tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790387892382317.comments2023-07-25T06:10:58.830-07:00DRAWUP - Portrait Painter's WayBobbi Baldwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18189624359131613065noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989790387892382317.post-83359619673004423652010-03-27T21:12:15.208-07:002010-03-27T21:12:15.208-07:00Good question! Talent, to me, is a nice word that...Good question! Talent, to me, is a nice word that just defines hard work towards a goal that you have an ability to do. Before talent comes an ability or aptitude to do something. A mathematician can figure numbers well, that part of his brain is well focused and capable, but they start out with just an ability to add. An engineer seems to understand a larger picture of how things fit together and they start out with a brain that is apt to understand such things as Lego’s and Lincoln Logs. We often call this ‘talent’ in children. But I have met a lot of people with the ability to do something who never takes it to a level as an adult that constitute real talent, in my opinion. Real talent is taking an ability and adding very determined and dedicated years of study to make it talent. I have met many students in my life time and those who had the ability to draw and didn’t have the drive to take it to another level, are really disappointing to teach. On the other hand, I have taught someone who has the drive, ambition, and ability to see values, shapes, but has not learned to draw yet. This second type of student is far more satisfying than someone who doesn’t appreciate what skills they posses. Hence, the statement that “you are only as good as the miles of canvas you cover.” <br />Another note: All artists see their finished work with eyes that know critically what they did wrong - no matter what level they have achieved! We are: our own worst critics, as well as our own best friends. The reason is that this level of drive and desire to be good at what we do is what drives us to continually take our work to the next level. It’s a yin and yang of any talented person. Some students never get past this Yin & Yang, to allow themselves to fail, so that they learn. That is what makes my heart ache the most. I see people who are extremely ‘talented’ and yet their self critique is so harsh that the balance doesn’t happen. That missing balance and acceptance doesn’t allow them to grow and accept the accomplishments which are achieved ‘covering their miles of canvas’.Bobbi Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18189624359131613065noreply@blogger.com