This reminds me of Caruso, when he was first evaluated by a teacher, he was told to look for another activity, because he didn't have talent to sing...
That was said to one of the greatest (if not the greatest ) Tenor in the world.

So, 10% of inspiration and 90 of transpiration.

I believe that people who are talented have a special gift or insight that allows them to recognize something before others do. This something might be in the speed that they are able to learn and apply newfound knowledge or their unique way of looking at things and trying different ways, that had not been recognized before.

But talent alone does not make perfection and to reach the status of a master, they too have to know how to use their tools and become proficient at what they do through lots of practice.

In the same token, those who are not born

Speaking of Masterpieces...
 

I'd highly recommend Emile Zola's book, "The Masterpiece." It is a 19th century work involving the evolution of the Impressionists. It's actually an impressionist work itself. Being so, it's a tad experimental. The story is quite intriguing, though, and it's an easy read. You will experience the real "Cafe Guerbois," (even though it's not called that in the book), and meet many of the Impressionists themselves, (even though, their names have been changed to protect Zola), and I would assume you will meet yourself, as well. I did.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ex...&Search=Search

Don't read the introduction until you're finished with the book. It tells the ending and ruins everything.

[QUOTE=Claudemir Bonfim]Well, I think I've been misunderstood...
I never intended to say that I think it is easy to make a masterpiece.

If it was so, I would be a Master, but I'm a poor, simple student.

But it seems to me that some artists are not worried about what people think about their art, once I heard Manabu Mabi ( a brazilian painter whose works reached about $100.000 during his life !!!) saying that he just painted what he wanted and set a price, he didn

Thanks for that Kimber.

I haven't painted anything like "Lady Agnew" or "Madame X", but fortunately I've been a little successful in selling my Art.

You reminded me of Van Gogh, he wasn

I want to be careful. I do not want to create any arguements but I disagree with the philosophy of talent being related to the "urge" or "need" to perform a particular thing. As evidence I offer the idea of all the people who show talent at a particular function but let it fallow.

Maybe I don't understand what talent is but I profess that it is the least important factor in becoming proficient at a task. The urge, constant work and a quest for improvement of oneself are the articals of success. Then comes talent.

I beg your forgiveness if I have offended anyone but that's just the way I see it.

I don't think you will ever offend anyone John,
I understand what you say and I'm sure everyone here respects your opinion.
I still would like to continue reading all sorts of opinions from the forum members, that's why I started this post.

Have a great time painting.

I found this the other day.

by Kathie Sorensen and Steve Crabtree - The Gallup Organization. October 2, 2000

The concept of talent is elusive -- it lacks substance, specificity. Perhaps that's part of the reason so many people have trouble applying it to themselves. Carefully examining and refining the concept of talent may make it easier for you to recognize it in yourself and others, in order to make the most of it in your daily life. Knowledge and skills can be learned, but talent is enduring.

I would like someone to help me figure it out.

A couple of minutes ago I found the following...

[I]by Carole Guevin
September 2001

Somebody once said that a *talent* is anything you succeed at doing the first time around. There is this easiness, grace and elegance, assurance in mindset - you try it - and voil

Claudemir-

For something as gossamer as talent, the last passage seems to incorporate the essence for me.