Different Strokes

Different Strokes

Welcome to Different Strokes! Owned and curated by Regan Black, Different Strokes is a cozy art gallery. Boasting art of many different mediums, you're sure to find something to inspire you and bring home to beautify any space. Grab a cup of coffee or mug of tea, snack on something sweet and browse around at what's to offer-- most everything is for sale!

Stop by for an evening of adult beverages and painting! Regan will walk you and your friends step-by-step to create your own masterpiece!

Got a burgeoning artist at home (or maybe it's you!)? On weekends, Regan offers classes to young artists to help them refine their technique, and even offers the chance to sell their work in her store, if they so choose.

Roleplay

Erin and Laurent

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

Laurent's parents' favourite task for him is to go to rival art galleries, enquire about purchasing anything interesting and scope out the competition (and if a bit of damage happens wherever he goes, that's hardly their fault, is it?). So here he is, wandering through the gallery and writing the occasional comment in his weathered leather-bound notebook. He has to confess he's seen larger galleries with rarer paintings, but there are a few here that his parents might be interested in. The price isn't even so high on most of them, so maybe he's not wasting his time here.

Message Me • 21:48, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

She'll be honest - she has absolutely no clue about art. She knows the famous names, obviously; the walls of the mansion at home are lined with lifted Van Goghs and Monéts, priceless yet utterly plain, in her opinion. Anybody can throw a bit of paint onto a canvas - why do only some names earn such value and others are completely disregarded. This gallery certainly isn't as grand as the others that the city has to offer, and the chance of finding something worth more than a couple thousand dollars is highly unlikely, but Erin needs to send something home. Her family would probably stop talking to her if she went a whole six weeks without providing them a haul. Hence why she's here on a weekend, weaving in and out of corridors and monuments, eyeing up which paintings have the most expensive price tags beside them so she can figure out a strategy. It's not like she can steal them now, but her memory is faultless, and if she can memorise the gallery layout now then it'll make coming back a lot easier.

Message Me • 21:55, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

Laurent's actually quite proud of himself, having made it a full 30 minutes without anything more than his pencil breaking. Spoke too soon, though; as soon as the thought enters his head he collides with someone else, said broken pencil flying into a statue's outstretched hand as he grasps to catch his falling notebook, which promptly rips. His previous triumph is quickly replaced by defeat as he stuffs the torn pages back into the notebook, wincing as he straightens and readies himself to face some angry middle-aged art collector. And then it turns out to be a girl about his own age, and he feels even worse. "I am so sorry," he says hurriedly, stretching out a hand to her. "I didn't see you. Are you alright? Nothing broken?"

Message Me • 22:15, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

If she had just been observing that calamity of events from the side, Erin would be biting back a laugh right now - but she's not. She's right in the middle of it, casually minding her own business and peering at the information panel next to a huge canvas of a poppy field when something slams into her, tossing her sideways a few steps into a monument stand which is thankfully weighted heavily enough at the bottom to prevent it from toppling. The jerk is disorientating but she quickly regains her composure, a little frayed at the foot of the statue, looking up at- great, some random boy. Typical. "I'm fine," she grumbles, pointedly ignoring his hand as she stands up, brushing her top down frantically to smooth out all the creases. Merlin, did her lipstick smudge? Is her hair a mess now? She quickly turns to look into the gold stand, her yellow reflection staring back as she tries to neaten herself back up. "Watch where you're going next time. I could have been a priceless statue."

Message Me • 22:28, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

The girl's tone causes Laurent to wince again, especially when she pointedly ignores his hand. La Voisin, don't let her be a future classmate. He promised himself he was going to make a good impression this year, and here he is ruining things already. Typical. He does his best to save the situation, though, fixing a crooked smile to his face and summoning as much bravado as he can. "Good luck finding something priceless here, of all places. I think you're the closest I'll get to that." Wait, that sounded weird - maybe he's more flustered than he thought he was. But he really should be used to this by now. "Because you're human, I mean. I hope? Sorry if you're not and I just assumed. I'm not usually like this, I swear."

Message Me • 22:47, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

The compliment freezes her in her tracks, unsure of how to take it as she perfects herself down to the details of her necklace pendant sitting in the exact middle of her chest. Yes, she really is that pernickety. "You hope I'm human? What, do I not look like one?" she bites, tilting her head at the boy in a no shit kind of gesture before glancing around momentarily, cheeks burning at all of the bemused gallery visitors looking back. "And what are you? Besides blind."

Message Me • 23:52, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

"That came out wrong - of course I don't hope you're human, that'd be racist. But no, you do look human. My apologies." This is awkward. Why is he like this? Aside from his parents' potions habits, that is. Laurent at least doesn't have control over how lucky or unlucky he is, but he is supposed to have control over his own mouth. La Voisin, how he wishes he could sink into the floor. "I'm- sorry? I don't think I understand the question. I'm Laurent."

Message Me • 00:57, 8 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

She stares at him for a brief moment, mentally debating whether to rip into him because he clearly has no comprehension of just how valuable that statue - and her collarbone - is, or whether to just let him off because she really doesn't want more attention than she's already had. Eventually, she goes with the latter. "Well, Laurent, maybe watch where you're going next time, yeah?" Courtesy isn't a practise she typically invokes with strangers but he seems genuinely apologetic, right? And he did compliment her. Whatever that was. "I'm Erin. It's nice to meet you, I guess, if you can call this a nice meeting. Most of my friends, I just say hi to in the corridors."

Message Me • 11:38, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

Everything the girl - Erin - says just makes Laurent wince again. "I really am sorry," he offers again. "But it is nice to meet you. Do you go to Hogwarts?" Please say no, please say no. This really isn't the first impression he usually attempts to go for (though it's the one he usually gets). "I'm just transferring from Beauxbâtons."

Message Me • 15:27, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

It takes a lot of energy to not retort with something like of course I do or where else would I go, but Erin isn't totally heartless, and if Laurent turns any redder in the face then there's a good chance he might suffer a haemorrhage; and once she's pretty confident that nothing is out of place, her face softens a little. "Yeah, I do, I'm just going into fifth year." The mention of Beauxbatons peaks her interest slightly. While she's never been, the images she's seen on Witchagram of pale hallways and glittering chandeliers and the general wealth of the place has always enticed her. Perhaps because it reminds her of the mansion back home. "What brings you over from there? I always wanted to go to that school, it looks incredible. The whole of France does, really."

Message Me • 15:34, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

Ah, shit. "Oh, really? Me too," he says, aiming for nonchalance. At least nothing's fallen on his head yet? But he's probably jinxed it just by thinking that. "I don't know, really." That's a lie, he does know. "It's beautiful, yeah, but it's kind of boring. Reminds me of home. It's always nice to have a change of scenery, right?"

Message Me • 17:43, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

As much as it pains her to think of France as boring, she perfectly understands the attitude - the house in Sweden is grand and decadent but growing up there was especially tedious, especially since she was barely allowed outside. Being trapped is never a nice feeling. "You decided to move countries and transfer schools for a change of scenery?" she asks, arching an eyebrow; there's nothing accusatory or mocking in it, more genuinely intrigued. What a luxury it must be to be able to just pack up and relocate when you feel like it. Someone clearly has parents who are either excessively liberal or just don't care; she silently hopes it's the former. "Was that your idea or your parents'?"

Message Me • 17:47, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

Well, really it was the school's idea, but Laurent feels like admitting you got kicked out for being too unlucky is a bad look. Especially considering the way they've met. "I made it happen," is what he settles for. "It's hardly a big deal. Though my mum wanted to send me to Italy at first, but I think Hogwarts has a better ambience, you know? And what's trading one boarding school for another?"

Message Me • 17:52, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

It's likely not his intention but the school decided makes it sound like he was kicked out for, like, bad behaviour; from her own knowledge, it takes a lot to be expelled from a magical school, due to how few and far between they are. "The school? What did you do?" Her mouth is slightly agape as she asks, clearly a little stunned but mostly curious - oh Merlin, she can already tell he's going to be an absolute thorn in her side. And probably the sides of the whole year group. "I'd love to go to Italy, too. All of Europe, really. So- you're just moving on your own, then? Your parents aren't with you?" She really shouldn't be surprised, considering she's in the exact same situation, but it's bizarre to hear it parroted by somebody who - at least from first impressions - most likely isn't from a cult. Or a special family, as Mother #3 always says.

Message Me • 18:02, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

"The gate to the pegasi pen broke and I was the last one to feed them. Chaos ensued when they all escaped." Never mind that his parents offered to buy an entire new herd; Laurent had just done too much damage over his four years at the school. "Though I maintain that it's not my fault, because even if the gate was closed they still would have escaped if they'd wanted to. There weren't even enchantments above the pen, and pegasi can fly." He's sure they're happier now, though, finally free. Though it would have been nice if they could have chosen their moment a little better. Just his luck. "Yeah, I am! My parents are too busy to move to England just for me." Not that they would even if they weren't busy. Laurent was a failed experiment they'd rather pretend didn't happen unless they have to actually clean up after him. "But it's not really so far. A lot of people study internationally."

Message Me • 18:17, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

Whatever explanation she was expecting, it certainly wasn't that - something so innocent and kind-hearted and... simple. The look of shock on her face quickly morphs into one of amusement, her hand flying up to hover in front of her mouth to cover the laugh that escapes. "That's so- I don't know. Minimal. That got you kicked out? Merlin, after some of the things I've seen people get away with at Hogwarts, I don't think you have to worry too much about history repeating itself." As for parents being too 'busy' to move with him, she understands that too; though she's pretty sure that the main reason nobody from her family moved over with her is because they literally weren't allowed to. "My family didn't move with me, either. They're up in Sweden, if the accent didn't give it away. They write sometimes, which is nice, and I send them stuff, but I haven't seen them for a while."

Message Me • 18:21, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

"Yes, yes, laugh at my misfortune. Everyone does," Laurent says, though he's smiling now, too. He supposes it's funny, when you don't have to deal with it every day of your life. "Sweden? Whereabouts? I've been a few times." He doesn't comment on her owls with her family; he gets exactly none, save ones berating him for causing a scene again, and it doesn't seem like something he'll be able to carry a conversation in. Just his luck.

Message Me • 01:12, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Erin Nyberg 」fifth year ravenclaw student • art thief

「 Age 」
16

「 Species 」
metamorphmagus

「 Occupation 」
student

「 Relationship 」
single

She isn't asked that question very often but has an answer prepared for whenever she is; after all, it's not like she can say where she's really from. Or she could, but she doesn't want to. Preferably, there would be no ties between her and real whereabouts of her family. "Stockholm, right on the water," she answers, with a tight smile. "It's gorgeous up there, so much nicer than here." The castle is certainly more picturesque than the country; maybe the views from the Astronomy Tower make the relocation worth it. Maybe.

Message Me • 15:19, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

「 Laurent di Savoia 」Fifth Year, Slytherin

「 Age 」
15 y/o

「 Species 」
Wizard

「 Occupation 」
Student

「 Relationship 」
Single

"Stockholm?" he repeats. He's been a few times, but never for long, and all he can remember from the waterfront are the multi-coloured buildings. "You're right, it is. Though the pictures I've seen of Hogwarts seem pretty promising, too. In a more 'dark academia' sort of way." Laurent's always had an appreciation for aesthetics; it's the only thing that gets him through the day half the time. Even if he's going to fail all his exams, at least he's romanticising the process and still learning things. That's the important part.

Message Me • 17:27, 10 December 2020 (UTC)

Cami

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 20:46, September 24, 2020 (UTC) Camille is trying to connect better with her family, which is why she's making an appearance at Different Strokes in the early hours of the 27th after enjoying some breakfast with her Aunt and Uncle. When Cami walks in, her first reaction is wow. There's so much art on display. Intrigued, she takes a few steps in while looking around curiously, momentarily forgetting all about looking for Regan.

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 20:48, September 24, 2020 (UTC) She had heard someone enter and smiled when she saw her cousin (sister?). She watched Cami explore, and figured she'd let her have some time to look over what was there, curious about Cami's taste.

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 20:55, September 24, 2020 (UTC) There's a work in particular that catches her eye; it's brightly colored and looks a lot like if someone had splattered the paint onto the canvas and done uneven strokes to blend the colors. It looks pretty cool, and considering her room has pretty much no paintings at all, she thinks maybe having something like this hung up could help inspire some creativity now and then. She tilts her head before glancing around, wondering if there's anyone who can tell her how much it costs. Quickly, she notices Reagan. "Oh, hey!"

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 20:57, September 24, 2020 (UTC) She grinned. "Hey! Welcome to the gallery. You like this one?" she asks, indicating the painting on the wall.

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 21:01, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "I do! Is it up for sale?" she asks, "Totally fine if not. Just thought it looked really cool, and I've got... a lot of open space on my walls."

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 21:03, September 24, 2020 (UTC) She grinned. "Of course it's on sale. Everything here is, really. Is it for your walls at school or at home?"

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 21:11, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "Home," she replies, "I tried hanging up a painting behind my bed and a roommate tattled to one of the prefects, who got the Head Girl involved, and — let's just say apparently there's rules against that," she pauses. "How much is it?"

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 21:12, September 24, 2020 (UTC) She looked disgusted. "Ugh, that's so lame. Do yu want me to teach you a Permanent Sticking Charm?" She waved a hand dismissively. "I'll just send the bill to my Dad."

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 21:25, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "No way, dude. This place is really dope and I'm guessing it's pretty expensive keeping a business running. 'Sides, you can consider a... I don't know, second Christmas gift?" she shrugs, "I have good money, I promise." Admittedly, most of it is her inheritance from her parents and Christmas money, but still, she wants to pay for it herself. She'd feel bad otherwise. "Oh I'd appreciate that. That'd be super helpful."

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 21:31, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "Twenty-three galleons," she said. She was bringing the price down a hair, but Cami was family.

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 21:56, September 24, 2020 (UTC) That's nowhere near as much as she expected. "You got yourself a deal," she grins.

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 22:00, September 24, 2020 (UTC) She takes the picture down off the wall, making a note to find something soon to fill the spot. "I'll just get this wrapped up when you're all ready to head home." She takes the picture behind the counter and then comes back over. "So do you like more abstract stuff?"

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 22:06, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "Well, I usually just prefer things that are bright and colorful, but staring at abstract paintings helps a lot more when I wanna get in the mood to compose songs than portraits or anything," she explains. "I associate paintings with how I feel and the lyrics just come spilling out."

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 22:09, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "That's very cool!" she said. "If you're into music, then you and Rose should definitely spend more time together. She's very musically talented, too."

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 22:16, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "Oh, I love music. Touring with dad is — was — one of the highlights while I grew up," she admits. She looks a little more subdued when she mentions her dad, no doubt remembering what had happened earlier in the year. "I think I want to sing for a living."

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 22:19, September 24, 2020 (UTC)~ "Rose plays piano beautifully and... I think she plays guitar?" she said, clearly guessing. She looks at Cami with sympathy. "I get being connected to an... absent parents, in terms of a talent. All this?" she says, with a sweeping gesture across the gallery, "is because of my birth father. I didn't get this from Mum or Dad, trust me," she adds with a wink.

Camille Wynn - gryffindor, fourth year • a little bit broken -I can feel them staring at me; baby, do you think I'm doing something wrong? Message Me – 22:40, September 24, 2020 (UTC) "Seriously?" Cami asks, surprised. She was under the impression Regan was Ferlen's biologically. "Did you always know this is what you wanted to do?"

Regan Black Ravenclaw Alumna -Owner of Different Strokes and Spy for The Black Parade  – 01:04, September 25, 2020 (UTC)~ She considered that. "I... don't know. I guess... sort of. I knew I was good at art, and loved painting. And nothing else in school excited me in the same way." She nodded slowly. "I guess. But the idea for my own gallery didn't really surface until... probably sixth or seventh year. And all of this, with the classes and the events and such? That all definitely came later. So I'm glad I waited until now to really... hone what it was that I wanted this place to be."