Are You Talented Enough to be a Painter? ~ The Art's Big Glass Of Wine

Monday, October 31, 2022

Are You Talented Enough to be a Painter?

By CherieDawn Haas

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TLDR: Yes! But keep reading to see what these seven plein air painters had to say when I asked them for their responses to a question that all creatives hear in their minds at some point.

As a bonus to inspire you, check out the simple contest below for your chance to win over $200 in art supplies from Winsor & Newton!

Question: If someone said to you, "I'm not talented enough to paint," what would be your response or advice?

Mark Fehlman, Christine Lashley, Johanne Mangi, Garin Baker, John Hughes, Paul Kratter, and Joe McGurl share their answers here. Stay tuned – in a few weeks, you'll see what additional artists from the Plein Air community had to say.

Mark Fehlman, painting en plein air

"I hear that all of the time, but I have seen doctor and lawyer friends that said the same thing, and with hard work have become very good artists. The principles are very learnable. Be careful though…plein air painting is highly addictive." ~Mark Fehlman

"Nobody was born painting. We all start somewhere. Pushing paint around or making marks is fun, and anyone can do it. The tricky part is as you gain skill and develop your creative eye to not become overly critical or overwhelmed with how much there is to learn. There is never an end to the creative journey. Of the artists I know, the more seasoned or 'talented' the artist, the more they feel they have to learn." ~ Christine Lashley

"I'm not talented enough to paint!"
"I would say, 'Me neither!' It takes desire, joy, dedication, a brush, some paint, and something to paint on. That's it. It's not about talent. That's a lame excuse. Bring it on!" ~ Johanne Mangi

Painting by Johanne Mangi

"I hear all the time from students, 'I have no talent … I can't even draw stick figures.' I say 'Good!' Neither is required. The only requirement is your interest in this playful exercise and building from the basics of perceptive and intuitive responses to the energy of life and light all around you. Be patient with yourself, don't stop! Keep it flowing through your senses, out of your hands, through your brushes, and onto the surface.

"Through these attempts over time and as the paintings pile up, embrace the mess of color as your personal voice and experimental expressions at that moment.

"Trust your growing confidence in this exercise and the act of simply seeing and creating. You'll be surprised how many miracles will happen right in front of your eyes!" ~ Garin Baker

"Signs of Spring" by Garin Baker

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"It really comes down to what you are interested in. If you are interested in painting, then paint! Do you really have to be the best painter in the world to enjoy doing it? What does it matter anyway, if it makes you happy? One of the greatest rewards of painting is making new discoveries and the challenge and satisfaction of improving your art, even if it takes a lifetime. After all, art is not a contact sport, and no one's keeping score unless you decide to enter a competition, and that's entirely up to you.

"When it comes to painting on location, the famous artist Robert Wood once said, 'The pleasure and sunshine should be your greatest reward!' Add to that the ability to appreciate beauty, and the wonderful friends you will make to boot! Some of the finest people I know paint and many of them have become lifelong friends regardless of their skill level or status in the art world." ~ John Hughes

Landscape painting by John Hughes

"Maybe you're not the most talented painter but if you're a visual person you can learn. It's not easy at all but it brings me so much joy and satisfaction. I have a great attitude; even if I struggle, I ALWAYS have fun! My advice would be to get a sketchbook and all the other equipment to enjoy the experience. Practice and don't set the bar too high. Join a group of other like-minded artists to share ideas and painting adventures." ~ Paul Kratter

Paul Kratter, "Reaching Out," 10 x 20 in., oil on linen panel, plein air, private collection

"Don't worry about the result, and don't compare yourself to professional artists. Many golfers do not golf well when compared to professionals. Even so, they continue to go out every weekend and enjoy the game. That's what's important – enjoying the process, not the end result. Too many amateur artists fret over their finished paintings. Instead, they should find gratification in an activity they love to do and which adds to their quality of life.

"The unique aspect of visual art is that, unlike many other hobbies, there is a product that results from the activity; however, it is your choice whether to put it out there on display or keep it in your studio. Find satisfaction that you are always learning something new and improving your skill, and that is what keeps us going. Just like golfers, we know we're getting a little better each time we enjoy our 'sport.'" ~ Joseph McGurl

"The Red Boat" by Joseph McGurl

Win Plein Air and Studio Art Supplies from Winsor & Newton!

The next time you hear a criticizing voice – in your mind, or even from another person – remember today's advice. What would your advice be to a fellow painter?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments here and we'll choose one random winner by November 30, 2022 (must have a U.S. address) to receive one of each of the new Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colors with two brushes, an oil and acrylic pad, and a palette pad, which has a total MSRP value of approximately $240!

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