Committee changover meeting June 2017 - Report by Ursula Beatty

This year, our committee changeover took place at our regular Wednesday morning meeting on the 21st of June 2017 , the winter Solstice and shortest day of the year.

Ian Garvie was our Toastmaster for the meeting with his theme: "If only"

The word of the day was Hindsight (provided by Ursula).

This special occasion called for a bit more time out than usual at the break. Thanks to Sarafina and Hannah for organising the refreshments.

Some club members with Thomas Krafft A24 director.(2016 - 2017) 

Christine Lennon outgoing president 2016 - 2017 

Thomas Krafft  was up  early to drive to our morning meeting to conduct the Committee changeover. Thank your Thomas and also for your great job this year as Area Director (2016 -2017).   

Thomas congratulates Mark Butler, Sergeant at Arms (SAA) 

Thomas reminds Ursula of her duties as Vice President Public relations (VPPR).

 Thomas congratulates Hannah Castellijn who continues in her role as Vice President Membership (VPM)

Thomas congratulates Paul Kirkland, welcoming him to the important role of Vice President Education (VPE)

Thomas enlightens Julie Anne in her new role and responsibilities as president of our club.

Thomas Krafft (Area 24 director) with the  incoming Committee for 2017 - 2018 : Julie Anne Cantwell (President); Mark Butler (SAA); Ursula Beatty (VPPR); Hannah Castellijn (VPM)  and Paul Kirkland (VPE). Missing from photo - Secretary and Aimee Simpson (Treasurer).  

Congratulations to all of the new committee members and a huge thank you to Christine Lennon, outgoing president and to all those who served on the committee this past year: Sarafina Zubovic (VPE), Hannah Castellijn (VPM), Ursula Beatty (VPPR & Webmaster), Nicole Kelly (Secretary) , Julie Anne Cantwell (Treasurer) and  Nick O'Donnell and later Mark Butler (SAA).

The ‘Art’ of speech craft. Report on Rivella Lewis’s Art Workshop – By Ursula Beatty

What has art got to do with Speech craft and toastmasters training? You may well ask.

Apart from providing fodder for a speech, it can also help with the creation of the speech itself.

‘A picture paints a thousand words’ or so the saying goes.

As toastmasters, and speech writers, we have to learn to use vivid word pictures to describe characters, events and to capture  scenes,  which help bring our stories and speeches to life.

Anything which helps to increase your observation and perception skills,  with greater attention to detail will enhance your descriptive skills and thus your creative writing and speech craft.

What better way to do this than with an art class!

On Saturday, 17^th June 2017, Experienced toastmaster and Artist, Rivella Lewis gave an art class for our club members and friends.

Hosted by Christine Lennon, at her home in the Nerang Hinterland, we sat around the  dining table with our canvas and  selection of brushes and Acrylic paints ready, as we followed Rivella’s expert tuition.

 First, some background on our teacher: Rivella.

“I am 76 and have been painting all my life. I am mainly self- taught, but did have lessons in Chinese Brush Painting in Penang, Malaysia. Also, lessons in Portrait Painting, Watercolours and Life sketching in Florence, Italy.

I have been teaching for the last 40 or so years and many of my students (both adults and children) have become artists in their own right; many going on to win awards for their art.

I paint several different styles myself using mixed media and I teach technique, how to use brushes, how to do strokes and how to apply the paint, whether it be watercolour, acrylic or oil. I also teach pencil sketching.”

Today’s workshop was on ‘Traditional landscape in Acrylic’, with a focus on sea scapes.

We learned how to prepare the paints and how to apply it using round and flat brushes of various sizes to create the desired effect. It was all free hand– no drawing or practicing the scene with pencil to get all the detail correct, before applying the paint! If you made a mistake, Rivella showed us some of her ‘miracle’ correction techniques. 

I liked it, even though I know I won’t be a Rembrandt anytime soon! I liked Rivella’s teaching methods and how she brought our attention to the detail of the painting and what to look for when painting a landscape or any other details in it.

The final result of the participants art work was pretty good for a 1^st effort. We all enjoyed it and felt the workshop was worthwhile.

“Thanks for yesterday. it was a great morning. Murray was so impressed with our paintings that he wants to be a part of the next one!  So there you go Rivella. All credit to you as a Teacher. We will have to make a firm date for the next one.”  Christine

Then later Christine added:

“Murray keeps on picking up my painting and saying I can't believe it is so good. I would be really proud of that. I expected you all to just have blobs of paint and everyone's paintings were great. He really was inspired and genuinely wants to be part of the next workshop! Personally,  I didn't think my painting was that great!!” Christine (The self confessed perfectionist)

Rivella and budding artist, Christine 

Julie Anne and Rebecca. 

The proud students and the finished artwork!

 

        

Rivella and her finished masterpiece.  

So, it seems this art morning was a great success. Thank you Rivella for your time and your teaching and to all the 'students' who participated in the class, as well as the observers. Thanks to Christine and Murray for being great hosts and to everyone who contributed to the delectable morning tea. (Vegan chocolate caramel slice, Cheese scones, banana and blueberry Cake, Fruit etc.) 

If anyone is interested in art classes with Rivella, she can be contacted directly (google Rivella Lewis.)

Our Club will also be holding a follow up class soon.

Would you like to give your inner artist a good workout?  And at the same time, enhance your observation skills which will ultimately help to 'paint' vivid word pictures in your writing and speech craft. 

If so, let us know and, please feel free to leave your comments below.