The question of whether talent is essential to the mastery of visual arts is a long-standing one. Many believe that having some kind of innate talent for art is essential to becoming an accomplished artist, however this view is contested by others. This article will explore the answer to the question from both sides and draw on research to reach a conclusion.
Defining Talent
The term ‘talent’ is often used loosely and can be a subjective concept. It could be argued that talent should be viewed as a combination of several elements, rather than one specific quality. Being able to draw well requires some level of spatial intelligence and aesthetic understanding, as well as prosocial traits like imagination, passion and dedication.
Anybody can develop these skills, regardless of whether they are classically ‘talented’ or not.
Learning Techniques
Learning visual arts can come in many shapes and forms. Most people tend to start out by using basic materials such as paper and pencils, and then progress onto more complex materials, such as paints and pastels.
There is a vast range of techniques and tools that can be used when drawing, so learning them all is a good way to gain more insight into how to use each one effectively. The internet is also a great resource for learning. There are plenty of teaching materials dedicated to visual arts, from guides and tutorials, to free video lessons and forums.
Many of these materials focus on giving an overview of the fundamentals, but for more advanced students, there are plenty of tutorials that offer a more in-depth look at the techniques involved.
Understanding Aesthetics
Being able to develop a sense of good aesthetics is a major part of mastering visual arts. Aesthetics is the term used to describe the individual likes and dislikes of a person when it comes to art, colour, tone and composition.
It is possible to learn to understand good aesthetics by taking in different ideas from others and trying to develop one’s own tastes. It is also a good idea to invest in art books and galleries so that one can gain a deeper understanding of the great works of art created by others. This is an effective way of learning about composition, colours, and shapes and how different artists showcase them.
Viewing art from this perspective can help one to develop and grow a strong sense of aesthetics.
Practice Makes Perfect
Perhaps the most important part of mastering visual arts is practice. Even if someone is naturally talented and has a good understanding of aesthetics, they have to continue to develop their skillset in order to get better. Practicing basic fundamental techniques such as shapes, lines, forms, proportions and perspective is essential, as this ensures that the fundamentals of good art are in place.
It is also important to practice more advanced techniques, such as composition and framing.
Skill Over Talent
It is clear that having a talent for art is not essential to achieving mastery in visual arts. What is essential is the application of dedication, skill and knowledge.
Learning the basic fundamentals and continuing to practice and develop one’s knowledge of aesthetics are both essential for achieving great art. At the end of the day, it is not talent that makes a great artist, it is practice, dedication and skill. So, even if you feel like you lack the natural talent for art, it is still possible to learn and pursue the visual arts.
Conclusion
To conclude, visual arts does not require natural talent to be mastered. It is a combination of dedication, skill and knowledge that’s required to make great art.
Although having a talent for art may be useful to understand the basics, it can be acquired over time with practice. Therefore, it is possible to learn visual arts even without having a natural talent.