Are artists born?

[Brengirl]

Reproduction can only be as the beholder sees it. Thence we get Masters that are able to "hit the spot or reach the parts". Some Masters go unrecognised until someday someone sees their portrayal as it was intended. (Or to be truthful, in the light of the day). The 'Old Masters' talent has, to my mind, be a born talent. If we cannot achieve we, the rest, can only aspire.

[Jeanied]

Brengirl, I think Piskie is doing a garden design course, not aiming to be the next Leonardo Da Vinci - or have I misinterpreted this?

[bobleponge]

I would say that a talented chef/artist/sports star is born not made. With a lot of training and dedication they reach the top of their particular tree, whereas the enthusiastic amateur will never quite attain the same heights.
I also think that a natural artist would also quite probably be a natural chef, as well as quite probably having an ear for music and possibly languages as well. I appreciate there will be many exceptions, but I think having an 'artistic' bent covers a lot of the above.
I can follow a recipe, especially one of Delia's, and produce something perfectly palatable,but not at all stand out ish, I cant sing (although am enthusiastic in the shower) and really really have to work at languages, so its probably not really a surprise (if my unproved theory holds water) that I just cannot draw at all. Not in the slightest bit artistic in any way.

[Jeanied]

Well, Bob - this all depends on your definition of an artist doesn't it? I think of artist as more in the sense of artisan... which may change some of the preconceptions in this debate. And I also think you are totally underestimating yourself in the summation above! And why aren't you asleep by now, anyway?

[bobleponge]

Cant sleep Jeanied
Suffering from artists block

[Brengirl]

Well, Bob - this all depends on your definition of an artist doesn't it? I think of artist as more in the sense of artisan... which may change some of the preconceptions in this debate. And I also think you are totally underestimating yourself in the summation above! And why aren't you asleep by now, anyway?

Not quite sure if I am making sense but to my mind as artisan is someone who has been trained in his art and as excelled. An artist/e is someone who produces without training. A natural ability.

[PAULW]

not allowed AND all work is submitted in minimum A3, so there is no chance of cheating - well, not on my printer there isn't

Piskie you can do it on A4 then take it to Staples and have it printed on A3, just a cheat I once used.

[Jeanied]

To quote Bobleponge

"Cant sleep Jeanied
Suffering from artists block"


Knew you'd come round to my way of thinking!

[Brengirl]

Piskie..It seems to me that we got a bit offtract so to speak but the answer is simple. If you have imagination and a pen then with the use of paper illustrate your plans.

[piskieinboots]

Piskie..It seems to me that we got a bit offtract .

I'm not sure we did actually

I have picked up sooo much from this thread, which I started in a moment of panic - and as ever The Grapes have rallied and come forth with encouragement, tips, advice and guidance that knows no bounds

YAAAAY The Grapes

Thank you all, there is something in every single post on this thread that helps me

[petal]

Artists are born and made!. Which is why they have to go to art school to train! However, they have to have raw ability and imagination to start with! Don't worry - you are not being asked to do a Picasso! do you live near me? If so, please arrange to pop round and I will show you how to do the drawing/painting required on this course.(I am an artist and art teacher)also - it wouldn't matter how good an artist you were - if you didn't know a delphinium from a brick your drawings would be useless and a waste of time- so don't worry!

[piskieinboots]

wow, thanks Petal

I'm sure we can't be too far apart so please PM me with details and we'll talk

Thanks again

[Jeanied]

OOH can we get an Artistic Grapes group going in the Home Counties?- I'm up for that!

[piskieinboots]

yaay Jeanied - we are also very close

[Jeanied]

PM'd you both!!