Why do some people believe there is no such thing as drawing talent?

Question

Often artists themselves, or art teachers preach this...but do you think they are just trying to encourage students and that they don't really believe themselves?

Answer 1

I don't know maybe because they can't draw that well or they are jealous of someone who can draw really well.

Answer 2

Maybe because you can train yourself to draw well. Some it just comes easier to them than others.

Answer 3

Who believes that! Having artistic skill is most certainly a talent. I see beautiful drawings on deviantart.com all the time and so wish I could do that! I can't even write nicely ><

Answer 4

There is such a thing as a predisposition to be good at certain aspects of art or drawing such as observation or dexterity, just as there is such a thing as a predisposition to be good at music or languages or anything else. However, this aspect means very little in the long run. Most talented artists will tell you that "talent" is 90% hard work and study - because they know that's how they got to where they are. If someone with a predisposition to be good at art doesn't practice or study very much, they'll remain a poor or mediocre artist. If someone without that head start has passion for drawing and trains really hard, they can become a fantastic artist, better than the one with the "natural talent".

A lot of people seem to believe that the ability to draw is some mystical power bestowed at birth which those without it have no access to. But what you'll find when you look at most good artists is that they began to draw at a young age not because of a "magical gift" but just because they love drawing! Because they love it they have lots of practice, and therefore they are good. It is that passion which creates "talent" more than any other thing. There is no point being envious of a good artist unless you envy them their love for what they do - odds are they get out of their craft exactly what they put into it, which is a h**l of a lot of time and effort.

So yes, in my opinion art teachers and so on are quite entitled to sum this up as "there's no such thing as talent" and "anyone can learn to draw" if they wish. It's usually expressed from their own experience.

You may find this article interesting: http://www.drawspace.com/lessons/view_le...