Is Art a Talent or a Skill? (How to Make Real Progress!)

Here’s a question for you: have you ever wondered if you’re “talented” enough to be an artist? Maybe you look at other people’s paintings and think, “Some people are just born with it… and I’m not one of them.” Or maybe you’ve felt that no matter how much you practice, there’s just something missing?

Well, I’ve got news for you… what’s actually missing might surprise you…

In this lesson, I’m going to share 5 powerful tips to help you get past the idea that talent is what makes or breaks an artist. And by the end, you’ll see how talent doesn’t dictate how good you are at painting or drawing, and how a few simple, proven tips and techniques can help you make real progress. 

Like many of you, I used to worry I didn’t have enough “talent” to become a good artist. 

And after speaking with hundreds of my students I found that many of you experience similar frustrations and doubts. Some of you felt you weren’t “talented enough” or lacked “natural skill”. Others said they struggled with confidence, or hesitated to even pick up a brush. 

But here’s a comforting thought: you’re not alone:

“Every single artist I know has gone through similar challenges”.

You’ve probably heard people say, “You’re either born with artistic talent, or you’re not.”

Well, what if I told you that the idea of “talent” is actually a myth that’s just holding you back? 

In fact, I believe that true artistic growth has very little to do with being “born with talent” and much more to do with what we choose to do.

Why people become talented

Scientific research says that the beliefs we hold about ourselves and our abilities are largely shaped in the first seven years of our lives – known as the “formative” years of our childhood.

And these beliefs, especially ones rooted in strong emotions, can feel like truths. 

For example, imagine as a kid, maybe you loved to draw. If a teacher, parent, or some inspirational person in your life complimented your work, that praise might make you believe you’re naturally good at art. But if you had a bad experience – like someone criticized your drawing or you felt embarrassed – you might come away thinking, “I’m just not cut out for this.”

A strong positive or negative experience early in life shapes who we believe we are and what we can and can’t achieve.

But here’s the good news: what you were led to believe can also be changed!

That means you can do something about it 🙂

Debunking the Myth of ‘Talent’

The dictionary definition of “talent” is “a natural aptitude or skill”!

But think about it – when you see an artist creating amazing work, you’re only seeing the end result. You don’t see the hours, days, or years of practice behind it. The truth is, “talent” is just a label we give to someone who has put in the work…despite any innate ability they may have!  People see the results and say they’re naturally talented – but people don’t see the hours of work that went into achieving that level of skill.

Let me give you an example…

When I was in school, there was a kid named Paul who seemed to be good at everything. He was good at every subject, and his drawings were incredible – so much better than mine. I used to look at his work and think, “I’ll never be able to do that.”

What I didn’t understand back then was how much time Paul had spent drawing. He wasn’t just naturally good at it – he enjoyed it! And he’d put in countless hours. His skills weren’t because he was ‘born with talent’. He believed in himself because someone early on encouraged him. 

That belief kept him going.

So, “talent” really boils down to belief and practice. And once you believe in yourself, practice is a much bigger part of the equation!

In fact, with the right mindset and a bit of effort, you can start making real progress much quicker than you think. 

The key here is to shift the way you think about “natural talent” and choose to believe that talent isn’t only something you’re born with – it’s something you can develop 🙂

But how do you learn to paint or draw without relying on “talent”? 

You need consistent practice and a positive mindset. Here are five effective strategies to help you push past any doubts about talent and build your artistic skills.

Tip no.1: A Simple Tool to Calm Your Mind Before You Create

First of all, stress can be one of the biggest barriers to making real progress when it comes to learning new skills like painting or drawing.

This is because when you’re stressed, your brain shifts into a state of heightened alertness. Under stress, the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level thinking and problem-solving, becomes less active. Instead, your brain is busy focusing on immediate threats!

Throughout the day you probably experience an accumulation of small stresses – like losing your keys or being late for an appointment…

In this state you don’t have enough mental bandwidth for positive thoughts and tasks like creativity or learning to paint.

One of the best tools to calm your brain and regain focus, is something called the “Physiological Sigh.” This is a simple technique backed by science – here’s how this works: 

1. Start by inhaling deeply through your nose for about 4 seconds.
2. Then, take a second, shorter inhale, filling your lungs a bit more.
3. Finally, exhale slowly through your mouth for about 8 seconds.

Repeat this 3 or 4 times whenever you sit down to paint or draw…by doing this you can reset your nervous system and get into the right mindset for learning to paint.

Tip No.2: Build a Routine and Stick to It (Task Bracketing) 

Regular practice, even for short periods of time, helps reinforce skills and increase your comfort with painting or drawing… But consistency is the key!

Set a manageable routine, such as 10-30 minutes a day, and commit to it. But to help you stick to this you can try using something called “Task bracketing”.

What it is: Task bracketing is about setting a routine that makes painting part of your day, no matter what! It’s about making it a “non-negotiable” habit by linking it to something you already do. 

This works because when you build a habit that’s tied to specific times or actions, it becomes easier to stick to, and your brain starts to expect the reward.

For example, you could say, “After my morning coffee, I’ll spend 30 minutes practicing painting.” By making it part of your daily flow, it becomes something your brain expects, and you’ll be less likely to skip it.

After your session, reward yourself, even if you don’t feel like you made huge progress. 

Just showing up and painting, no matter how it goes, is a win. 

Studies show that celebrating small wins can help reinforce habits and keep you motivated to keep going 🙂

So keep going !

Tip No.3: Break It Down and Practice Purposefully

When learning to paint or draw, focusing on everything at once can be overwhelming. Instead, breaking things down into small, manageable skills can make learning easier and more achievable.

Here’s why it works: When you practice in focused, bite-sized pieces, your brain can better absorb and master each individual skill. Over time, these skills start to come together naturally, building up your confidence and ability.

This approach is called “purposeful practice” –  it’s about focusing on specific techniques rather than aiming for a perfect painting. 

To get started with purposeful practice, try choosing one small skill to focus on in each session. 

For example, you might choose to practice brush strokes, or mixing colors, or maybe creating smooth gradients and watercolor washes… 

By focusing on just one technique at a time, you’ll build a stronger foundation and see real improvement.

4. Use “Delayed Self-Critique” to Build Objectivity

Delayed Self-Critique involves setting aside your completed artwork for a few days before critiquing it.

When you finish a painting, it’s tempting to start criticizing the things you don’t like. But giving yourself some distance first can make a world of difference! 

Here’s why: right after finishing a piece, you’re often too close to it to see it objectively, which can make constructive critique harder. And often discouraging!

Instead, put your work aside for a few days. When you return to it with fresh eyes, it’s much easier to spot what went well and what you’d like to improve next time. 

This simple practice helps you build a more balanced view of your skills and keeps your critique constructive, helping you make progress!

Tip No. 5: Find Your Motivation 

What it is: Motivation is the fuel that keeps you going. It’s about knowing why you’re painting – whether it’s for self-expression, or simply the joy of creating. When you’re connected to your “why,” it makes it easier to keep going, even on days when things aren’t going well.

Studies show that when we connect an activity to something personally meaningful, it triggers positive emotions and boosts our drive. This connection makes the whole process feel more rewarding, which keeps you engaged and motivated over time. 

So, before you pick up your brush, take a moment to think about what painting brings you – whether it’s a sense of relaxation, satisfaction, or the challenge of learning something new. 

Then hold on to that! 

Using your “why” makes the process something you look forward to rather than something you “have to” do.

When you’re motivated, progress comes naturally.

Developing a talent requires failure

Remember, if you don’t fail, you’re not even trying. Each brushstroke, each challenge is a step toward the artist you’re becoming. You don’t need to rely on “natural talent”. Instead, keep pushing ahead – keep moving towards your goals, no matter how many attempts it takes.

So next time you pick up your brush, don’t worry about whether you’re “talented” enough. Just focus on painting, learning, and embracing every moment as part of your journey. 

Happy painting everybody!