It has always been kind of a strange compliment to me when people tell me you are so talented! But I had been drawing since I was very young. I lost practice and I am trying to come back. It is very soothing to listen to someone who is older than me share this message. Thank you
I’m a pianist and piano teacher. I always cringe when people say “thank you for sharing your talent.” It totally undermines all the work I put into developing my skills and learning the music I play! As a teacher, I see time and time again that “talented” students often get frustrated when things get challenging and have a very hard time working through that block. I guess the ideal combination is talented AND hard working, but I’ll take just hard working over just “talented” any day!!
exactly! when you have natural abilities to something you won’t put the needed effort at first, and when things get more tricky, you are more likely to drop it rather than putting the effort in it.
Cecile, you are a very positive person and that is the most important thing. The fact that you enjoy what you do and want to pass it on to others is just a bonus.
Oil painting, Pysanky, Counted thread work, Beadwork, Polymer Clay, Decorative Painting, Acrylic, Watercolor. I would say that the talent comes from wanting to learn. My sister is a violinist. Growing up she practiced 2 - 3 hrs. a day. She had private lessons. Music made sense to her. I can't even read music. I appreciate her talent and skill. She worked very hard at it. You have to work at something before it becomes a talent. Saying you're born with it discounts all the work that it took to become proficient. I learn to improve myself. I'm not looking to gain praise or make money. If I was younger maybe I would be. But painting is a big enough challenge. I paint because it fills me with joy I don't find doing other things. Cecile I love your work, your teaching style and approach to all things creative.
Hi. I am 72 and finally have all the time and privacy I need for artistic pursuits. I too love art, painting, drawing sculpting etc. And, I too love fiber and fabric arts, jewelry making and beading, and multi media pursuits. You encourage me hearing you too pursuit multiple passions. People always ask me why I don't focus on one discipline and "perfect" it. But I am drawn to so many wonderful ways to express myself, I can't and don't wish to choose. Obviously not looking for a career at this point of life but wouldn't mind making some money so that I can afford more supplies! Thank you for your encouraging words. I look forward to creating with you, as I just found you. What a gift you and so many youtube teachers are !!! I feel so privileged for the connection!!! Thank you for sharing!😊
I love the message of this post! I think we get labeled (by ourselves and/or others) early on and it's hard to break free of those "roles" mentally, particularly if the labels start in at a young age. ("Good in math/art/music/writing/[insert activity here]" and vice versa: "Bad at [insert skill/subject that was a bigger challenge than others to learn or just isn't interesting to you].") And I think it's secretly scary to be "talented" in a certain area, because the word is loaded with expectations. In our rush to label everyone, talent becomes what you ARE--and if you screw something up, then you start to wonder "what am I?" Whereas work/practice is what you DO and you have control over what and how much you do. Work and practice put you in the drivers seat.
I am new to gouache, and have watched a few of your videos back to back while I am painting. I love your art, am amazed at your colour work, I would love to try your approach. My art so far has been with watercolour and pastel. You speak plainly and truthfully about what it is like to continue practising hard to improve and learn new techniques and skills, felicitations et encore.
I am really enjoying your videos! I am picking up drawing/painting in my 50s. I have to say that I would be really sad if I had a 'talent' for drawing/painting and only just now started to use it. 🤣 I love the idea of practice making progress and that the practice itself is what helps you to improve your art...not an inherent talent. I feel it gives you more room to fail and therefore learn and improve!
Interesting! For me, creating art is just for my own pleasure, meaning i don't need put any goals on myself. I was impressed with your thoughts though Cecile to try new things and use up all those supplies I have! This is a struggle for me. I have some natural talent but it just stays inside unless I explore it.
Merci beaucoup, Cécile! I practice as much as I can, but often in doubt if I’m talented enough… you settled my nerves … I’ll just keep practicing ! Greeting from Belgium (Flemish part)
Thank you for the video! I think aptitudes exist but a lot has to do with practice, as you say, and there is also outside encouragement. My aunt was labeled the artistic one in her family and so my mother was never encouraged and was always compared to her sister. My mother had to take art in high school and signed up for the one medium her sister did not like: etching. Their parents didn’t believe it when my mother won and award for her work and thought the school had awarded the wrong daughter! I don’t know if it is true for everyone but I find that the “not fun” exercises like shading studies and swatching result in a much happier art session afterward. So, I guess I like my art to be fun but not too fun. By the way, I signed up for your travel sketchbook course and am enjoying it very much!
Thank you for your message and for enrolling in the course. I'm happy you like it! And I agree, in families, and in school, you get labels pretty quickly!
Great video! I think what you‘re saying applies to science in general as well although there might be some caveats, since it easier to compare and judge the work of scientists somewhat more objectively
I still think some of us are more talented than others,for talented people it is much easier to progress… it is clear that without practice it will not work out. We usually like things we have talent for.
Im new to your channel and have found it very helpful. I have always thought myself not to be very good but as I practice I can see Im getting better. I know I have to put in the work to succeed as an artist , thats my goal. Where did you learn to do all the wonderful art that you do? Since I'm very new at watercolor and drawing, where would you suggest I begin? Thank you for this video and the encouragement you have given me to continue to work, enjoy what Im doing and not give up.
I agree that most skills can be taught and hard work will allow you to learn the skills you need. To me, where “talent” comes in might be in having the fresh and interesting ideas of WHAT to paint. Getting inspiration is a talent in itself I suppose. Often I sit down and can’t think of what I want to paint.
Well, my mom without any classes draw amazingly for a 7year old (she has showed me her drawings) all of my family has a tendency to arts. I do have it but in this case I had to study illustration to be able to do it in a way I like and almost professionally. I really think is both, you born with some ability, then its up to you to work it and get better
I have too many art interests...Gouache/ watercolour/ oils/ pastels/ clay/ flute...im unable to justify practice. Any suggestion? I have a day job and only 40minutes for art
Do you really need to justify your practice? Just do what you like when you can. Some are easier than others in a small window of time, like clay or oil that takes longer than gouache or watercolor.
@@CecileYadro i mean..time is precious im very greedy for ART😁 i want to get better besides just fun. The whole point in getting better to enjoy more with more depth...the deeper you dive ...deeper is the bliss
talent is not needed for success and it actually can be a hindrance not only for the reason you mentioned (lazy) but also it may torture you emotionally as it forces you to develop a neurotic or even psychotic relation with the creative process.
I think I was born with some "talent" for artistic endeavors so I can do something artistic much faster than someone who wasn't born with it. That being said, I agree that even people who were not as artistically gifted would eventually overtake me if they put in the work. So I am leaning more towards 40% talent and 60% work. Fun to think about!
Yes, 40%. I think there are some people not born with talent, and no matter how hard they try, they will probably never be able to master some artistic endeavors no matter how much they practice. 😊
I work whit small children, and no one is born and knows how to even hold a pen, much less use it. They all need to learn. And yes, some do it faster then others, but the ones that draw "good" at 5/6 are the ones that do it the most becouse they have fun and love it
You are not talented, but your work is wonderful! 😂 I think there is some feature of the brain that gives some inclination to some kind of activity. All my life I thought I couldn't draw at all. Two years ago, I started drawing with a private teacher and it turned out that I can draw, I just wasn't taught that. Now I hardly draw, only in class, because I realized that I am not an artist, but I know that I can draw very good.
Talent exists, no doubt about it. Anyone can get to a very basic standard in any form of art with practice and tuition. But only the truly talented can succeed. You have either got it, or you haven't, it's as simple as that. I've tried and fought for years to improve at art. I've tried every avenue possible to help me improve, and it simply hasn't happened. My brother however, can pick up a pencil after years of not touching one, and produce a fantastic drawing. Explain that if you may. I'm sorry, but your very wrong.
It sounds like you’re really frustrated, and I can understand why-it’s tough to work so hard at something and feel like you’re not seeing the progress you want, especially when it seems to come naturally to others. But I don’t think art is as black-and-white as “you’ve either got it, or you don’t.” Let me explain my perspective. Talent can give someone a head start, sure. But skill, like in any craft, is built through persistence and the right kind of practice. Sometimes, it’s less about how much time you put in and more about how you’re practicing. For example, are you focusing on foundational skills, breaking down areas where you struggle, or seeking specific feedback? Improvement doesn’t always happen in a straight line, and it’s easy to overlook progress if you’re comparing yourself to someone who seems to have a knack for it. Also, what you see as “natural talent” in your brother might be years of skills he developed earlier without realizing it, or just a different approach that clicks for him. Every artist’s journey is unique, and it’s not fair to compare yours to his. Art is deeply personal. Even if you’re not producing the “fantastic” drawings you admire, it doesn’t mean your work lacks value or that you can’t get better. Maybe it’s time to step back and reconnect with why you’re creating art-what brings you joy about it? Focusing on that can make a world of difference. You’ve got more in you than you think. Don’t give up on it. ❤️
@CecileYadro Thank you for your kind reply. Tried again for the last two days to create something resembling art, but unfortunately, no joy. Like I said earlier I've tried for years, and stupidly paid for tuition as well. I asked my brother for his opinion, and he says it is something that just came naturally to him. So I'm afraid to say I'm correct. Your either born with it or your not, simple as. The only reason we have art tuition is that the teachers are in it to make a living and make money. I can't do with the stress of it anymore, I'm done. I'll stick to what I know, something I know I'm talented at.
Bonsoir, cette vidéo était tellement intéressante , merci beaucoup.je change régulièrement de hobby aussi En peinture j’essaie tous les médiums ,aquarelle,huile,pastel,pan pastel, crayon de couleur et….. récemment la couture! Le principal c’est de créer . Puis lorsque mon « niveau » me permets de réaliser mes envies du moment,je change… et vous avez tellement raison de dire qu’après quelques temps la capacité baisse… il faut redémarrer mais pas tout à fait de zéro ….personnellement je n’arrive pas à être « fidèle » et je navigue entre tous ces centres d’interêt avec bonheur et créativité. ✂️🎨🪡🪮🧵🖼️
It has always been kind of a strange compliment to me when people tell me you are so talented! But I had been drawing since I was very young. I lost practice and I am trying to come back. It is very soothing to listen to someone who is older than me share this message. Thank you
Thank you so much 😀
I’m a pianist and piano teacher. I always cringe when people say “thank you for sharing your talent.” It totally undermines all the work I put into developing my skills and learning the music I play! As a teacher, I see time and time again that “talented” students often get frustrated when things get challenging and have a very hard time working through that block. I guess the ideal combination is talented AND hard working, but I’ll take just hard working over just “talented” any day!!
exactly! when you have natural abilities to something you won’t put the needed effort at first, and when things get more tricky, you are more likely to drop it rather than putting the effort in it.
I enjoy painting but have been questioning if I am wasting my time. I will now press forward. Thank you.
Wonderful!
Cecile, you are a very positive person and that is the most important thing. The fact that you enjoy what you do and want to pass it on to others is just a bonus.
Thank you!
Oil painting, Pysanky, Counted thread work, Beadwork, Polymer Clay, Decorative Painting, Acrylic, Watercolor. I would say that the talent comes from wanting to learn. My sister is a violinist. Growing up she practiced 2 - 3 hrs. a day. She had private lessons. Music made sense to her. I can't even read music. I appreciate her talent and skill. She worked very hard at it. You have to work at something before it becomes a talent. Saying you're born with it discounts all the work that it took to become proficient. I learn to improve myself. I'm not looking to gain praise or make money. If I was younger maybe I would be. But painting is a big enough challenge. I paint because it fills me with joy I don't find doing other things. Cecile I love your work, your teaching style and approach to all things creative.
Thanks a lot! merci!
Hi. I am 72 and finally have all the time and privacy I need for artistic pursuits. I too love art, painting, drawing sculpting etc. And, I too love fiber and fabric arts, jewelry making and beading, and multi media pursuits. You encourage me hearing you too pursuit multiple passions. People always ask me why I don't focus on one discipline and "perfect" it. But I am drawn to so many wonderful ways to express myself, I can't and don't wish to choose. Obviously not looking for a career at this point of life but wouldn't mind making some money so that I can afford more supplies! Thank you for your encouraging words. I look forward to creating with you, as I just found you. What a gift you and so many youtube teachers are !!! I feel so privileged for the connection!!! Thank you for sharing!😊
Thank you for your message, I hope you'll have fun with all your passions!
I love the message of this post! I think we get labeled (by ourselves and/or others) early on and it's hard to break free of those "roles" mentally, particularly if the labels start in at a young age. ("Good in math/art/music/writing/[insert activity here]" and vice versa: "Bad at [insert skill/subject that was a bigger challenge than others to learn or just isn't interesting to you].") And I think it's secretly scary to be "talented" in a certain area, because the word is loaded with expectations. In our rush to label everyone, talent becomes what you ARE--and if you screw something up, then you start to wonder "what am I?" Whereas work/practice is what you DO and you have control over what and how much you do. Work and practice put you in the drivers seat.
I should have talked about this, labels are really a pain!
I don't only love your work, but I love you as a person. You are such an inspiration.
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I am new to gouache, and have watched a few of your videos back to back while I am painting. I love your art, am amazed at your colour work, I would love to try your approach. My art so far has been with watercolour and pastel. You speak plainly and truthfully about what it is like to continue practising hard to improve and learn new techniques and skills, felicitations et encore.
Thank you so much! You should consider joining my gouache membership to expand!
100%agree! Talent is only the inclination towards something but being good needs practice means hard work and takes time and effort 💛
Well said!
I am really enjoying your videos! I am picking up drawing/painting in my 50s. I have to say that I would be really sad if I had a 'talent' for drawing/painting and only just now started to use it. 🤣 I love the idea of practice making progress and that the practice itself is what helps you to improve your art...not an inherent talent. I feel it gives you more room to fail and therefore learn and improve!
Exactly! And there is no age to begin art!
Interesting! For me, creating art is just for my own pleasure, meaning i don't need put any goals on myself. I was impressed with your thoughts though Cecile to try new things and use up all those supplies I have! This is a struggle for me. I have some natural talent but it just stays inside unless I explore it.
Thanks for sharing!
agree. thank you. this was encouraging !
Thanks for watching!
Merci beaucoup, Cécile!
I practice as much as I can, but often in doubt if I’m talented enough… you settled my nerves … I’ll just keep practicing ! Greeting from Belgium (Flemish part)
Good! Keep going and have fun!
Thank you for the video! I think aptitudes exist but a lot has to do with practice, as you say, and there is also outside encouragement. My aunt was labeled the artistic one in her family and so my mother was never encouraged and was always compared to her sister. My mother had to take art in high school and signed up for the one medium her sister did not like: etching. Their parents didn’t believe it when my mother won and award for her work and thought the school had awarded the wrong daughter!
I don’t know if it is true for everyone but I find that the “not fun” exercises like shading studies and swatching result in a much happier art session afterward. So, I guess I like my art to be fun but not too fun.
By the way, I signed up for your travel sketchbook course and am enjoying it very much!
Thank you for your message and for enrolling in the course. I'm happy you like it!
And I agree, in families, and in school, you get labels pretty quickly!
Great video! I think what you‘re saying applies to science in general as well although there might be some caveats, since it easier to compare and judge the work of scientists somewhat more objectively
yes indeed. Art is more complicated to compare!
Love your channel!!! I just found it about 2 weeks ago ❤
Welcome!!
I still think some of us are more talented than others,for talented people it is much easier to progress… it is clear that without practice it will not work out. We usually like things we have talent for.
Or is it the other way around?
@@CecileYadro 😅yes… that is philosophy😎
hallelujah dear Cecile.....talent isn't given its learnt x thank u x love Alli and Bella XXX
Thanks for watching!
Im new to your channel and have found it very helpful. I have always thought myself not to be very good but as I practice I can see Im getting better. I know I have to put in the work to succeed as an artist , thats my goal. Where did you learn to do all the wonderful art that you do? Since I'm very new at watercolor and drawing, where would you suggest I begin? Thank you for this video and the encouragement you have given me to continue to work, enjoy what Im doing and not give up.
Welcome! You can watch y videos on my channel for gouache basics, or join my Gouache membership if you want to go further!
such a brilliant video, I love it ☺☺☺
Thank you so much 😀
I agree that most skills can be taught and hard work will allow you to learn the skills you need. To me, where “talent” comes in might be in having the fresh and interesting ideas of WHAT to paint. Getting inspiration is a talent in itself I suppose. Often I sit down and can’t think of what I want to paint.
ah, good way to see it! I never lack ideas, but I’m not sure it’s a talent.
Thank you 😘
You're welcome 😊
Well, my mom without any classes draw amazingly for a 7year old (she has showed me her drawings) all of my family has a tendency to arts. I do have it but in this case I had to study illustration to be able to do it in a way I like and almost professionally.
I really think is both, you born with some ability, then its up to you to work it and get better
Exactly!
I have too many art interests...Gouache/ watercolour/ oils/ pastels/ clay/ flute...im unable to justify practice. Any suggestion? I have a day job and only 40minutes for art
Do you really need to justify your practice? Just do what you like when you can. Some are easier than others in a small window of time, like clay or oil that takes longer than gouache or watercolor.
@@CecileYadro i mean..time is precious im very greedy for ART😁 i want to get better besides just fun. The whole point in getting better to enjoy more with more depth...the deeper you dive ...deeper is the bliss
talent is not needed for success and it actually can be a hindrance not only for the reason you mentioned (lazy) but also it may torture you emotionally as it forces you to develop a neurotic or even psychotic relation with the creative process.
Interesting, I never experienced that, thanks for sharing.
I love your work😊
Thank you! 😉
I think I was born with some "talent" for artistic endeavors so I can do something artistic much faster than someone who wasn't born with it. That being said, I agree that even people who were not as artistically gifted would eventually overtake me if they put in the work. So I am leaning more towards 40% talent and 60% work. Fun to think about!
40% ? interesting! I guess it really depends on people!
Yes, 40%. I think there are some people not born with talent, and no matter how hard they try, they will probably never be able to master some artistic endeavors no matter how much they practice. 😊
Passion and risk, perseverance can be “talent”
that’s a way to see it!
I work whit small children, and no one is born and knows how to even hold a pen, much less use it. They all need to learn. And yes, some do it faster then others, but the ones that draw "good" at 5/6 are the ones that do it the most becouse they have fun and love it
Exactly my point, thanks for your message!
You are not talented, but your work is wonderful! 😂
I think there is some feature of the brain that gives some inclination to some kind of activity.
All my life I thought I couldn't draw at all. Two years ago, I started drawing with a private teacher and it turned out that I can draw, I just wasn't taught that. Now I hardly draw, only in class, because I realized that I am not an artist, but I know that I can draw very good.
Thank you! I see who's watching until the end of the video! 😉
Talent exists, no doubt about it. Anyone can get to a very basic standard in any form of art with practice and tuition. But only the truly talented can succeed. You have either got it, or you haven't, it's as simple as that. I've tried and fought for years to improve at art. I've tried every avenue possible to help me improve, and it simply hasn't happened. My brother however, can pick up a pencil after years of not touching one, and produce a fantastic drawing. Explain that if you may. I'm sorry, but your very wrong.
It sounds like you’re really frustrated, and I can understand why-it’s tough to work so hard at something and feel like you’re not seeing the progress you want, especially when it seems to come naturally to others. But I don’t think art is as black-and-white as “you’ve either got it, or you don’t.” Let me explain my perspective.
Talent can give someone a head start, sure. But skill, like in any craft, is built through persistence and the right kind of practice. Sometimes, it’s less about how much time you put in and more about how you’re practicing. For example, are you focusing on foundational skills, breaking down areas where you struggle, or seeking specific feedback? Improvement doesn’t always happen in a straight line, and it’s easy to overlook progress if you’re comparing yourself to someone who seems to have a knack for it.
Also, what you see as “natural talent” in your brother might be years of skills he developed earlier without realizing it, or just a different approach that clicks for him. Every artist’s journey is unique, and it’s not fair to compare yours to his.
Art is deeply personal. Even if you’re not producing the “fantastic” drawings you admire, it doesn’t mean your work lacks value or that you can’t get better. Maybe it’s time to step back and reconnect with why you’re creating art-what brings you joy about it? Focusing on that can make a world of difference.
You’ve got more in you than you think. Don’t give up on it. ❤️
@CecileYadro Thank you for your kind reply. Tried again for the last two days to create something resembling art, but unfortunately, no joy. Like I said earlier I've tried for years, and stupidly paid for tuition as well. I asked my brother for his opinion, and he says it is something that just came naturally to him. So I'm afraid to say I'm correct. Your either born with it or your not, simple as. The only reason we have art tuition is that the teachers are in it to make a living and make money. I can't do with the stress of it anymore, I'm done. I'll stick to what I know, something I know I'm talented at.
Talent= Innate interest+ practice....to me. Without innate interest or inner passion for something you cant practice.
Agree! You could practice, but it would be a pain!
Bonsoir, cette vidéo était tellement intéressante , merci beaucoup.je change régulièrement de hobby aussi
En peinture j’essaie tous les médiums ,aquarelle,huile,pastel,pan pastel, crayon de couleur et….. récemment la couture! Le principal c’est de créer . Puis lorsque mon « niveau » me permets de réaliser mes envies du moment,je change… et vous avez tellement raison de dire qu’après quelques temps la capacité baisse… il faut redémarrer mais pas tout à fait de zéro ….personnellement je n’arrive pas à être « fidèle » et je navigue entre tous ces centres d’interêt avec bonheur et créativité.
✂️🎨🪡🪮🧵🖼️
J'aime beaucoup aussi changer, tant qu'on crée, c'est l'essentiel!