Creating something from nothing can be fun. I explore what that means for me and my art. And nothing is safe!
Something from Nothing
Doodling and Playing
As an artist, sitting doodling sometimes leads to something more. Casually playing with paint and paint effects can be fun but sometimes can lead to the creation of a really interesting piece. I have piles of pieces of paper and sketchbooks full of ideas that may never come to fruition. But you never know!
On occasion something starts to develop that I like and I take it further, effectively creating something from nothing. My cat family ‘Keep it in the Family’ came from a finger doodle using Scribbler Too software. Not as easy as it looks.
Similarly, ‘Cat on the Move’ started as a water color sketch of a cat that I scanned in and then added a swirl effect digitally to create the feeling of movement. Fun and simple at the same time.
Playing with Fine Art Photography
Fine art photography tends to work a bit differently. I take a lot of photographs but they usually have an intention behind them. That is to say, I know what I am going to do with them and how they are going to look when I have finished.
Take ‘Buddha and the Iris’, I knew exactly how this would look when I took the shot. The focus is on the face of Buddha with the iris in soft focus in front. A beautiful blue and purple contrast of color with the more yellow shades behind.
Everyday Objects Become Art
Color Catcher
Another example of my creating something from nothing would be this image of, would you believe a washing color catcher. This particular color catcher stopped a major domestic incident when a pair of my husband’s colorful, hand wash only, Asian-style trousers got put into the washing machine by mistake along with a lot of white laundry! Luckily I had put this color catcher in with the clothes and it came out a beautiful green and purple color.
I found the creases and patterns attractive and so played with the colors to make them more pastel, a pale blue and pale to deep pink. Then I made those into a collage incorporating a detail of the original image for contrast. It makes a very striking abstract.
The Beauty Of Simple Stones
My final offering of creating something from nothing comes from some casually taken photographs of stones at a garden center. These are meant for making decorative paths and borders, or perhaps putting in the tops of pots. I took random shots of the stones in different bins thinking they might make interesting backgrounds for my work. But once I started processing the images I was captivated by their shapes and tones and ended up creating a ‘Stones Collection’. This example ‘Stones 3’ may give you an idea what I found so seductive and satisfying about them.
So be warned! I really can make something from nothing!
This post was originally published on 18 August 2017 and updated and republished on 22 February 2022.
Before you go
My name is Dorothy Berry-Lound an artist and writer. You can find out more about my art and writing at https://dorothyberryloundart.com.
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Thank you for reading!
Great writing Dorothy – yep – we sometimes create something from nothing – although I think the rocks and the doodle are something. wonderful illustration. Looking forward to your next writing.
Thank you Roy
I believe art is always created from nothing, only because it’s our perspective and unique experience we put into it. And I love the “Keep it in the Family” piece.
I think you are right Sarah – but sometimes too someone might see something in a picture that someone else would discard. What do they say? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure? Glad you like Keep it in the Family, it was fun to create.
Aw lovely post Dorothy 🙂 this is such a lovely way to enjoy your time creatively and think about the little activities you do every day x
Glad you liked the post Eleanor. I am always looking for inspiration from everyday things. Thanks for commenting.
I love this — it shows how our creativity is always a perspective away. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you like it Molly. Yes, just a question of what you see. I just got some old light bulbs that were destined for the recycling center. I am planning to try painting them as tree decorations. All a question of perspective as you say!