Is it talent or skill?
comedine pntg
"Come And Dine" by Jan Dale 10"X10" Oil on panel
The last few months have been full of excitement as I've begun to enter
(and win) more competitions. Of course it feels nice...basking in the
glow of admiration from fellow artists and collectors at the opening of
a show. There are two comments that puzzle me though. I've heard them
over and over again, usually together, almost word for word, and from
people who don't even know each other. "It's perfect!" they say,
referring to my painting on display. "You are so talented!" Now how
does one respond to that without downplaying someone's opinion, which
would be rude, or agreeing enthusiastically, which would sound
arrogant? Well, I usually say how pleased I am that the person chatting
with me enjoys it. I ask them what they like best about it and if
there's a personal connection they feel. It usually results in them
sharing a heartwarming memory. I enjoy their stories genuinely, but the
point is I get them talking about THEM. For one thing, it's good
business. But it's mostly because it gets the spotlight off of me. I am
embarrassed to admit this, but it's often a bit awkward standing there
listening to someone tell me how great I am when everything spiritual
inside me fights against it. Plus I know the truth. It isn't
perfect....not even close to perfect. And while I do believe there is a
measure of raw talent, it didn't come from me. It was a gift from my
Creator. What I can honestly say is that raw talent is only part of the
picture. We're given something, now what do we do with it? The
resulting works of art come from learning bit by bit, step by step over
time how to draw accurately (not perfectly), what colors to use in the
shadows, and how to tell a story, things like that. I believe firmly
that all people are given some ability to be creative. The biggest
difference between those who make art and those who don't think they
have a creative bone in their body is that they simply stopped drawing
in about the third grade. And that's ok. They just followed a different
path than we did. We, because we were interested, kept drawing, kept
seeking new skills, kept developing those skills, put in the time and
effort over years...because it was the path we were driven to take,
that's all.
Sooooo....If you are already committed to life as an artist you can
tune out now. But if you're one of those people who thinks that only a
select few can draw, I'm offering you the opportunity to prove yourself
wrong. I give simple affordable drawing and painting lessons in my
home. I can teach you to break down an object into its basic shapes so
you can learn to draw what you see. I can show you how to mix just
about any color you need from just three basic colors. It's a no stress
experience for beginners accompanied by coffee and buttery shortbread.
If you want to learn, even if it's just for the fun of it, please click
"I'm Ready" and ask for the
details.
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