Possible to develop a talent for painting?

Question

I recently started painting, just one painting so far. But it is something I would really like to get into but i don't feel that i have the eye for it. i don't see things three dimensionally and i have trouble shading. I am 28 years old and i would like to know if it's possible to "get better" at shading and highlighting. i like a lot of Bob Ross' paintings like those kind of scenes are what I am going to try to paint, I will need to buy supplies. can anyone give me any advice for someone just starting out this new hobby? Is there a different type of painting that you think i may be better at based on what you've see, or a type that you think I may enjoy more. thanks for taking the time to read this and help. here is a link to my first painting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28467467@N04/2808585984/

Answer 1

The painting is good for the first one.  The painting shows you have the talent to continue learning. I am a 2D &3D artist. I started out making metal sculptures. Then I made mixed media sculptures. Then I made small wearable sculptures.  Much later I started painting. First I watched all the painting programs I could on P.B.S. Then I got some acrylic paints, brushes and poster board. I would try to paint along as I watched TV.

You can do it!

Here are some places that give free lessons.

http://www.magicbrushart.com/

http://www.simplypainting.com/

http://www.bobross.com/howto3.cfm?type=L...

You can Paint!

Keep Arting.

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

Answer 2

Your painting has a nice sort of western, folk art feel to it.  It isn't detailed and shaded like Bob Ross' paintings, but then,  there isn't much to shading and highlighting.  They are absolutely skills that can be learned.  Find yourself a drawing class or a how-to-draw book (I recommend learning shading and highlights with drawing, there's less elements for you to think about and it's less scary).  Also, learn perspective.  It is super effective in simple scenes of roads like yours, not to hard to learn, and will go a long way in making you think more in 3-D.  One last piece of advice - when you buy art supplies, buy the good stuff.  Windsor & Newton is my favorite.  Don't torture yourself with those cheap brushes with the hairs that come out while you're painting, or with the evil  color Phalo Blue.

Answer 3

Good news. even if your were not talented, painting skills can me developed. What can't be developed is your creativity. As a painter you'll have to determine which path. Are you going to create your image or project the subject onto the canvas. Or are you only going to be painting what you see... Weakness and skill are one and the same, you are putting yourself into the art. If you know yourself, and your weakness,,, work on fine tuning those, or let people feel that it's just your style of art. As a painter you are projecting to others how you interpret the subject you are painting.

One painting isn't enough to make judgement. Thats why art schools use many forms of art subjects. they'll try to find what you are strong at and what you are weak at. From what I've seen you'd most likely find fantasy art and scenic subjects fun. It has that 1960-70 hippy feel to it, when it comes to subject matter. The style. isn't actually the focal point of a painting. Its the subject. you focus on sky and road. Its like you are telling the viewer that your are trying to run away. night with alot of stars kinda clouded across the sky... you are saying there that you feel alone, or are lost. The huge moon, it's saying it's a guide. So if I was at a gallery and you didn't state you are novice, it may sell to a truckstop owner or such. It has a mood to it. The details could use work. but you have good imagery there to project what you wish to say without words. just practice. you show you know your weak pints, make those stronger, and just paint. Alhtough most of us sketch the subject and later paint after we perfect the images we want in our paintings. Even the masters sketched out the subjects before feeling it was ready for the canvas.