I agree with Mike. We've all known painters who've been "at it" for ages, and never seem to evolve beyond a certain point, and others who seem to exceed their own benchmarks by leaps and bounds every few years. It's comforting to know this isn't a completely even playing field - it's nice be able to admire and idolize with discrimination.
There probably are some tricks too, much like in wooing, that work pretty much every time. But even the most earnest ear-nibbling from a novice just ain't gonna raise these sails.
