super-achievers at a very intimate level. How They Achieved is a badly needed antidote to the Internet generation's belief of overnight success.

Interesting and helpful, this book has made all the difference in making my business more succesful. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without it, thank you Lucinda.

This is really a great book for cartoon drawers. Great for all ages. You will enjoy this book.

this is a cool book. i wish it had more breeds, though. at the end it goes wacky with tips on how to make dogs appear more human. the dobes look awsome(Dobermans are my fav. breed.)

I bought this book on here(Amazon.com) a few months ago and, So far this is the best book I have come across on how to draw cartoon dogs and puppies. It has everything you need to know like: in one section each page has a diffrent kind of breed like the, Cocker Spaniel, Chow Chow, German Shepherd,or Chihuahua just to name a few. it has dog expressions, how to draw puppies and wolves,foxies, then at the end of the book it shows you how to draw dogs in human form, and has costumes you can look off of. this book has nothing but fun in it and entertains you for hours! its also great when you have kids over or if its a raining day. My book's pages are always open, someone in my house is always useing it, It's so worth the buy, and its cheap too. Buy it!

Dogs are the best and most common animals that are drawn by countless cartoonists. This book is without a doubt, the ultimate in canine cartoon art! It has easy to follow instructions on drawing angry Dobermans, to sleek collies, to feral wolves. Not only does Christopher Hart tell you how to draw the dog, but he also includes tips and pointers on the many expressions and roles capable of cartoon dogs.

Even though I own this book and keep it on my bookshelf at home, everytime I run into it at a store I always have to pick it up and look through it. Hart does it once again but this time focuses on dogs and dogs alone. He covers all dogs from the common mutt to the great English Bulldog. After you have read this book once at a library or at a store, you will have this great temptation to buy it. Once you start reading it and looking at the great pictures you will never want to put it down. Adam.

I got this book out of the library among many other techniques books in various mediums on painting, composition, drawing, color theory, and this one is the best and most clearly comprehensive one I've read. Pricey, but I am buying it as a reference book.

It's not often one finds a book that is this usefull. Filled with good advice and examples, color and B&W, that would be usefull to beginning or experienced painters. This book refrains from trying to teach a particular style of painting. Rather it covers subjects of interest to all painters in oil. I am primarily an acrylic painter but that has never detracted from the usefullness of this book. There are chapters on structural drawing, perspective, modeling, basic and advanced color theory, composition and design, color in landscape, even "Practical concerns for the emerging artist." The color theory chapters are particularly good, with examples and exhaustive color tables to help one learn one of the most difficult parts of painting, the use of color. One may or may not like Foss's style of painting, but this book is designed to help you learn the techniques that will allow you to find your own style.

The writter has successfuly bring a live a classroom lesson as well as a complete guide to deal with oil painting. I've read a few other similiar book and this book had demostrate a true dedication to education than just oil painting for hobbies. I had a wonderful time reading it and learning to paint. I hope to own a copy of this book as my own.

Found this book in my local library and dind't want to return it. I don't really like Gloria Foss's paintings, but she is an amazing teacher. Very well structered, clear, very detailed, covers everything that seemed so confusing to me before. It gave me so much confidence, that I feel like I can be a teacher of art now. It's expensive, but it's the only book you need. It covers media, tools, drawing, perspective, color theory, 3-dimensional shadowing, composition, design and everything is easily understandable. The chapter on design gave me more information than a course in interior design that I took.

I bought this based on a handful of Internet recommendations I found, but I worried that it would be yet another generic oil painting book that touched on everything and taught nothing.

It's a wonderful book. It does indeed cover just about everything, but it doesn't just touch on subjects, it covers them in depth. Important subjects, very readable and understandable writing, I'd have to rate this a must have. If you're to have one book on concepts then this is it. Get others with painting demonstrations if you want, or if you need to explore a particular topic in great depth as your skills improve, but start with this one.

Chapters: 1) Basic Structural Drawing 2) Linear Perspective in Cubic Objects 3) Learning Shape Awareness 4) Understanding Values 5) Translating Values into Light and Shadow 6) Modeling the Four Basic Forms 7) Various Light Directions 8) The Behavior of Cast Shadows 9) Basic Color theory 10) How Color Functions in Realism 11) Complementary Color Sequences 12) Light, Shadow, and Texture 13) Color Perception and Harmony 14) Analogous Color Sequences 15) Advanced Color Theory 16) Composition 17) Design 18) Advanced Painting Techniques 19) Color in Landscape 20) Practical Concerns for the Artist

Of the many books in my art instruction collection, I rate this one at No. 1. It has had the greatest influence on me of any lessons or books I've had. If you treat this book as a course in painting you will: 1) learn how to mix absolutely any color with dead-on accuracy, 2) get practical advice on setting up materials and aids (for example, his "spotter" to isolate colors -- simple but indispensible), and 3) become comfortable with the painting knife, which most amateur artists shy away from. Get this book and devote a few months to it. You'll never regret it.

(Note: He shows the use of oil paints. I prefer acrylics, and used them for these lessons without any problems.)

This book uncovers the mystery of painting. For anyone who wants to grasp the basic concepts of color in a very visual manner. A CLASSIC! If I had found this book sooner, I would not have paid so much for art instruction.

Anyone serious about improving the color in their paintings should own this book. The reproductions are clear and lucious. The work is done in palette knife so the color notes are clean. It takes you step by step through several still life settings and excercises and shows how the objects were first divided into shadow and light patterns and then breaks down to the finer nuances of color. It teaches the student how to look closer and see the subtle temperature shifts of color. There are also several reproductions of completed paintings in the back that utilize the approach. Fortunately I bought it while it was still in print and cheap, but, I'd pay $60 for it if I didn't own it already.

Arthur Stern, student of the legacy of that almost-lost thread that has passed through Classical art, the Renaissance masters, the Baroque masters, into Chase, Hawthorne, Henri (and his students- Bellows, Hopper, Kent, etc.), the Bay Area artists (etc.), offers up the eye-clearing humility, without BS, that is necessary to see in order to paint what Cezanne called the "ensemble".

Akin to tuning a guitar, the method reveals that the harmony of the few notes ("spots" of value/hue/chroma) must be chorded before you learn how to glue an American flag and a photocopy of the Twin Towers to your 21st Century bombast. THE FUNDAMENTAL basis for painting. A pathway, not to be viewed as a fixed style or dogmatic cul-de-sac, but a route of initiation to Beauty.

Hawthorne/Hensche purists irk me with their holier-than-thou, plein air fascism (and some of their students with how-to books should be, with Thomas Kincaid, whipped), but I DO agree that THIS IS THE DOOR TO THE WAY. Beautiful, simple truth. Reprint Stern's book before the world ends.

How sad that this book is out of print. It is a wonderful book that deals with the process of isolating colors. First it starts you with a simple project and then progresses within each study exercise that you do. My gray view finder from class has now seen better days, however, I will always carry one with me and used it even to capture items for my journaling.

For any woman who has wondered what she might have to say, or who has longed to find the voice to say what she holds inside I Gotta Crow is an empowering, insightful and inspiring book. A true gift.

"We owe it to ourselves to find our voice. This companion will guide us along the path of discovery and then teach us how to nurture our gift. The interviews with women writers bring us true inspiration."

Rita Watson, author, "The Art of Decision-Making," (Lowell House), and "A Serenity Journal: 52 Weeks of Prayer and Gratitude," (Paulist Press).

I Gotta Crow - Women, Voice, and Writing by Jill Hackett carries women writers on a path of discovery - to their truest writing voice. Jill shows women writers how to write without fear and to search within themselves for the true authentic words that only surface once the mind, heart, and soul connect. I Gotta Crow brings women writers together and upholds their strength to CROW - to listen to their inner soul and to write without reservations. Jill's interviews provide a "cradle of resilience", allowing women to write from within. I Gotta Crow provides the support, encouragement, and the roadmap women writers need to find their unique writing voice.

Sheri' L. McConnell, MAOM
Founder of the National Association of Women Writers

Jill Hackett's I Gotta Crow: Women, Voice, And Writing, is a book about women writers finding the voice within and letting it out onto the page. The first section deals with useful guidelines for finding one's voice and conveying it; the second consists of personal interviews with an eclectic variety of female authors who discuss the nature and implications of the voice in their work. An excellent survey of the soul of women's writing, I Gotta Crow is a strongly recommended addition to personal and academic "Women's Studies" and "Writing Skills Development" supplemental reading lists and reference collections.

Jill Hackett's training as a technical writer serves her well in her first book. Her prose is lucid and beautiful. Her explanation of the concept of "voice" --its origins in childhood, its resonance with our social environment -- helped me harness my own unique perspectives and gifts. These women's stories, though different from my own, now keep me company in the very solitary process of writing.

Anyone, male or female, can learn from what these women have to share. I highly recommend this read to all who aspire to be more expressive in their writing.

Ice written by candace watson needs to be read by everyone. it is wonderfully inspiring. i read the book in 2 1/2 days. it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. i hope that she will continue to bless the lives of women through this well written masterpiece. i weeped during certain portions of the book. i told everyone that would listen to read and buy the book. when i reached the end of the book and did't see any words my mouth dropped open. this book needs to be a movie. i love it ! keep letting God's light shine through you.

I hope this novel touches the heart of many the way it has fulfilled mind. The joy, hurt, pain, and life lessons you receive are overwhelming! This fiction novel is full of reality. Ice is a spectacular person(character) who brings the enlightenment of self awareness and self love.
Despite the abrupt ending(which has left me on edge of my seat)this book was more than a person could ask for; whether going through this type of situation or trying to make others aware of the mental anguish and physical abuse many women secretly go through.
I am so waiting for the "be continued", "follow up", "book II version"! Maybe even at the end of the 2nd novel the author could put in some domestic violence help phone #'s and addresses.
Many are and will be blessed by the inspiring, entertaining, motivating words Candace Watson has been blessed to share. Go buy ICE and share these words; prepare yourself and others for reality!

I really enjoyed this book ICE CAREFUL DON'T BURN YOURSELF. I can't wait to read more of your work. Keep up the good work!

The constant "Boomerang"...is it the money, love, or just plain denial? This is the best rollercoster ride ever, it keeps going up and down and bouncing you back and forth through this ladies life. "When will it ever stop!", is what you'll be screaming after each chapter. You've got to keep the pages turning for each next event. You'll love every twist and turn. This is a great book and I can't wait for part 2!

I received this book ICE in the mail on Tuesday, June 19th and I was finished with it on Wednesday, June 20th. Why ? Once I began to read it I couldn't put it down so I end up reading 12 chapters the first night until midnight so there was not much to finish reading the next day and it gripped my heart because even though I've been subject to physical, mental, and emotional abuse ; nothing compared to what ICE went through and what a lot of women are going through right NOW. I am very concerned also with our WOMEN and how they are being subject to so much DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. It's more prevelant than you could even guess. Everyday some woman or girl is being ABUSED by their husbands, boyfriends, or ex's and something needs to be DONE to stop all the VIOLENCE. But the number one issue is that OUR MEN/BOYS should have been taught on how to treat the women/girls. Thank God I taught my two sons how they were suppose to treat women although they saw their dad sometime abuse me. Sometimes Men are products of their environment and without them realizing that they can break a loose from whatever they saw happening in their home and make their own decisions not to DO WHAT THEY SAW MOM OR DAD DO to each other rather than take it over into their own marriage. The Curse has to be broken and you need to ask the Lord to help you do it. YOU should have the tenacity to say that THE BUCK STOPS HERE ! We will not continue to misuse and abuse our WOMEN. Although, sometimes we as women may tend to bring some of it on ourselves, A REAL MAN especially a man of GOD will walk away rather than lay a hand on his woman if HE'S been taught to do that or have made a decision within himself that he knows that this is wrong. This book should be READ by everyone especially us WOMEN. I just thank God for Ms. Candace Watson coming across my path so that I might have had the opportunity to know of her writings and to have been able to read this sentimental book and I do hope that it gets many sales and that she continues to be BLESSED OF THE LORD for reaching out to other WOMEN and allowing the ABUSE to be known to the PUBLIC. You would think that everybody knows about the abuse of our girls, and women but there are still somebody out there that haven't heard of it happening but IT'S REAL AND IT'S HAPPENING SOME WHERE ALL OVER THE WORLD EVERYDAY. God Bless You Candace for sharing with us the experience.

I volunteer at my childs school in the art master piece program. This book was a tremendous help in coming up with ideas for the students to do.

Joining others in the 'Art Explorers' series for elementary-level readers is Imagine That: Activities And Adventures In Surrealism: a solid introduction for the entire family which focuses on the surrealist movement for an age group which normally doesn't receive this kind of depth in a surrealist exploration. Six great Surrealist artists invite kids to view contrasting works and use their own interpretative skills, encouraging exploration through hands-on activities. These reinforcing activities make Imagine That an exceptional introduction.

"What is a television... to man, who has only to shut his eyes to see the most inaccessible regions of the seen and the never seen?" Salvador Dali

"Do not proceed according to rules and principles, but paint what you observe and feel." Camille Pissarro

"Nobody will give you freedom-you have to take it." Meret Oppenheim

"To be a Surrealist...means barring from your mind all remembrance of what you have seen, and being always on the lookout for what has never been." Rene Magritte

Picture This and Imagine That introduce children to great artists, art concepts and allow them to become artists themselves. They are the first two books in the Art Explorers series. Picture This introduces Impressionism, Imagine That acquaints us with Surrealism. The books begin with a Note To Adults, telling how to help children explore that particular school of art. This is followed by a Note to Kids, introducing them to that school of art and to the book. This is followed by one work each from 5 or 6 artists that are representative of that particular school. Each work of art has accompanying kid-friendly information about the art and the artist, and discussion questions. Then there are a few pages of art projects, to allow the child to respond by experimenting with different techniques and materials. The instructions for the projects are clear and include illustrations of a work in progress, and examples of actual children's art projects. In the back there is a little additional information about each artist.
For example, after looking at Personal Values by Rene Magritte, children cut pictures out of a magazine to "Make a fantasy room where everyday things are seen in crazy mixed-up ways.". Step by step instructions are explained and illustrated. Several examples of completed projects by children 8-9 years old are included. The second project is a cut paper collage of "your own sky, where everything is mixed up and anything can float or fly". Again, there are two full pages of instructions and examples. These two projects require colored paper, glue, scissors, old magazines, and drawing materials. Of course some of the other projects will most likely involve a trip to the craft store, but some, like these, will not.
On afternoons when the weather is crummy and there is a space available in the house somewhere to make a controlled mess, you could probably scrounge up stuff to keep the kids amused for a little while with one of these projects.
These books are recommended for ages 5-12, but the nature of the projects is such that children of different ages can participate together in many of them.
You can see some of the author's work on line and explore modern art at www.moma.org/artsafari . Look at some examples of modern art, talk about the discussion questions, and play author or detective.

"Celebrate the expressive ideas of the child-creativity is a gift to be nurtured in everyone."--Joyce Raimondo

IMAGINE THAT! is a study in the art of Surrealism that emerged after World War I. It is artists' response to the ravages of war through art that flows freely from the imagination and dreams, without deliberate purpose. From this thought process, artists' paintings evolved. Some of these artistic works were combined with images of actual objects and unusual or "bizarre" scenes. Some major artists represented in IMAGINE THAT! are:

**Salvador Dali
**Rene Magritte
**Max Ernst
**Meret Oppenheim
**Joan Miro & Frida Kahlo, who made noted contributions but were not considered "key" Surrealists

Surrealist artists encourage your imagination to run free and as topsy turvy as you like while harvesting those dream-like images. Make a surprise image creature, draw your dream, double your image, and make a collage or frottage. Start having fun in your world of imagination today.

Great stuff for tapping into young readers' and adults' creativity. Try the collograph creatures, the 3-D figurines, or the mystery box. Superb ideas for the art appreciation of the SURREALISM movement. I highly recommend IMAGINE THAT! Adults will also enjoy this one as well.

This is a great book to get kids really looking at art and responding to it. The creative activities, with step-by-step directions and lots of examples of kids' art, are perfect for homeschoolers or anyone whose school district has cut arts funding, as well as those who just want to increase a child's exposure to and understanding of great art. (You should see my daughter's Surrealist place setting with totally weird food.) Fun for all ages!