by D. Kearney Sparano

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

Yes!

Actually that really doesn't answer the question at all doesn't it?

When it comes to skill, it can be learned. I have picked up many skills thus far and hope to continue to do so in the future. At no point did I ever walk into an art studio, sit down and immediately create something in a media I never worked in before. So what I am saying is that it took practice to learn to draw, sculpt, throw at the wheel, weld metal, carve wood and stone, paint a picture and so on. Michelangelo once said "they wouldn't call it talent if they knew how hard I worked."

Ok so when it comes down to it, skill can be learned, but there is a lot more to being an artist then just skill.

Work Ethic. How hard are you willing to work? How disciplined are you to work? But you say art isn't work." Well it is for an artist, no matter if you are a commercial, graphic or fine artist. Assignments are expected on time. Deadlines whether there are for publishers, clients or galleries must be met. If you would rather go to the bar the sit at your board/computer/wheel when work is due in 2 days, then you are not going to make it. Work ethic cannot be taught in any class room.

Determination/persistence. How bad do you want to succeed? Are you going to give up after rejection? Because you will be rejected. It's not easy being an artist and achieving art goals. There are a lot of hurdles and barriers keeping you from becoming solvent. There is the inside and outside pressure from all directions telling you to quit and get a "full time job in customer service" or what have you. Staying determined and persistent is something that cannot be taught.

Creativity. This definitely cannot be taught and you either have it or you don't. An old art teacher of mine use to say that anyone can paint and draw but it takes an artist to be creative. Creativity is the factor that determines what you will do with the skill that you have acquired. Creativity answers the questions "What do I do with?" Creativity is what allows someone to look at a material and see possibilities, and no one can teach it to you.

Art is more then just skill; hence my initial answer is yes. Without creativity, persistence and the will to work that skill is meaningless. The student will most likely not even learn to draw, paint, throw or weld. Of course there are those that never took a lesson and can draw out and entire scene of anything without ever picking up a pencil as well. So there is no either/or answer. The answer is Yes!

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