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Clarification
Enzie- I was not speaking to you personally but to the plural you (as in all you out there). If I offended you I am sorry. I can appreciate the time it takes to put together a portrait chapter. I recently had the opportunity to participate in Atlanta and Connecticut. I have great admiration for both organizations and the selfless artists who run them.
There is that old axiom of teaching a man to farm vs giving him food. I believe that the type of feedback that the forum can provide is like the food whereas proper training will enable the artist be self sustaining.
I think the forum, a place to exchange ideas, is very efficient as it is. Where else could we be having such a spirited discussion as this?
Michael- I agree that God given talent is a huge factor. However some people need help to get in touch with it.
I had a student a number of years ago in my illustration class at SVA. My students bring in their work the second class so I can see where they're at and what they need to do to get better. One student refused to show me any work because he felt his work was embarrassingly bad. He was the hardest working student I've ever had. By the time he graduated he was doing extraordinarily beautiful work and was hired by Disney as a background painter and is now an animator for them. Before he graduated he showed me his original work he had refused to bring in. It was horrible, there was no evidence of any talent whatsoever. What had his teachers been doing during his first two years at school?
I actually see a greater correlation between those who work hard and success than those with talent alone.
Rudolf Nureyev didn't even see a ballet until he was 19.
God given talent can be hidden deeply and good teaching can bring it to light. Training and talent is the key.
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