Table of Contents
Is art a skill or talent?
The Talented Artist Myth Some people believe that the heavens above gift precious few mere mortals with the talent of art. However, that is most definitely not the case. Art, like anything else, is a skill. It is a muscle that you exercise and develop. Artists are both born and taught, says Nancy Locke, associate professor of art history at Penn State. There is no question in my mind that artists are born, says Locke. Many artists arrive in the world brimming with passion and natural creativity and become artists after trying other vocations. Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. An artistic personality type uses their hands and mind to create new things. They appreciate beauty, unstructured activities and variety. They enjoy interesting and unusual people, sights, textures and sounds. These individuals prefer to work in unstructured situations and use their creativity and imagination. Of course it’s okay to be self-taught! After all, you don’t need to go to an art school or receive a fancy degree in order to make art and call yourself an artist. That being said, if you don’t have formal art education, you probably spend time searching for information on how to improve your skills. Is there an age when it’s too late? Adults can learn to draw if they have enough time, practice on a daily basis, and have plenty of patience. There are countless videos, courses, and books, that teach the basics of drawing. Anyone can become a better artist and improve their level of skill with the right work ethic.
Is art a talent or skill?
The Talented Artist Myth Some people believe that the heavens above gift precious few mere mortals with the talent of art. However, that is most definitely not the case. Art, like anything else, is a skill. It is a muscle that you exercise and develop. Making a living as an artist is impossible for all but a few high-profile practitioners, and the lack of sufficient financial remuneration for artistic labour is the dark reality at the heart of the contemporary art world. Art can uplift, provoke, soothe, entertain and educate us and is an important part of our lives. Sketching is the most basic and fundamental art skill that most artists start with and continuously hone through the years.
What is the most important skill in art?
The most essential skill a fine artist must have is the ability to draw whatever he or she sees, thinks, or imagines in a realistic manner. Realistic drawing has a profoundly rich history. The first skillful, realistic art known to man was created more than 32,000 years ago. An essential skill to learn as a beginning artist, whether drawing or painting, is perspective. If you want to achieve three-dimensional art, knowing perspective is key, including how to find the horizon line, determine the vanishing point and an overview of linear perspective. ELEMENTS OF ART: The visual components of color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. Most people won’t give up a career to start painting on a whim, but the good news is that we are allowed to have multiple interests, multiple paths, passions and pursuits in this lifetime. It is never too late to start again with a new beginning or to reinvent yourself.
Why art is a skill not a talent?
Art has elements of SKILL, just like learning to write an essay has techniques, or playing football has techniques. If you never learn those basic skills and steps, then of course you will have limited skill! But, if your education incorporates those techniques and skills, you will become more skillful. One huge reason art is not valued is because it is not accessible. It is treated not as a part of life, but as a non-essential feature of life, reserved for the few, but not for everyone. Art can and should be for everyone. By not valuing artists, we devalue art. The goal of this unit is to introduce students to the basic elements of art (color, line, shape, form, and texture) and to show students how artists use these elements in different ways in their work. A self-taught artist, for the most part, decides on his/her goals, searches for resources and learning material (whether it’s books, workshops, classes, figure-drawing sessions, online courses, etc.) and goes through his/her own self-imposed curriculum, so to speak. Art boosts one’s memory, helps lessen feelings of anxiety and agitation, and increases the connectivity of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. For these reasons, it can help improve the quality of life of patients with dementia and other conditions.