I loved your workshop, it was full and so much got done but it felt peaceful and stress free, don’t quite know how you manage that…a big ‘thank you’ for a wonderful day of learning and enjoyment.
–Bobbie Bates, Narrogin
Can I just start out by saying thank you! Kayt and I LOVED your workshop! We have been obsessed ever since … aside from the great workshop, I found you very inspiring, the fact that you started out in science and ended up in art…The only criticism – it wasn’t long enough!!! We were both so disappointed when the day ended! If we could, we probably would have stayed there all night to continue our painting! We are both very keen to do your other two workshops.
-Sarah Deverall, scientist and mother
Thank you for a most enjoyable day of learning yesterday. You’re certainly a very talented teacher (and it goes without saying, talented artist) that makes learning easy and more importantly, fun. I’ll most definitely be recommending your classes to all the people I know (and even those I don’t…) -Alaine Davin, manager, retail
We absolutely loved it! It really was great, and you are a fabulous teacher. I am actually quite surprised that I may be a little more creative then I thought! So thank you! – Jade Nicholls, Uni student
Thanks Malini for a great workshop today. You’re a fantastic teacher! I learnt a lot. – Carol Gorgy, physiotherapist
I really loved your way of teaching, and particularly that way you had structured the class. The amount we got through I thought was phenomenal and that was due to your great organisation. I learnt so much it is a completely new technique for me, so it was great to experiment. I can’t wait to do some more painting, it was such a relaxing day, I even did not worry about the heat, I was concentrating so much. – Marlene McCann, Snr Radiation Therapist
Thank you for the wonderful art class on Tuesday and your delightful company. It truly was a beginners class for me – the beginning of a new passion! -Jenny Harwood,Principal Consultant, Education & Training International
For many reasons, you are a brilliant communicator, teacher and painter, who was inspiring to me. Your enthusiastic approach was inspiring and made it easy for me to feel comfortable, and like “I can do this”. The way you had set up the class, and made it easy for me to lip read and participate , was great, THANKYOU!! … I am so glad I was lead to your class, it was not just informative, hands on, good teaching, but so much fun and to come away with a sense of achievement as well.– Pat (hearing impaired) .
I am very excited by what I learnt … My husband was most impressed with what I brought home, and a bit surprised … The class was just the right pace for me and it was structured well. I thought your methods and communication were fantastic. –Connagh Hopkins, Accountant
Thanks so much for yesterday – I truly enjoyed my day and it has satisfied a deep need in me to get back into my art! It was so well organised, informative and fun. I am now planning ways to turn my shed into an art studio. -Greer Marns, artist and restaurateur
You are super organized which I love. It is so nice to do a course which has been so well planned and organized. From our table settings, to equipment being clearly labelled, to the instructions so we know how to clean up, even down to the way you got us to do the gesso texture first so it had time to dry it made the experience as smooth as possible and maximized our learning time…Your energy is amazing and you are very good with people – interacting, making them feel relaxed, a good teacher, your instructions are clear, you are very approachable, passionate about your work which is infectious! – Lorna Marns, restaurateur
Thanks for a great day, I thoroughly enjoyed it…I thought the class was extremely well organised and it covered everything I wanted. You did really well to teach us all you did in one day! Debbie White, Clerk
I had a really good time and learned A LOT! You are very good teacher and well organised =). Thank you for sharing so much knowledge with us. It was my first art class since I was 13 years old, so it felt so great to finally get back to painting… I think in the future I will take another class with you, I ENJOYED it very much … So THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge, a lovely day and showing me that a beautiful art doesn’t have to be always picture perfect of something. I believe you have a strong heart and wish all the best for you and your family. Hope we will meet again soon. –Natasha Davis, Accounts Officer
We had a ball… we now have our paintings sitting looking at us in our family room…Please put us down for future workshops … these opportunities are being put on our priority list for this year! Thanks for your time, teachings and FUN!- Helen Bolton, Churchill Fellow 2005
I want to thank you for the inspiring art class. I have been to a few but this was the first time I really learned about the preparation and materials required in doing a painting. You were organized and that gave me the confidence to let go a bit. -Negin Golestani, Accountant
It was just the most delightful day…..so nurturing and creative and fun…It was wonderful to learn how to do abstracts and we both loved just allowing our little works to unfold – easy to do when there is so much permission and safety provided by out wonderful teacher! You are an inspiration, Malini – such enthusiasm, joy and passion – which was so lovely to be around – and truly amazing especially in the light of all the relentless challenges you have in your life. -Dixie Sounness, Interior Designer
I learnt so much and felt at ease, thanks to your teaching style. You base it at beginners without making them feel like beginners…that’s an art form in itself! – Katrina Allen-Rock, General Manager, Retail
Thank you so much for an inspiring and informative workshop. I thought you ran the class effectively and efficiently. I learned more from you in a day than in a week-long class I did last year…! . – Sarah McNeill, Arts Journalist
You do a really fantastic job of explaining things and encouraging us. Teaching definitely suits you. I thought the pace of it was great. I don’t much like slow moving courses so I liked that we were buzzing in and out all day. The steps were excellent, that made it easy to understand. I liked that thing on the wall that had the steps written out, I read that loads during the day. The notes are excellent, I’ve used them this week. And I liked that we get to do 4, as there’s room for doing a few crap ones! – Kathy Garnett, Geologist
It is very rewarding to bring 4 pieces home with just starting to paint, incredible! Your teaching was very clear and easy to follow,… It just felt great to create:) … It was visible how you love to teach this course, and this is what it’s all about, you bring your passion over to your students … I am very pleased that I found the person who was able to unlock my hidden creativity. -EllenWiedenhoff, pharmacist
I had the best time yesterday I keep walking past my paintings and can’t believe that I did them…I had a fantastic time. -Raelene Hankinson
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the workshop, I came away feeling like I can do this, rather than it’s too hard. I was a little tired but happy tired, all filled up with new and exciting things. You’re a great teacher Malini, instructive, interesting, funny…” – Donna
It was a great workshop and was not at all scary being the only bloke there. It was very clear and easy to understand. – Brett
Malini, your teaching style is so relaxed and yet so clear that we had no problem understanding the concepts you were teaching us. I really enjoyed the day. It was very informative and a great introduction to abstract art. In fact your seven step process is an excellent starting point which gave us the basic building blocks for creating art. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course!” -Marian Mouttet, virtual assistant
Pauls very obviously enjoyed herself and learned a heap – she couldn’t stop talking about it for a couple of hours after she got home yesterday!! -D. Heeris (gave his wife a gift voucher)
And the wife said:“I thoroughly enjoyed myself but also learnt so much. I have always been interested in art — but have never felt confident enough to delve in. I chewed Don’s ear off (after the class) with my enthusiasm to have a space that I could call my own…that I can spend time playing with the techniques that I tried yesterday. I awoke this morning with some ideas that I would like to try. Yay, my art bubble is being burst open. Watch out world! ” -P. Daems
It was so lovely to meet you and to share the day with you. Jarrad and I had such an amazing day and thoroughly enjoyed the experience….We got so much out of your class!” Alicia Juniper
“A memorable day. Your workshop was truly inspiring and might just have given me the kick start that I’ve been looking for. Thank you!” -Michelle Crompton
As for Sunday, what a fabulous experience. For me as an absolute beginner it was amazing to be able to take home 4 pieces that I would happily show to people! A big achievement for someone who does not draw or paint! Or should I say didn’t use to. I am looking forward to more experimenting that’s for sure. It was lovely to meet you and receive your guidance.- Vicki Symes
Thank you for a wonderful experience yesterday!I enjoyed your workshop A LOT!!! You are one of those amazing people that radiate a calmness and contentment with the world and your surroundings that should not really be there, given your personal circumstances. You seem to find the good in everything, hold onto it and believe in it – a remarkable characteristic. You said so many wise things yesterday and gave me a lot of food for thought.-Alicia Menkveld
I loved the way you taught the basics in such a systematic and methodical way. It meant a lot. The classroom atmosphere was lovely, friendly and conducive to do a painting. I loved the way you demonstrated everything in such precise details. I have been to painting classes but no one ever taught in the manner you did. Your way of teaching painting encourages everyone, and individual care and attention is given to each student. -R. Row, Accountant
Thank you Malini for a lovely day. I had a wonderful time, you have a lovely teaching style…The day just flew by!” – Tonia, teacher.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day. You are a very skilled teacher and motivator! I learned lots of stuff I’ve been wondering about – so much easier than from books…Very professional and well planned workshop – start to finish!… And that’s not chocolate talking! Providing all materials worked so well, no confusion, no chaos, hardly any spills even ! …I think you may have crammed in nearly as much as from a 6 week course – especially with the very useful notes we came away with. – Eleanor Stanley, retiree
Attending the class was an absolute pleasure…I was really impressed at how you guide others without doing it yourself or taking over. The pace of the class was excellent. Your structured approach, combined with encouragement to “let go”, helped me enjoy being creative again!” –Emma
We found the experience to be very nourishing for the soul and inspiring. You’re a wonderful teacher and we had a heap of fun in your class!!”-Simone and Justine
You helped demystify abstract art for me…Your workshop is well organised and informative – I can’t believe how much we covered in a day! Now I feel like I can express myself in a painting. – J. Tan
…A terrific teacher filling a very big need. I had a wonderful day at the workshop and did not want it to end! -Jeni, Nurse
I had a fantastic time at your beginners workshop. I felt very supported and encouraged throughout the learning process and appreciated your guidance. Your warm nature and generous spirit created an atmosphere that was non-threatening and perfect to learn in. – Sonia, mother and education assistant
… I had the most wonderful experience! You are a wonderful and insightful person. I feel truly encouraged to continue working with colours and exploring the most beautiful ways that colour shows itself to us. Thank you! I cannot wait until my next class with you….. watch out world!” –Maria, Medical Secretary
Thank you for such a wonderful day, my mind is racing with ideas! It is such a different way of making art…its art that makes itself. -Nicole
Malini, thank you for an incredible day. The beginners workshop was so inspirational and liberating. All the ladies of our group, from absolute beginners to those with an art background, were able to experience success. You explained everything so clearly and were very supportive of everyone through the process of creating. How wonderful to come along to something where all the prep has been taken care of! Just turn up and bring something good to eat – too easy! Thanks for the excellent, informative notes you provided for us all to take home, too. So helpful. The pieces we created were unique and fantastic. Can’t wait to hit Jacksons to get some supplies! Definitely booking in to “The Next Step”! Looking forward to taking it further. Peta Watson, Mukinbudin
Thanks Malini, for your expert instruction and for sharing your stories. I had a great time and have been inspired to create and experiment. I also plan to share this with my adolescent clients, the process is a good metaphor for life. -Veronica Holyoak, Psychologist
So lovely to meet you and learn from someone so talented. We are very lucky that there are people like yourself who pass on your knowledge and inspire people like myself and my fellow “Beginners”. -Elaine Wainscoat
I had a really great time and left feeling like I had finally done something I have wanted to for a long time and really achieved something great…I think the way you teach is the way I like to learn and I am looking forward to coming back to soak up some more! – M.Clayton
I enjoyed yesterday tremendously, at times I just had to go quiet to savour the moment. I was completely knackered when I got home, but in a nice way, the uplifted and satisfied version of knackered. Lots to learn and hands on, too, which I prefer as it works best for me. And yes, I DID learn a lot. You were very encouraging and supportive and what I liked especially was the fact, that there was no waiting or empty time…So I suppose ‘Intensive’ workshops work for me! – Martina Wimmer
Your willingness to share your secrets was extremely generous! -Toni
The actual workshop experience delivered what it promised and more. I had a lot of fun. I liked the way you demystified and deconstructed the artistic process by developing a 7-step process which even beginners can use. I like the way you explained the what/why/when and how of various aspects of the process. I suppose what I’m saying is I really liked the scientific approach you bring to your art classes. Thank you again Malini. It was lovely to meet you and to learn from you. You are a wonderful teacher. -Marianne Mcadams, Human Resources
You are an amazing teacher – super- organised, accomplished, inspirational, supportive and great fun. We learned so much and I can’t wait for the next class. G. Jenkins, Education Consultant
I had such a great time yesterday, I’m still buzzing from it today! I’ve got four pieces of art … We put them up against the wall and turn them around occasionally and see things in them we didn’t see before! It’s an amazing process! This is such a great system you have given me to be able to move forward and enjoy painting my own stuff. I’m really looking forward to where this will lead me creatively - I think it will be a great outlet for me and give me another dimension to my life. I would love to book in for the follow up class… -Bronwyn Dixon
Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop on Sunday…From the minute I arrived to be greeted by your wonderful hello to the minute I went home, it was so enjoyable. -Marilyn
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS WHO ARE TEACHERS THEMSELVES
I have been so excited since your workshop and my eyes have been much more open … You taught us so much in so little time; the ‘theory’ bits were so beautifully told that I remember everything … you’ve inspired me so much that I’m gathering supplies for a studio in my shed! -Crispin, teacher
Thanks so much for such an inspiring workshop…I feel I learned the craft of new techniques as well as gaining an insight into creative possibilities… I am excited about exploring these ideas more. -Julie, teacher
A well organised, easy to understand, delightful introduction to the many pathways to achieving abstract art. Your tranquil teaching presence engenders a feeling of absolute safety to have a go at unfamiliar techniques. -Philippa Parker, teacher and psychologist
Your art workshop was a simple yet exciting blend of theory, practice and sincere creative expression. I loved every moment and have felt something ignited within me since. I want to keep going… -Helma, teacher
My family was very impressed with my results, and my daughters especially pleased that I followed through and took part in your workshop…I enjoyed the experimental and meditative approach – truly food for the soul! Your caring approach and supportive comments throughout the workshop offered much encouragement and inspiration. Your step by step, clear and concise delivery made it easy for the complete beginner to follow, as well as serving as a focus on design decisions for the experienced artist. The comprehensive hand out was an added bonus! -Deanna Gibson, art teacher
I loved the art class! What I loved the most though was meeting you. Malini, your warmth, kindness and hospitality are truly inspirational. You made us all feel so relaxed and confident to have a go and the idea that ’the process IS the outcome ” is a very liberating one-it certainly was for me. Thank you for sharing yourself with us and encouraging us to tap into our creative potential. Your art work is testament to your beautiful spirit…You have truly touched my heart…Immeasurable gratitude. – Dawn Scaife, Teacher
The class was brilliant, helping us to create what we didn’t know was in us. To actually follow your steps and find something in the painting that means something to each of us, whether it be the same or different, shows the individuality in each of us. To have produced 4 paintings each at the end of the day was also a staggering thought. Everything was explained so easily… I loved the positive, individual attention you gave each person. That was greatly appreciated!! Thank you for yesterday – it has made me really want to try a bit more!! I still cannot believe what I see in them – lots of magic, and even hubby was impressed. -Robin Stott, teacher
“I had the best time in your class…and went to bed thinking about when I would next be able to paint…then woke up thinking about it! I can’t wait to paint prolifically and ‘let my hair down a little more’ and be less afraid to experiment with colour…I was bowled over by the beautiful work that the others in the class produced too…You are definitely one of the best teachers that I’ve ever met, Malini….and I’ve met a lot! Your teaching style is fun, unique, and humorous and you have an obvious passion for a subject that is close to your heart.” – Sharon Houston, teacher.
“Thank you Malini for a lovely day. I had a wonderful time, you have a lovely teaching style…The day just flew by!” – Tonia, teacher.
You are a great and energetic teacher…engaging students and energizing interest in painting and its endless possibilities – A very informative and fulfilling day. Super organised preparation for classes, ordered for a busy day with clear directions. Very friendly and helpful. For me – it gave me a connection again to create and a day to reflect and experiment on colour and its possibilities. I love making art. Thank you for a great day. –Teresa Egan, teacher.
I had a fantastic time at your beginners workshop. I felt very supported and encouraged throughout the learning process and appreciated your guidance. Your warm nature and generous spirit created an atmosphere that was non-threatening and perfect to learn in. -Sonia, education assistant
Malini, Thank you so much for an absolutely lovely day in your Beginners Art Workshop (with a focus on getting men to hold a paint brush!). I have admired your expressive and meditative arts practice ever since I wondered into an art opening of yours by accident. However, your skills as workshop facilitator almost surpass your skill in painting. Although I’m not a beginning painter, I was happy to view the day as one, and what I saw was a day that fully supported everyone no matter their arts skills. The materials and day was very structured and everything was catered for which allowed attendees full expression of their creative sides rather than wondering what to do next. I was so impressed that I’m creating a small body of work exploring the concepts you’ve taught for a group exhibition AND I’ll be enrolling for a further advanced class with you December. Thank you once again for everything, and I wish you abundance in your endeavours. -Samith Pich, artist and school-teacher
Hannah and I were truly blessed to be able to share such a creative, positive and pleasurable experience. We can’t wait to start experimenting at home…You are just the most amazing person – the workshop was so well organised and your teaching objectives were so clear. The positive way in which you approached every task and every person made it so easy to learn. -D. Jordan, school teacher
