5 ways to develop your artistic talent

by Miriam Schulman January 18, 2015

This blog post goes over the five basic steps in developing your artistic talent from practice to finding the right teacher. If you want to succeed you need desire and someone to show your proper techniques and the best tools.

1. Practice (Trumpet Practice by Norman Rockwell)

There is no question that the more you practice the better you get. If you are intimidated to practice without guidance, it is useful to practice in a classroom or to be able to ask for help on your work in progress paintings.

2. The Right Tools

Having the right tools is essential for success in any endeavor. Your cooking comes out better with the finest ingredients. If you want to learn to ski, you will be more comfortable if you wear a proper mask or goggles. Musicians play better on higher quality instruments...which is why the Stradivarius violin costs millions.

Luckily, you do not need millions to paint. A few quality paint brushes, the right pigments, and paper and you are good to go.


3. Techniques Here a horse trainer is teaching his horse how to paint. In order to succeed as a painter, you must learn the right techniques. Learn fast and learn hard and find a good class to take. Sure, you can experiment on your own but you will learn a lot faster with less frustration if you take an art class.

4. Desire

I don't believe there is really such as a thing as being born with innate "talent." The desire to paint is an overriding factor that determines your ability to succeed with art. As Picasso said:
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

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If you have the desire, the trick is to tap into your inner child that is fearless and thinks that you can do anything you want. Find a good teacher who will show you the right tools and techniques to get you going. Believe in yourself and keep practicing until you get the results that you want.

5. Teacher

In order to learn the right techniques and tools, develop good practice methods and stay motivated, you need a good teacher. I have been showing hundreds of watercolor students all over the world how to paint in my online art classes. My method is a replicable system that you can apply in your own style as proven by my students. I would love to have you join me in one of my many online watercolor classes. Come check out what's new at the Inspiration Place!