Is it possible to learn painting/drawing or do you need to have a talent for this?

Answer 1

I think the most important thing is a desire to do it. If you struggle with it, then it is possible you are not going to enjoy it. I think you have to feel inspired and want to learn using your own initiative, i.e. keep sketchbooks of things you find interesting and inspiring. Obviously over time you can develop ways of doing things, but I think it does help if people with more experience can guide you. It helps to try and try many different methods, techniques and materials as you can until you find the ones that suit you best.

You should allow yourself the freedom to try new things and experiment with ideas you are not used to because you never know you may enjoy them and find it adds an interesting personal 'stamp' to your work. Once you feel you have a grasp on the basics, its really up to you to experiment and find which methods and materials you like to use and best represent your artistic attitude to the pieces you are creating.

Answer 2

You don't need to be a genius to be able to draw or paint. Some people think you have to have talent... while some of us look on with awe over a masterpiece done by a monkey or elephant!!

There's no right or wrong in art! I get annoyed when people feel they are not artistic and wish they could be.... we all are creative in different ways.

The world would be a dull place if we all painted the same! There were artists who in the past were put down as being rubbish and now they are famous - although half were long dead before their fame came along.

There are lots of ways and styles to do a picture.... you can use anything, any way you like or feel you want to do. Its all about expressing yourself! It does not always mean that we have to like it (the painting)! :-)

Answer 3

I think anyone can draw/paint to a certain extent, talent or no talent but not everyone draws what they see. A book called drawing on the right side of the brain by Betty Edwards is a good read that can apparently teach anyone how to see properly and then draw well.

Answer 4

You can learn to do it, and do it well. Just practice, practice, practice. Carry a small sketchbook with you wherever you go - draw people on the bus, draw objects in the office at lunchtime, draw your legs and feet while you're sitting watching telly! You can also take evening classes to give you some 'formal' training which will help explain about things like perspective and use of colour. But the main thing is to just enjoy it, and think of the things you're drawing now (if you consider them not to be very 'good') as preparation for when you are brilliant! Hope you have many satisfying, creative hours.

Answer 5

I don't know if you're looking for a factual answer or just an opinion but my two cents is anyone can learn basic painting and drawing with a good teacher. The difference, I think, between someone with natural talent and someone without is how good you'll be and how fast you'll pick it up.

Answer 6

In short, Yes!

Long version follows....

It's definately possible to reach quite a good standard with a bit of hard work.
However, genius and timing are rarer qualities!!!

If you're interested in the hard graft scenario....

1. Drawing
There's no magic formula.
Practice is my first bit of advice. Don't aim at finished pieces.
Time yourself...give it 5 mins a sketch.This helps you train yourself to look, and notice.

Also, learn how to look. Spend time looking. Through a camera lens -if that helps- I mean REALLY look, at the edges, the different planes, and at the space around the object that you're drawing.

Also, try not to be self-conscious.
Stop thinking 'I am rubbish', and start knowing that this is a skill that I CAN learn IF I TRY HARD ENOUGH.

There's a book that's very encouraging by Betty Edwards called 'Drawing on the Right side of the Brain'.
She's documented a study of what CAN be achieved by RAW recruits! Her 'style' is a bit 'in your face', but there's alot of good 'learn how to draw' sense in that book.

It's not available on amazon, but it is on the link below.
Your local library probably has a copy too.
B Edwards has also published an updated version her study, and I remember coming across her 'Drawing On The....' website. 'Try Googling' it.


2. Painting (and other stuff)
The best book that I ever bought in my life was:
The Artist's Handbook, by Ray Smith. It ells you all you need to know about different techniques, materials etc. It'll give you lots of ideas for experimentation.

'Mooch' around the local art shop. This is a great idea to inform yourself of just what’s available. It can be very inspiring.

Read the Art magazines in your local library.

3. Inspiration
And if you're looking for examples by artists, past or
contemporary, the web is an amazing tool.
For examples of woodblock printing:
Go to ask.com.
Type 'woodblock printing' into the box.
Click on the 'Images' button.
Lots of eg.s come up, from all sorts of sources,
contemporary ad's, Luther's manifesto, Edvard
Munch....
Then refine your search -say- to 'Edvard Munch-
woodcut prints'.
Click images again...
You'll also find interesting historical bits by going into the
source documents.....
Broadband is worth the few bob.
Google images is also great.
Try doing the same search with both sites.
Download the free toolbars, to speed things up.


....and you never know, you might discover the genius lying dormant within....
-good luck sw.

Answer 7

I have sat and drawn all of my life. I now do oils, pastels, water colors and I'm no Rembrandt, but I am pretty good. If you want to learn to draw or paint, start with a remedial art class at your local community college. Most of them have some pretty decent art teachers. If you have any talent at all it won't take long to find out. I tell you how I learned to draw. My friends and I would sit at the kitchen table on rainy weekend and copy pictures of cars, jets, etc. Most of what we copied were the animated pictures, but some were of real cars, etc. Try this. You might be surprised at what you can teach yourself.

Answer 8

I'm love paint with oleo, crayons, acrylic.... etc... and I think I was born with the talent, but I have few girlfriends that got interested in learning few technics... so I'm going to this art school where the teacher makes you find your artistic talent.... so maybe you can become just an abstract artist... or nature... etc just try, grab a piece of paper and let your imagination flow!!!!!

Answer 9

Talent makes it easier but anyone can learn techniques, styles etc. I know an artist who could never draw well but now he makes sculptures and photographs them and the shot is the art because of his technique.
I never stare at a blank piece of paper, I always make a mark to begin . Think of composition and colour..and just do it your way.

Answer 10

I think it is possible to learn how to draw and paint...well the technical side of it all anyway...but I firmly believe that to be a good artist is a gift...you have to have that 'eye' for detail that I feel you cannot learn...I know I've tried!!