MURDER MYSTERY CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Murder Mystery Christmas Party began with 'Chairman' Tony Rackham welcoming members to the party. After the 'Guest Speaker' had presented a prize, 'Doris' Karen Lewis discovered the victim in the kitchen and gave a great performance when she emerged.

 

'Police Officer' Peter Griffiths asked everyone to remain seated and took charge of the 'murder scene' in the kitchen.

 

TTV Presenters Helen Davies and Di Alexander then entered the action and asked the characters to introduce themselves one-by-one. They did this by reading from their script.

 

The readings evoked much laughter particularly when Gary Lewis spoke as a female character. Jean Kirby is shown in the photograph reading her script as 'Ian Cooper'. There was a welcome break for refreshments organised by Anne Hamerton and other members of the committee. Pat Scammell operated the superb raffle.

 

Labelled clues were placed on a table and members equipped themselves with a chart .During the second half of the evening various characters gave their evidence. Everyone had to listen and use their charts to match the suspects with the clues.

 

 

 There was a vote for the most likely suspect and the identity of the would-be murderer was announced. It was Ian Cooper. Di then explained the murder plot. Fortunately the victim was apparently not dead, but recovering in hospital!

 

 

The party had been most unusual and Di and Helen were presented with flowers by Anne at the end of the evening.



LOAD YOUR BRUSH & TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS URGES HASHIM AKIB

Demonstration November 2013

Hashim Akib uses large brushes loaded with several colours to create his colourful acrylic paintings. Having examined the scene and decided which parts will be given greatest prominence, his approach is direct and fast. He does not draw an image, he does not water down paint or wash his brush in water and he does not blend colours on the canvas. Working with a photograph as a reference, his first priority is to "get stuff onto canvas" trusting his skill and his instincts. The initial layer is established via blocks of colour that are streaked with several colours.

 

Hashim applies paint at speed to achieve a result that has a sense of urgency and movement. He says that we should aim to be bold, not controlled. Galleries and art collectors want paintings with personality and creativity. Hashim asserts that not all areas of the painting should be represented with precision.

 

Resisting any attempt at copying the photograph (which is the easy option) or modifying his original bold vision of the scene, Hashim concentrates on applying interesting marks and looks for interesting colour combinations .He uses blocks of bright colour to draw attention to the focal points in the painting. Complimentary colours like blue and orange, red and green are exciting together as seen in the portrait below..

 

 

 

Hashim's demonstration painting was a street scene using a photograph of Brick Lane in London with a green base colour.The final stage of the painting pulled the composition together with lighter and darker tones,("punctuating areas") negative shapes and patches of colour.



 

Hashim, now a very successful artist, intends to concentrate more on his own painting in 2014. Nevertheless he still enjoys teaching. Last year he produced his 'Vibrant Acrylics" book and DVD he is now tutoring holidays abroad. More information on his website http://www.hashimakib.com/

See also our May 2011 page for his previous Totton Art Society demonstration.

Photos Di Alexander