Is being able to draw an innate, or learned ability?

Question

How much of what makes up someone who can draw well is technique that has been taught, or innate talent or skill that has not had any teaching?

My guess is that not EVERYONE can be good at drawing, and that, while it is possible to teach anyone to be mediocre at it, only those who have an innate predisposition to it can really be great drawers.

Answer 1

I think you are correct in your guess.

Answer 2

I think that most people have closed minds and believe that they cannot draw and so they cannot. This is a fundamental conditioning, taught from when we are young and think it's fun to make patterns on the kitchen counter out of flour and sprinkles. We were being creative and thought it was really cool, but our parents got very upset and we began to learn, on a subconscious level, that creativity is bad. OR There is an innate lack of self-confidence in an individual, again, taught from birth. Our minds have greater powers than we can imagine. I believe that if early conditioning is retaught in a different way that anyone can draw well.

Answer 3

To my knowledge, I think you are right. Although, if you've ever seen how the "i think i can, i think i can..."
method works for people, you never really know. I have been able to draw well since I was in really little(for my age) and thought i was only good at drawing horses for a REALLY long time. Since I have been in art class, I have discovered new talents in drawing and painting the "impossible": humans. I think it may be taught to some degree, but the want and ability has to be there too.

Answer 4

as someone who goes to art school I definatly think that drawing can be learned. I think the 'talent' people talk about is just the area in which people excell at. Some people are naturally good at gesture and mood where as others are much better at the more technical side of art. Naturally someone who really loves geometry isn't drawn to doodling in the same way as someone who loves to read. But they would both excel in different areas if brought to the same art school.

Answer 5

I agree. My 17 year old son has been doodling and drawing ever since he could pick up a crayon. People have always been impressed at what he can do. Unfortunately, because of certain learning disabilities, he does not take to instruction well, so he isn't a great drawer.

Answer 6

Some people naturally are very skilled drawers, but anyone can improve.

There is a saying that goes, "How quiet the forest would be if only the best birds sang."

Answer 7

Sometimes It is a gift.

Answer 8

I think you're right.