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Helen C Stark's avatar

OOOh I forgot to say, I also used some acrylic paints as a base to come back onto later once it was dried. That's the dark colour you see first!

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Katie Jackson • Modern Magic's avatar

About how long did each version of these take?

Also I love how you mix mediums!

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Helen C Stark's avatar

The first was 2mins, the 2nd from memory was only a few mins too. The larger sketchbook was longer, maybe 40mins in total. It involved letting some of the paint dry. The canvas one has also been done in several steps and I’m not done yet. It’s been super fun!

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Katie Jackson • Modern Magic's avatar

I think that’s the key to making multiple versions…keeping time limits that slowly get longer ✨

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Yes I’ll be playing this way again for sure. It was so fun!

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Alexa Cepeda Scott's avatar

I so admire how many different ways you approached painting this cat! Seeing you try different techniques and ideas reminded me that something can be approached many different ways. I’m writing a children’s book right now (or trying to 🫠) and I really needed that reminder, so thank you! Also, I’m just in love with your journals. They’re so beautiful!!! What a gorgeous way to process your weeks. 💓

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Katie Jackson • Modern Magic's avatar

I also loved seeing this in a variety of versions. I often get tired of a subject and therefore don’t do multiple versions.

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Alexa Cepeda Scott's avatar

Same, and I get frustrated if it’s not “quite right.”

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Katie Jackson • Modern Magic's avatar

That’s Ira Glass’s “The Gap”…you can never get quite like you envision it but the goal is to get as close as you can.

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Alexa Cepeda Scott's avatar

wow, I love that!! Thank you for sharing!

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Drawing the same cat over and over again has allowed me to play and unlock a few things. I’m so grateful. How fun that you’re writing a children’s book! Wishing you all the best in this creative process. I live picture books 🧡

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Katy T's avatar

I love this and it's so nice to see the process - thanks for sharing!

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Helen C Stark's avatar

You’re welcome Katy! Glad you’ve enjoyed it.

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Spring Nicole's avatar

What are those sticks you are using? I love the cat on the fence. And what a contrast! As life changes for us, the cat sits on the fence taking it all in. My oldest just turned 18 a few months ago and I wasn’t prepared for the emotional response I had. I have also needed time to reflect and just process things.

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Also, thanks for sharing about your son. 🧡 Good to know I did the right thing by just taking time to process.

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Ha I love this about the cat sitting still while everything is changing around us. The sticks would be Liquitex acrylics. They are recyclable.

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Jess Stride's avatar

Beautiful paintings! I particularly love the colourful one that you did from memory!

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Oh how fun! I actually really like that one as well. It’s certainly inspired me to draw from memory more. It’s such a great mental exercise and allows for creative interpretation!

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

I really love the behind-the-scenes of the process and especially enjoy the journal pages.

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Helen C Stark's avatar

Aw thanks! The journals are fun to look through after a while and are really helpful to keep me grateful, great for mental health.

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

I have a variety of journals and scrapbooks. Absolutely healing.

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Helen C Stark's avatar

So great, isn’t it!?

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Clair Sullivan's avatar

Fabulous post! I love seeing where this one moment of the cat has taken you. But! What's that lovely little green ceramic bird ornament? Neeeeed!

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Helen C Stark's avatar

😂 I was hoping SOMEONE would appreciate that little bird!! Have you seen how the cat is staying at it?? 😆

A friend gave it to me a few years back so I’m afraid I don’t know where it’s from.

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Zsuzsa Klemm's avatar

Thank you for showing us the process! I really love it! It’s very inspirational. 🩷💥🩷

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Helen C Stark's avatar

So glad you’re enjoying it! ✨ I hope it encourages folk to be creative and look out for the treasures in our lives.

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