Talent vs. Hard Work

When I was a baby, my dad taught me how to read. I seriously never knew what it was like to not read. I was also very bored in school because of it and I passed the time by discovering other talents. Drawing, school work, sports, music, sewing...you name it I was good at it. I just had loads of natural ability or talent.

Michael Naples

Then, in fourth grade I started to play the violin. I was so good that by the end of the school year I was playing second chair next to the sixth graders. First chair was 6th grader Stephanie Buckley. Who is now an opera singer in New York City, seriously. She was WAY ahead of me in ability. But by the end of my sixth grade year I was still playing second chair. Why? I didn't practice. The girl in first chair had a private teacher and she practiced EVERY DAY. Practice? What's that? I always just floated on my natural ability. Which gets me pretty far but not far enough. So what did I do? I quit the violin.

Casey Baugh

Now why do I tell you this story? Well, I have been teaching art to kids and adults. Each age group feels like they stink and they can't do it. The biggest tantrum I get is from a very talented little 7 year old who wants to paint like Michelangelo and she can't. And my sweet 70 year old student wants to quit every 5 minutes. Everyone has yucky work. Even Casey Baugh told me that he has a room full of paintings lined up against the wall that will never see the light of day.

James Christensen

I asked James Christensen one time if he ever had a hard time parting with some of his most beautiful work. He said, "A lot of my stuff doesn't really turn out the way I planned so I am glad to get rid of it."

James Christensen

He also says you need to put in ten thousand hours before you are very good.

TEN THOUSAND!

Talent can only get you so far. So, if you have been given a special talent, you better get to work!

-Morgen

p.s. If you know anyone (or yourself) who has a similar story, let me know!

(Not So) Self Taught Artists

I am largely teaching myself how to make art. I would say painting, but painting is easy and I went to a few classes on how to do that. (Thanks, Sarah) What I am trying to learn now is not taught in college. It is taught in ateliers of classical artists all around the globe. Unfortunately for me, I can't go to an atelier because I have a serious life to lead right here in my own little town raising sweet munchkins. And there are no classical artists or art schools here. Wha? Huh? I know, really! Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the country and you would think someone with classical training would move here, but NOooooo.

So, my education is limited to what I find on the internet and practice on my own at home. I am amazed at what I am learning and would like to show you some of the artists I have found who think are doing what I am doing. Maybe there is hope for me yet!

All the art on this post is from the lovely, talented artist Kate Stone . She is amazing and is only 23 years old. She started exhibiting and winning awards in 2006. And on her website she doesn't list any formal training so I think she didn't go to school. Actually, she is married to art instructor, David Gluck, who teaches at the Academy of Realist Art in Toronto. I think she went there. Dangit, I was hoping that I could do this without going to an atelier!

Although, Canada in the summer would be nice...

She was born in America but lives in Canada. She is storming the portrait scene up there and was even featured in a tv show called "Star Portraits". She got to paint Debbie Travis.

Sweet. I'd love to draw like that, but I don't have the first clue how to do it. What paper is that? I only know about sketch books and pencil. I don't think that is pencil.

Some people say, "Why don't you go to ASU?" If I were to go to a university, I would be told not to paint like this. I would be told to "paint what I feel". Well, I "feel" like painting what I "see". Then adding a little juice to it. Isn't this painting delicious? It just glows. Kate got it right. Atelier training is the way to go.

Look at those HANDS! For Pete's sake woman! Bring your husband and move here and teach me how to do that! The real estate prices are incredible. I will personally find you a house. And the weather is much better than freezing cold Canada.