Is Artistic Ability a Gift or Skill? How To Develop It

Hello Great Souls,

Calming Idea brings you a new article from our expert series!

The idea for this topic came to me when I visited the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the largest craft fair in the world. This year marked the 38th edition of the fair, held in Faridabad, a city in the beautiful state of Haryana, India.

The fair showcases India’s rich cultural heritage through arts, crafts, music, and cuisine. Each year, it partners with different countries to strengthen cultural ties. The event also features live performances, including folk dances, music, storytelling, and much more. Artists and craftsmen from around the world display their work, fostering connections between cultures.

I truly enjoyed exploring the fair and was amazed by the stunning handmade creations. Some were so breathtaking that they immediately caught the eye—whether one is an art lover or not. I tried to capture some of these incredible artworks on my phone, and I must say, they are absolutely beautiful!

As I admired these masterpieces, a thought crossed my mind: What makes an artist so passionate about their work? Is artistic ability a natural gift, or can it be developed?

I shared this thought with my friend Amanda, and she suggested, “Why not ask artists themselves?” Inspired by this idea, we reached out to various experts to gather their insights. To our surprise, their stories of how they started and what it means to be an artist were truly inspiring.

I hope their experiences and advice help our readers discover their own artistic abilities and learn how to refine them.

So, are you ready to embark on this artistic journey? Let’s get started!

Key Highlights: Expert Tips For Developing Artistic Ability

✔ Practice Daily – Consistency is more valuable than inspiration. Even small daily efforts, like Sean Hemeon’s “Five Alive” method (five minutes of creativity daily), can lead to long-term success.

✔ Embrace Failure – Every great artist has failed at some point. Learning from mistakes and pushing forward is what separates successful artists from the rest.

✔ Seek Feedback & Learn from Others – Growth happens when you engage with mentors, peers, and critics. Constructive feedback sharpens your skills and expands your creative perspective.

✔ Push Beyond Comfort Zones – Experiment with new techniques, styles, and creative mediums. Some of the best artistic breakthroughs happen when stepping into the unknown.

✔ Trust Your Unique Voice – Authenticity in your work resonates more than technical perfection. Express what truly matters to you, and your audience will connect with it.

✔ Balance Discipline with Play – Structure and routine help creativity flourish, but don’t forget to experiment and have fun. Many artists’ best works emerge from spontaneous moments.

✔ Surround Yourself with Inspiration – Read, observe, and absorb as much as possible. Engaging with other art forms, nature, and different cultures enriches creativity.

Now, let’s hear directly from the experts as they share their personal experiences and insights on developing artistic ability.

1. Kevin Caron (Sculpture Artist)

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

As someone who did not always want to be an artist as many artists do, I do think it’s something I was born with even though I didn’t become an artist until I was in my 40s. I believe this because I’ve worked with so many aspiring artists who are unable to tap into their artistic abilities. There seem to be things about them that get in the way. For instance, one person I’ve worked with was an engineer, so he overthinks the work. He thinks in terms of its components rather than the whole artwork. He has the technical skill, but not the aesthetic skill. He appears to not have the experience, interest or perhaps ability to not think but to tap into his intuition. I say that my work comes directly from my intuition to my fingertips. Many people have to – or think they have to – go through their brain, and art is not about thinking. Fabrication requires thinking (“How will this stand up? What materials are durable?”), but art comes from feeling. I think this can be learned, but it requires letting go. And when you want to do something, letting go can be especially hard. The need to be in control, or in charge, can hamper the ability to create because you begin to think how instead of why or let go of thinking altogether. Even if I’m inspired by something or someone to create a sculpture, once I have the concept, I don’t belabor how it relates to the piece but just let it flow.

Ways To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

Play! Play with your chosen medium or whatever you have at hand. Don’t be married to the result. Art is a work in progress. That’s how series develop. I start with an idea and may create a sculpture one way, then while I’m doing it, wonder what would happen if did something else. After I finish the piece at hand I’m eager to play with this new version. Sometimes a piece changes during creation, too, again because I’m tapping into the flow instead of following directions.

Personal Experiences Or Advice For Aspiring Artists

Playing is key to improving. Sit down with a box of popsicle sticks and some hot glue, and play. Yes, you will create pieces no one else ever sees, but they are stepping stones to allowing your intuition and feelings to emerge.

As I mentioned, I didn’t become an artist until I was in my 40s. That’s when it seemed to burst forth in a torrent, but I had been allowing myself to feel for a long time before that. Although I was skilled at making things, my artistic side just didn’t have an outlet until then.

2. Magdalena Morey (Mixed-Media Abstract Artist)

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

Artistic ability exists in all of us, to some degree, because creativity is a fundamental part of being human. It’s how we translate our inner perceptions into an external form. Some people may have an inherent ease with certain artistic skills, while others need to work harder at it. However, artistic creation is also a performance; it involves discipline, practice, and emotional connection. With the right environment and encouragement, I think most people can nurture their creative abilities, though the journey may differ for each person due to many factors such as background, exposure, and temperament.

Ways To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

Practice consistently, experiment to find what suits you, seek guidance from mentors, and cultivate discipline, self-motivation, and confidence.

Advice For Aspiring Artists

Find what truly speaks to you, whether it’s a medium, subject, or style. Don’t chase trends; focus on expressing what’s inside you. Keep practicing, trust your instincts, and work with people who support you. And when you’re stuck, break the rules and try something new.

3. Carol Newsom (Passionate Painter)

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

So often I hear, “I wish I could draw.” People watch me draw so easily and think I have an innate gift they’ll never have. My thought is, if you want to badly enough, then try. And try some more.

There are very few days of my life that I haven’t had a pencil or paint brush in my hand. Take a sketch book everywhere. Never stop looking at what is around you. Take a sketch book to concerts, museums, to the airport and the doctors office. Draw during math class, and church, and when you’re watching TV. You’re not only training your hand, but also your brain and eyes. Look at the details, the shapes, the lines, the relationships and proportions. When artists see things that other people see, we see them differently, and maybe we see more. Is seeing my raw talent? Or have I spent thousands of hours trying and practicing?

I wasn’t exposed to much art, growing up. Even so, I noticed it and was fascinated with painting and drawing even as a small child, and started trying to draw several years before I started school. Then never gave it up for a minute. That makes me wonder if almost anyone, with that much practice, could be a skilled artist. Of course I learned a lot in art school and from great teachers, but the obsession is what made me better. Maybe the obsession is the gift.  

Wherever you are in life, it is not too late to start drawing. See if you can get a little bit obsessed. You may surprise yourself. Even if no one but you ever sees what you do, it adds peace, satisfaction, and joy to your life. 

Advice For Aspiring Artists To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

To a some extent, artistic ability is certainly innate. However, people without artistic abilities believe that it’s much more raw talent than I think it is. So often I hear, “I wish I could draw.” My thought is, if you want to badly enough, then try. I was fascinated with drawing and painting from a the time I was a very small child. Fascination is the key word. I wasn’t exposed to much art, growing up. Even so, I noticed it and was fascinated, and started trying to draw several years before I started school. Then never gave it up for a minute. That makes me wonder if almost anyone, with that much practice, could be a skilled artist. Of course I learned a lot in art school and from great teachers, but the obsession with it is what made me better. Maybe the obsession is the gift.   There is one other thing, though, that artists possess.  When artists see things that other people see, we see them differently, and maybe we see more. Could it be that is the the “raw talent”?  But remember it’s never too late. The most effective way to nurture and develop artistic skill, and learn to see, if you will, whether you’re young or old, is to practice. There are very few days of my life, that I haven’t had a pencil or paint brush in my hand. Take a sketch book everywhere. Never stop looking at what is around you. Take a sketch book to concerts, museums, to the airport and the doctors office. Draw during math class, and church, and when you’re watching TV. It’ the only way to see more, and improve. Even if no one but you ever sees what you do, it adds peace, satisfaction, and joy to your life.

4. Linda Shannon-Morgan (Wildlife and Nature Photographer) 

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

Yes, I believe some people are born with innate artistic talent or abilities, and  thus are able to advance quicker than others in picking up new skills and techniques, and they also just seem to have an instinct or “eye” for composing their art or their photographs. 

Saying that, I also do believe that any artistic endeavors such as photography or painting, sketching, etc. can be learned and developed by someone who feels they have no raw talent at all. The only requirements to acquiring those skills are a strong desire to learn and the time to do so. 

Ways To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

The most effective ways to develop and nurture artistic skills are the same for anything you might want to learn. You have to immerse yourself in the subject, study it, and practice, practice, practice. Then, study and practice some more, lol. 

For example, I have an innate talent for sketching and painting, but I had not used those skills since I was in my late teens, early twenties. When I retired, and Covid came on the scene, I decided to revisit making art. After studying some books, and watching a lot of YouTube tutorials for beginners on painting tips and techniques, I just began practicing painting—first with watercolors, then a year later with acrylics. And it all came together for me rather quickly, so much so that my art began selling in that very first year. 

Photography, on the other hand, I had no experience or background in, so it required a lot more study and several years of practice before I became even remotely satisfied with my work. Today, it might be little easier for a beginner to learn as cameras have advanced so much, and with AI software coming on the scene for post-processing photos, a lot of small “mistakes” can be corrected after the fact.

One thing that cannot be corrected by a good camera or AI software, however, is the “eye” for composition. That has to be learned. You can have the best equipment and software in the world, but if your composition sucks, that  beautifully focused photo, with the perfect lighting and exposure settings corrected by your software, and all the special effects filters applied to it is still going to be a bad photograph. So learn and practice what makes a pleasing composition. Also learn and practice the correct camera and lens settings for lighting, focus and exposure, and try to get as much of that as you can right ‘in-camera’ instead of relying on software to “fix” things. Then those skills will allow you to create a composition that is as artistic and unique as you are, and not a “cookie-cutter” version that looks like everyone else’s photoshopped photos. 

Advice For Aspiring Artists To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

So, to wrap this up, my advice to aspiring photographers or artists is simple: immerse yourself in whatever subject you want to learn. The internet is awesome for this. There are so many free sites available for learning, and low cost subscriptions sites as well. Also, find and follow some artists or photographers, etc. on social media whose work you admire.  A lot of times you can find some of them offering tutorials on how they do what they love to do. If not, you can search your internet learning sites for tips and techniques on how to achieve similar results as those you admire. You don’t want to copy their work, but find out how they achieve the effects that make you like their work. Then go practice. It really does all boil down to practice. Study, practice, study, practice. Repetition until you get it right. And if you fail, chalk it up to a learning experience and go practice some more.

5. Kristy J Ranson (Wedding and Family Photographer)

Art vs. Photography: Creativity, Business, And The Power of Self-Belief

I think as an artist as well as a photographer I view the two things very different.
Photography is a creation of beautiful work to a brief, I rarely do any “art” photography.
I don’t see it as the same as my art work.
As an artist (painter) I have more creative freedom and I view each bits of my work as art.

Imagination you have inside you, ability you learn.

Money, being able to afford to do art, see art, travel to be with art, not work. These are all things that’ll make you a more skilled artist. Having freedom to be able to create by being financially supported.

Draw daily, do art daily. But mostly learn business, learn how to sell yourself and your work, make business connections, learn how to run a website and reach out to others just like you have to me now.

I have friends who are art teachers and kids in collage with art teachers and I’ve taught art myself. Anyone can create art, but the one I think I find is people don’t have faith, confidence or pride in their abilities and often give up too soon. Building someone’s confidence is and self belief is a key to making an happy artist.

6. Jonathan White (Professional Photographer)

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

From my personal experience, I’d have to say it’s a combination of both.  One of the reasons I got into Photography was because I was born with talent in Photography. In areas such as composition, and the use of color, I didn’t need much in training because I always knew what to do.  As far as the technical aspects of Photography, that was where I needed training.  From the late 70’s to the early 80’s, I attended 2 exceptional photo schools, Brooks Institute of Photography, and RIT.  I’m a firm believer that talent is NOT enough, a strong technical background is what makes someone a true artist.  Practice is also essential.  As far as whether “anyone can develop it with practices,” I’m not sure, because I came into photography with a lot of the artistic abilities being something that I had always had.

Ways To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

I would have to say that practice is essential, as well as looking at my own, and other people’s work, to see what they’re doing that’s right, as well as what’s wrong.  I also look around at whatever I see, thinking about if I want to photograph something I’ve seen, as well as how to photograph it.

Advice For Aspiring Artists To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

I’d recommend doing a lot of practice, self-evaluation, feedback from others, as well as looking at, and evaluating the works of other artists.

7. SEAN HEMEON (Actor, Write, Artist)

Believe of People Are Born WIth Artistic ability 

Artistic ability is a blend of both innate talent and deliberate practice. Some individuals seem to have a natural inclination—an eye for composition, an instinct for storytelling, or an intuitive grasp of color and form. But talent alone isn’t enough. The most exceptional artists are those who commit to honing their craft over time. 

In other words, creativity is like a muscle—it strengthens with use. While some might start with an advantage, anyone willing to put in the work can develop artistic ability. Art is about discipline as much as inspiration. Whether it’s painting, acting, or writing, the key is persistence.

Ways To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

1. Consistency Over Inspiration – Waiting for inspiration is a trap. Creating daily, even when you don’t feel like it, strengthens the creative process.  My favorite tool to use is FIVE ALIVE – I commit five minutes to my creativity a day. I win the day if I achieve just five minutes. This tiny step is how I eventually began a full time career as an artist. And, today, when I need a good boost, I recommit and it gets me going.  
2. Seek Feedback and Learn from Others – Growth comes from outside perspectives. Whether through mentors, peers, or critics, feedback sharpens your skills.  
3. Push Through Discomfort – The best work often comes from pushing beyond your comfort zone. That could be experimenting with a new medium in painting or confronting deeper emotional truths in writing.  
4. Stay Curious – Read, watch, observe, and absorb as much as possible. The more you engage with the world, the richer your art becomes.  
5. Embrace Failure – Every great artist has failed—many times. The willingness to keep going, adjust, and refine is what separates the good from the great.  I often repeat to myself that failure is necessary part of the process.

Advice For Aspiring Artists To Nurture And Develop Artistic Skills?

• Artistic ability isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a practice. And the more you invest in it, the deeper and more meaningful it becomes. 
• Reinvention and resilience are part of the artistic path. I’ve moved across disciplines—acting, writing, painting—without letting fear of failure stop me, and being open to where my path leads. 
• Trust Your Voice – Authenticity resonates. Whether in painting, writing, or performance, your unique perspective is your greatest asset. This is a life long process that also requires me to live as the most authentic version of myself in my daily life, too. 
• Make Art That Feels Necessary – The work that matters most is the work that you need to create. If it feels essential to express, it will resonate. Create from your guts. 
• Find the Right Balance of Discipline and Play – Structure gives creativity room to grow, but don’t forget to experiment and have fun. Some of my best pieces likely emerged from moments of spontaneity.

8. Bob Boze Bell (Historian, Artist, Author, and Magazine Editor)

His Belief In Artistic Ability

Do I believe art can be taught successfully to almost everyone? Absolutely. Do I believe some people are born with artistic skills? Not really. There is this stupid old wive’s tale—a holdover superstition from the distant past—about “artistic ability.” It makes me laugh when someone brags about an artist by claiming, “He didn’t have any artistic training.” The premise being his talent is on loan from God and it’s magical and you can’t teach or learn that. When someone says that, I am tempted to respond: “You sure know alot for being so damn dumb.” Of course, I rarely say that because I am somewhat fond of my physical well being, but you get the picture. The other saw that grinds me is, “Did you copy that?” which is an obtuse way of saying, “Did you cheat and actually draw this from real life?” Yes, we all copied something, preferably an actual object or human being. On the other hand, I get this a lot and it’s mostly used as a complement: “That looks like a photograph,” as if the entire goal of art is to duplicate what a camera sees. Granted, there is an entire branch of the fine art field called Photo Realism, which, by the way adheres to the principal, “Yes I did copy that, and in fact I photo-projected it and then traced it onto a canvas and methodically copied the photograph until it looks exactly like a photograph.” So, that pretty much sums up my ideas about anyone being somehow born with artistic talent. Actually, the opposite is true: there are people who are born with a desire to be an artist and produce good art and those people are known as every artist who ever lived.

    Here’s what I believe to be true. Anyone can be an artist and live the artist lifestyle if you are willing to do these things:

• Draw what you see, not what you think you see.

• Draw every day without hope, without despair.

• Fail as often as you can because a winner is just a loser who tried one more time.

• Everything you want is on the other side of fear.

   There’s more but if you, or anyone you know, wants to be an artist there’s nothing we can do to stop them. And that is a good thing.

Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Inner Artist

In exploring the diverse insights from these talented experts, one message resonates clearly: while some aspects of artistic ability may be innate, true mastery comes from dedication, practice, and the courage to learn and evolve. Whether it’s through daily creative routines, embracing failures, or stepping out of your comfort zone, each piece of advice here highlights that artistic growth is a journey accessible to everyone.

Now, we’d love to hear from you. What do you think—are artistic abilities a natural gift, or can they be honed over time? Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and if you found these insights inspiring, please share this article with your friends and family. Let’s spread the creative spark together!