Abstract Art Blog

Best art in London

April 20, 2026

Best art in London can be found at Spitalfields Arts market. Buy art direct from the artists or have a piece of art especially commissioned for you. From large wall art to small mini prints, Spitalfields Arts Market has a wide variety of art. Usually 12 of the best artists selling directly to the public in London. Sara Sherwood Art has been regularly exhibiting at Spitalfields Arts Market for many years now. Starting her career at Spitalfields, Sara Sherwood has been painting as a full time artist since 2005. She has exhibited at many other trade shows like Grand Designs Live and Affordable Art Fair Battersea and Affordable Art Fair Edinburgh with other London Galleries. View Events.

How to choose a work of art?

How do I choose a work of art is a question I am often asked. Follow your heart and head is my answer. I suggest you think of the feeling the art invokes in you and imagine how can it change your interior. Having a good quality art statement on the wall can really impact positively on any interior. This can be a subtle or a showcase work of art.

Where can I place art in my home?

Where can I place art in my home? I have some suggestions to make and together we can find a solution for your home. Consider how colour impacts on your mood. Do you want to uplift an interior with colour or soften the mood. Would you like a statement work of art or a more subtle painting to bring the room into balance and harmony. Are you going to want to go wow or to feel calm? Think about the space you have and what atmosphere you want to create. View art on the wall.

Art placement advice

I offer advice on my contemporary art paintings and how best to position them in any home, workspace or commercial interior. Please contact me about my art placement service with any questions. Love art, love life.

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Abstract Art Blog

Buy art online from the artist

November 25, 2025

Buy art online from the artist is a search statement often asked for. It really supports artists if you use this search term to find independent artists websites and purchase direct from an artist. They will be very grateful. When you buy art online uk the advantage is you can sometimes interact with the artist, ask questions and can often get a commissioned work of art made to order. You can discuss colour, size and techniques and how it will impact the finished work of art and interior.

Where to buy art online from the artist ?

You can buy art online from the artist easily if you use the search images page and then you get an instant idea of the type of online art that is available. Available art to buy is also another great way to find and connect with an artist directly. You can buy art online here. This interaction will bring rewards of meeting the artist and understanding the ideas behind the art first hand. If you commission art direct from an artist you will benefit from being involved in the process. This then becomes an experience as well as buying art.

Original art for sale

Original art for sale is also another great term for finding artists who work directly with clients. Many galleries in London have a great selection of artists work, but when you speak with an artist directly you can get a deeper experience and understanding of the art that is for sale. An artist that sells original art will be happy to share thoughts and ideas about what they have available and how it will suit your room. Often artists have experience of art placement and I certainly offer this service. You can also discuss commissioning a work of art and I have more information here under abstract art commissions.

What colour art shall I choose?

What colour art should I choose? I am asked this question often. It is a mixture of personal preference and I work closely with clients to help them find the right work of art for their collection. We discuss how the colour will impact a room and I show examples of my art in different interiors. You can see images here of art on the wall.

Blues are generally cooler and fresh. However, you can add renaissance gold to deep blues for a really warm feeling. Yellows and oranges give a warm sunshine feeling and can uplift a room. Reds can be dynamic and black is very bold and elegant. Earth tones are soothing and work well with natural creams and whites for a soft look. Multi coloured art is created to uplift and make the room feel colourful and spacious. They can also be used to give a bolder splash of colour.

What art will suit my interior ?

I am often asked what art will suit my interior. My reply is a question. I ask what type of room is the art for? I then ask how a client wants to feel in that room. For example do your want the room to feel relaxed, uplifted or make a statement. A statement work of art can be a strong focal point. It makes a significant difference to any interior. I tend to recommend dynamic pieces for dining rooms and hallways and more relaxing pieces to bedrooms and calm seating areas. For boardrooms I often suggest subtle colours on white to make the room feel joyful but calm. For receptions areas we can choose stronger colours and dramatic textured effects.

Can an interior design issue be resolved by buying art?

Buying art can add more colour to a room, it can make it much more elegant and turn it into a special place. Perhaps a home or workspace needs more character? Art can easily solve this interior design issue. The room might be too neutral and you want add a soft gentle painting to rest your mind and relax into. Subtle beauty is easy to live with.

What subject matter shall I choose in my art

The subject matter for art is a personal choice but it can invoke a memory or take you to a happy place. If you choose to buy abstract art then this is more about colour, form and texture. A seascape or landscape work of art is a comfortable choice for a neutral colour palette. Images of nature can be very relaxing. A cityscape can me more dynamic and celebrate city life, architecture or movement. My cityscape paintings are in oil on canvas and I love to make large wall art for offices and home. The results can be soft and calm or strong and dynamic to suit any interior. You can buy art online here for cityscape paintings and buy art online here for abstract art.

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Abstract Art Blog

Art Workshops

November 24, 2025

Detail of a Sara Sherwood painting being embellished for a an art workshop

Art workshops are a way to facilitate wellbeing and creative thinking within a group or workspace. A creative art gathering is a great way to celebrate birthdays, family milestones, friendships and corporate events.

Corporate Art Workshops

Corporate Art workshops bring people together in creative way. Art workshops in the workplace can provide an environment for team building, stress release or emotional expression. This in turn may bring about more creative thinking, positivity and potentially improved productivity.

How does a corporate art workshop facilitate wellbeing?

Creating art in the workplace can promote wellbeing, build a good team spirit and be a productive way to have mindful breaks. We know it is good to have time away from computer screens. A corporate art workshop is an opportunity to build relationships and connections between departments. Work colleagues are able to find self expression during the concentration of creativity or quiet playfulness of making art. Inner joy or peace can transcend into the office.

What can we expect from a corporate art workshop?

Art workshops tailored to your needs. You can provide a lunchtime drop in group or a more structured team building event. Class duration is flexible and can be in a breakout space or meeting room. Art workshops delivered in a clean calm way using doodles and sketch techniques or more playful with paint (suggest watercolours) or pastels.

Why choose Sara Sherwood Artist for a corporate art workshop?

Sara Sherwood has 17 years corporate project management experience. She became a full time artist in 2005.

Working for small design led companies that managed major brand identity rollouts such as John Lewis and Premier Travel Inn. Liaising with architects, designers as well as larger companies she has experience of working with people and meeting objectives. Sara operated as business manager for the production side of a brand and sign company, so has many years of first hand management experience. Managing her own project management staff, she has a clear understanding of HR issues, building relationships between departments and setting a corporate vision, goals and targets. Sara understands both the corporate and the creative dynamic.

Creative thinking and problem solving

Being an artist has given Sara a creative flair for problem solving. Sara can address a particular HR issue or bring peace into the workplace via art workshops. Sara Sherwood can encourage a team to be creative and has management insight to gently address HR or operational issues in creativity. HR objectives can remain confidential during the creative art workshop process.

What will the art workshops be like?

Creative art workshops or drop in creative spaces are tailored to meet your company needs and objectives. Every art workshop opportunity is discussed and priced accordingly. This meets a variety of budgets on a long or short term trial basis. Sara has many creative connections and friends so is able to offer a wide variety of workshop styles, mentoring and media to try including sculpture and paper mache.

Best corporate art and creative art workshop process?

Sara Sherwood has spent many years creating corporate art paintings in oil on canvas. She can facilitate a workshop that produces a work of art for your office or foyer with the involvement of your team for a fully professional painting. You can combine work visions and goals in paint for a reminder of your objectives in a creative way. Using colour choice, abstract patterns and texture to create a completely unique piece of corporate art for your office wall as a reminder of the experience and company vision or objective.

Manage the outcome and use one of a selection of canvas prints as a backdrop and embellish it together.

Not sure what to create, use one of her canvas prints and ask Sara to come and embellish it with your team in a corporate workshop. A fun creative workshop with a lasting result to uplift and motivate. See above image. Motivational words can be added onto the canvas art print. This creates a lasting reminder of the team building exercise.

Buy art or rent corporate art for your office space artist Sara Sherwood can help. To see how the commission art process works click here. Any Questions about art workshops, corporate art or art for private collections contact Sara

Art Workshops and Corporate Art Workshops with Sara Sherwood

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Abstract Art Blog

Does GPSR apply to art sales internationally?

January 20, 2025

"I found the bottom of the Rainbow" cityscape art by Sara Sherwood

Does GPSR apply to art sales was a question I was concerned about. I ship art internationally so was keen to find an answer. After some quick research on https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001835-ASW_EN.html The answer states that The GPSR does not apply to antiques, work of art or collectors’ items. This was answered on 6.11.14 by Mr Renders on behalf of the European Commission. I also found this really great blog that explains in more detail https://johndyergallery.com/pages/eu-gpsr-regulations-artists-and-art-gallery-artworks this is their interpretation of the GPSR guidelines and how it impacts on their gallery business. Thank you John Dyer Gallery. with regard to selling existing print runs: the art was compliant with the 2005 UK GPSR (as it applies/applied before 13 Dec 2024) may continue to be sold in the EU and NI. This includes all existing art pieces and print runs already on the market. See article 51, transactional arrangements. All my current print runs were placed on the market prior to 13 December 2024. “My print products are part of an existing range that was already on the market before 13 December 2024, and it fully complies with Directive 2001/95/EC. However, under Article 51, it falls outside the scope of Regulation (EU) 2023/988. See my website and order history is available for evidence of this. As I understand it GPSR does not apply to unique items produced in small quantities. My art paintings are all one-off. They do not have bar codes just a photograph reference number for my internal and website image management. No EAN barcodes, serial or batch numbers are used. These items are not mass produced consumer goods. I am not a lawyer or legally trained so this does not constitute as advise only information and assumptions by which I am operating under. If I need to supply any information for shipping or need to work with someone on a shipment in a certain way I am happy to help. My shipping agent has asked that the customer provide me with a VAT number or any relevant information to ensure the parcel is not delayed in customs. Thank you.

Can you ship art internationally?

Sara Sherwood Art ships original oil on canvas and hand embellished prints internationally. GPSR does not apply to art sales internationally according to the above source. This art can be sent in a roll or in a custom made box. These boxes are handmade to order each time from plywood. Prior to this, the art is usually wrapped in bubble wrap or suitable packing materials.

I have sent art to Europe and USA and as far as Australia and Singapore. I use a shipping agent that can track and deliver the art easily. Air fuel rates can fluctuate so I price on a project by project basis. To request a price email me the full address including postcode or zip. I also need to know if the canvas is going to be shipped in a roll or fully stretched at time of order as this impacts on the canvas retailer I use and the way I set things up to paint. The price of the art is the same supplied stretched or in a roll. Painting the art flat so it can be rolled is a little more time-consuming and this offsets against stretcher bar costs. The product and shipping costs are itemised. I only ship my own art as I am a lifestyle business.

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Abstract Art Blog

Spitalfields Interview Highlights

September 30, 2024

Spitalfields interview highlights about my life as an artist based in Spitalfields Market. A life expressed in colours from a paintbox. Processing life with paint and using art to express my inner voice. Full interview link to follow.

Questions from Spitalfields marketing team

How long have you been exhibiting at Spitalfields?
Why choose Spitalfields?
Creative process?
Why use London as inspiration?
Greatest achievement?

Questions Answered Interview at Spitalfields Market

I exhibited art at Spitalfields Arts Market in the early stages of my career on a random basis. I returned in 2017 and have been there regularly ever since. I started exhibiting art in 2003 and became a full time artist in 2005. In the past I exhibited at Grand Designs Live for many years and at AAF Battersea and Edinburgh Art Fair more recently.

Many people visit Spitalfields Market and it offers a vibrant selection of art. There are also some beautiful and interesting designer maker goods. The street food is also great. You can buy art direct from the artists. You can ask directly about their inspiration and see the many different techniques used in the variety of paintings, photography, digital art and sculpture. It is a small niche exhibition of about 12 artists that varies from month to month along with some regulars who use Spitalfields as their main place to sell. The art is varied and there is something to suit all tastes. From small prints to large contemporary original art. Many artists work on commission. For corporates and individuals, for office or home.

Spitalfields has a wonderful community of artists and general traders. The artists and general stallholders are welcoming and offer high-quality art and interesting products from all over the world. Many of the artists are local. Everyone can buy, commission or chat with an individual artist, which is a wonderful opportunity. The whole shopping experience is unique. The Spitalfields community work together to make the experience of visiting personal and special. It is a pleasure to work there. The warmth of the other traders gets us through the colder weather.

Creative Process

I put unique elements in each work of art sometimes fusing my memories and travel experiences with special details from clients. I include anniversary dates, birthdays and even create skylines that emerge from peoples memories, backgrounds and individual stories told in buildings and landscapes or abstract colours.

London as Inspiration

London is a wonderful and vibrant city old buildings juxtaposed against new. It has something to offer in all seasons. I am constantly inspired by the reflections in both the pavements on a rainy day and in the River Thames. I admire the crisp outlines of the architecture on a bright sunny day. The mixture of building heights and shapes all together. Ups and downs, twists and turns. Different building colours, culture and expression. It is a wonderful city.

Being a full time artist since 2005. Perhaps best answered in pictures. Check out my on the wall and sold paintings. All thanks to God.

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Abstract Art Blog

Large Canvas Wall Art

July 16, 2024

Large canvas wall art is my passion and peace. Painting large art is a way of escaping reality and relaxing. It then creates a new deeper reality on canvas. The swooping skies capture my imagination. I approach a blank canvas with a mixture of trepidation and joy. I don’t know the outcome I only know the process. This painting is about my love of art and my joy in creativity. It is called “I found the bottom of the rainbow” to express this gratitude. The pot of gold is seen in the skyline to the left by the trees.

London Artist

A London artist painting London skylines full time since 2005. I often paint the sky first as that allows me to breathe. Bold and sweeping brushstrokes to give a sense of movement. The painting depicts a rainbow emerging majestically above London’s iconic landmarks. The abstract art effect of the rainbow and the incorporation of light, dark and vibrant colours on a white background present hope and transformation. The rainbow a biblical symbol of hope also used throughout the community to visually inspire and uplift. It also has an ethereal quality of mystery.

Surrealism in Art

The city’s skyline is mirrored in the water. These reflections offer a distorted effect of surrealism. Abstract, impressionism styles are also captured here. The buildings are still recognisable. Highlighting London’s prominent architecture, landmarks and features. Surrealism in art is a wondrous thing. Limited only by the imagination. Quality of brushstroke and blending colours is paramount to bringing a warm and uplifting atmosphere in the painting. Our great buildings emerge as features of triumph in a city skyline. I hope this vibrant joy in art finds you in peace at the bottom of the rainbow of life.

Buy Art Online

Buy Art Online in a number of formats: print on paper or canvas, The canvas prints that I make look very similar to original oil on canvas paintings as I highlight them in oil paint. I have also created a 4 metre large wall art based on this image. It was for a corporate reception area. The commission was 4 metres long and made in 3 sections. To see image and learn more visit my commissions page.

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Abstract Art Blog

Hope in Christ Christmas Card

October 28, 2023

Hope in Christ Christmas Card is a joint project with Hope Together charity and artist Sara Sherwood. This image is called “Trust follow the star” and was painted intuitively. “I knew it was about the wise men following the star to find Christ in the stable. God was signposting me via my painting and creative process to lead me closer to Him. The title just popped in my head when I worked. I can go to a place of stillness and calm when I paint and this was one of those times. Other times I am joyous and energetic. To me now, each painting is a miracle and I’m so very grateful. It is all thanks to God.”

Scripture: Mathew 2:9 &10

The Scripture on the card reads: “After the wisemen had listened to the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them. It finally stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star they were filled with joy.” This verse is taken from Mathew 2:9 &10 NRIV bible. There is a QR code on the Christmas card which leads you to read more of the Christmas story.

Buy Christmas Cards Online

If you wish to buy printed cards online they are £4 for 10 cards including envelopes Hope Together Shop or buy online from the artist. The packs of 10 cards from the artist have a special versions included: 3 are hand-embellished and 1 of these has 22 carat gold leaf, 7 are printed all for £20 for 10 cards (plus p&p or in person at Spitalfields Arts Market or studio). Alternatively you can buy other quantities and get in touch. Now available to buy online.

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Abstract Art Blog

How long does it take to create a painting of London?

July 21, 2023

How long does it take to create a painting of London is a popular question. The answer is that it varies. The oil paint goes down in layers. With a cityscape painting, I tend to work on the sky first and then add the first layer of reflections. When this is dry I add the skyline buildings and then work on the reflections once more, if need be. Visually I am balancing the details in the sky and then the bottom half of the London Skyline. This often includes the reflection or land texture. When this layer is dry I then review it, to see if I need to add any further details.

Commissioned Art

If I am painting on commission I liaise with the client to make sure they are happy before I stop painting the art. Generally I tend to send an image of the sky too, before I add the buildings in a cityscape work of art. This is to make sure they like the colour balance. Commissioned art is a challenge, but I enjoy painting with purpose. With a background in interior design, I love to see the context of where my art is for. It is also fun to try new ideas and work closely with people.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgUZkWQlRQw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==

It can take anytime from 20 mins to 8 hours for a layer.

Typically I work quickly “all-prima” and build the composition intuitively. On a large cityscape painting the layers can take me anytime from 20 minutes to a few hours. Once when I was creating “city of light” I looked down and my ankles were swollen. I then realised I had been painting for 8 hours and the time had just flown by. This is unusual, as I normally spend an hour or so on each layer or section. I then take a break to review the art with fresh eyes and can instantly see any area that I want to amend or improve. For me time just disappears when I paint.

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Abstract Art Blog

Manhattan Cityscape “Depth”

February 23, 2023

Manhattan Cityscape Painting

Manhattan Cityscape painting is an abstract oil on canvas. The art is inspired by the sea and refers to inner spirituality to reflect depth.

The art reflects what is going on beneath the surface in a person can often be very beautiful but unseen.

Abstract contemporary art is an exciting genre of art that has been inspired by the unique architecture of New York City. As a London-based artist it has been fun to feature the iconic Manhattan skyline. The painting’s unique style combines the beauty of abstract art with elements of sea and spirituality. My aim is in creating depth in a visual experience. It is deliberate that I paid more attention to what lies beneath the surface in the painting. The blue sky reflects a sunny optimistic day. Nature is incredible. The reflections metaphorically refer to emotions and inner beauty. It can also evoke memories of plant and sea life and perhaps even an unborn child growing within. Your interpretation is yours but most of all I hope you can see the intended beauty and message of hope and joy. On a personal note my depth and joy is Christ.

Original Art Work

Through my original art work, as a visual artist I am able to capture the essence of this vibrant city and bring it to life in an entirely new way. Sea life has been a source of inspiration for painters and creatives for centuries. Its vastness and beauty have always captivated the imagination, inspiring them to create stunning works of art that capture its vibrant colours and majestic creatures. From seascapes to abstracts, artists have used their creativity to portray the beauty of sea life in all its forms. Whether it’s an oil painting or a digital artwork, sea life has been an inspiration for many painters throughout history.

Hope

To read more about the spirituality behind this cityscape art please visit my hope blog

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Abstract Art Blog

Abstract Angel Art

May 5, 2022

Tearfund Charity Art Auction

I created this abstract angel art painting live on film for Tearfund, for their Easter video. The creative brief was from “Darkness into Light”. This painting is available to buy by email bid by silent auction. The highest bid above a reserve price will get the painting. All auction proceeds will go to Tearfund, a Christian charity working to end extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Tearfund is determined to see an end to extreme poverty and injustice. I believe in both prayer and action and my call to action was to donate my time to create this and hopefully raise as much money as possible for the charity. To make a bid please contact me and email your highest offer. Listen now to find out more: Radio Maria England interview.

Abstract Angel Art

Radio Maria Q&A

Radio Maria Questions: Friday 27 May 2022 at 9am (preparation notes)

How does an interior artist find her way into becoming a “Christian Artist”?

I have always been very intuitive. After a mix of challenging life circumstances including bereavement and subsequent mental health issues, I began meditation and reading about positive thinking, yoga, new age healing as well as other religions. I even studied at the college of psychic studies to try to find out why I could sense things and draw intuitively. In short, I was on a Greek island and found a sense of peace in the orthodox church buildings and services. I took the light in my heart one Easter as I forgot my lantern! They bring the light from the Jerusalem service to Athens and then out to the islands. A beautiful service. Subsequently I was baptised Anglican in my local church in the UK.

You describe your art as finding the “positivity within” and some of your abstract art is based on scripture. Can you share your approach? Has it changed since you’ve become a Christian?

Yes, it was an adventure…I paint in the same way, by just letting go and thinking of nothing… then a scripture or name or Bible verse pops in my head

All of my titles are inclusive… they have both a worldly and a scriptural meaning. The last work of art a night sky painting was based on the Lord’s prayer “Our father”. I was shy to tell the client the real title as I did not want to appear overzealous with my faith and he said to me… I don’t know why but that star in the top left corner reminds me of my dad. I then asked if his father was still with us on earth. His reply was that his father had passed away but he was a Christian so there was a message and sharing for us both.

What’s it like having your faith as such an important part of your art? Are their prejudices? Have you found a Christian Artist community?

It has given me purpose and joy. Thanks to God and to my friends who helped or prayed for me during challenging times. I even have a painting “faith can move mountains” about a social movement to help the youth of this country, you can find out more trueheartsunite.co.uk I look for the Christ in everyone so tend to live in my own bubble rather than a Christian arts community. However, I have bought the domain true art and may create a platform to encourage. In the meantime, you can read more of these stories on my blog and hope section on my website sarasherwood.co.uk Prejudices, maybe I don’t know…Jesus died for us so I focus on Him.

Your “longing for mission” has lead you to Tearfund – what is Tearfund?

Tearfund, a Christian charity working to end extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. I chose to support Tearfund because it saddens me to see hungry children

How has Tearfund’s mission inspired your art?

Tearfund asked me to create a painting, for their Easter video. The creative brief was from “Darkness into Light”.

I believe in both prayer and action and my call to action was to donate my time to create this and I hope to raise money for Tearfund by silent auction.

Key details

I’m an artist and I’m holding a silent auction of one of my paintings.
I created the painting live on film for Tearfund, for their Easter video. The creative brief was from “Darkness into Light”.
The auction proceeds will go to Tearfund, a Christian charity working to end extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries
You can see the painting on my website in the video and blog sections. The website is sarasherwood.co.uk
Bids can be sent to me via my website sarasherwood.co.uk “contact” page or any of my social media: insta or facebook….under Sara Sherwood art.
The silent auction is an auction where bids are sent to me by email or social media channels and the highest bid gets the art. All the proceeds go directly to Tearfund and I give the art to the highest bidder.
The final day for bids – just contact me to see if the painting has sold.

I was delighted to work on this project as it touched my heart combining prayer, painting and action to help others.
Tearfunds Gideon Heugh and filmmaker Joseph Cobb have inspired me to continue with my poetry and I am in the process of producing videos to explain the scripture and meanings behind my art to inspire others. Thanks be to God. You can see more by following my on my social media Sara Sherwood art and website sarasherwood.co.uk
I believe in both prayer and action and my call to action was to donate my time to create this and I hope to raise money for Tearfund by silent auction.
I passionately believe no one should be living in poverty, to be the light in this world, we have to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Painting is my voice and I’m delighted to speak up for the poor. I’ve created something tangible that can then be sold for gold.

I chose to support Tearfund because it saddens me to see hungry children and I know they work to end extreme poverty around the world

Any advice you would give to other Christian Artists?

Pray, use your gifts and talents for good. Enjoy your art and share it. Life is a rainbow so colour it in when you can.

Any advice you have for young artists in general?

Just paint. We have a choice to be positive or negative so let’s inspire and uplift. Let’s create joy and be kind to each other in the process.

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