Thursday, May 7, 2009

Technique vs. Talent

I used to work with a girl that I felt was a snob when it came to art. I mentioned how much I liked Bob Ross and how I thought it was so neat that so many people were learning to paint. She harrumphed and told me emphatically that there was quite a difference between technique and talent. I always thought that was such a snobby thing to say and I never found out why she was so adamant about this point of view.

I have always felt that you could be extremely talented, but if you were unaware of certain techniques, that you could be stifling the creative process. It drives me crazy to spend hours trying to figure out how to achieve the look I am going for. Does it make someone less creative if they use an established method in their art? I think not.

All that being said, there are definite techniques used in making flowers using Clay Craft air dry clay by Deco. I'm not saying that this company invented these techniques at all, I'm just mentioning them because the book I am using (Clay Art for All Seasons) is so very useful and has introduced me to techniques that I know I will use over and over again.

So with no further chatter, here are my flowers...


This is a bud vase with roses that I made using the book mentioned above.

Here is a calla lily. All of these flowers dry to a very lightweight papery/velvety, almost foam finish. They seem to be reasonably durable and I am sure I will continue to make more in the near future.

If this clay is something you want to experiment with, but don't want the expense of the actual Clay Craft product, try Delight modeling compound by Paperclay. It is, as far as I can tell, almost identical to the Clay Craft compound, except it only comes in white. The Clay Craft compound is really nice and performs beautifully, but it is a bit pricey.

Since I've been learning technique and making flowers for an entire week, I need to move on to something else. I need bright colors and I need to make jewelry and I need to make something funky. So with all that in mind, I'm off to the studio to be creative. Hopefully I will be able to combine technique with talent and come up with something fun.

It's almost the weekend, so tie up all those loose ends and prepare to have fun. Take care and don't forget that there is an artist in each one of us. Embrace that artist within.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

There are art snobs out there. From what I've observed it is usually artists who are formally trained in fine art that can be snitty about it. That's not to say every trained artist is like that but you get what I mean. Anywho, love the flowers. They are so pretty. Can't wait to see your funky jewelry. I am finishing a piece up too.

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

I agree, some just don't appreciate the arts or the creativity of the artist. I once had a friend (i thought) and she laughed at my work and thought it was awful. Needless to say she isn't my best friend. However, I LOVE your flowers, they look so real! Hugs***Renea

lagirl said...

Just wondering if there might be someway to scent your flowers. Hmmmm. Wouldn't that be neat?!
I love color too.
Wouldn't it be awful if the entire world was beige?!

Kims Art said...

Wow! They are beautiful!

dlh said...

Your flowers are really pretty. People shouldn't worry about what others say regarding their art. Create for yourself, just for the joy of it. I was so wrapped up in wanting to be "perfect" I quit painting. I'm just now starting again after 20 years.

Suzie said...

Ross was great!

angela recada said...

Very pretty flowers! And I've always loved Bob Ross - he's so generous with his talent, and soft-spoken, and he's kind to baby deer - what's not to like?
Have a great weekend!
Angela

AJ said...

Your flowers are amazing. Just beatiful!

Rebecca Ramsey said...

How pretty! Your flowers are gorgeous!

I used to love to watch Bob Ross. He always seem to enjoy his work. He was so calming!

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Beautiful flowers!!!! Ya know, sometimes folks can take themselves a lil' too seriously.
I loved Bob Ross and still watch his reruns every Saturday on PBS. Such a sweet and gentle man and his love for nature showed in his paintins', especially in his "happy lil' clouds." :> )
~Peanut

FAQ said...

Oh the flowers are gorgeous and obviously took techniques learned and your talent and turned them into beauty. I'm kind of in a phase of opening myself to learning skills-sharpening my art saw so to speak. I'm exploring tutorials and art workshops.

Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor said...

I always figure it's people with low self esteem that are snobby. They are not confident enough in themselves, that they have to appear culturally or intellectually superior in order to measure up. Bet Bob Ross has made a lot more money with his art than most artists.

Love the flowers! They would look neat in miniature too as jewelry pieces. Keep up the great work!

Kristen H said...

I feel art is an expression. There are talented people out there that have a method, and some who manipulate through mood. I have seen art that moves me and an unappreciative viewer wouldn't see anything in the painting. Any time people create, I love it. Some people are not talented, but the movement they get from making their piece is no less important than Van Gogh's or Monet's feeling. I feel all peoples time and talent can be appreciated.

Love your flowers!!!! Gorgeous!

FAQ said...

Tag you are it. Come and list 20 things you learned from your mother.
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Fran said...

WOW!! Your flowers are BEAUTIFUL!

Some people are like that and we just have to over look their stupidty. Art is Art. Even if you take art courses, you are still learning techniques of painting. I happen to love Bob Ross paintings. I have taken his classes and have taken art courses in college. Don't listen to negative words people say. You are a wonderful artist.
Hugs
Fran

Unknown said...

I never knew I was an "artist" until I was in my 20's and painted my first mural. My mom was notorious for reminding me that I had never had art classes and that there were others better than I was. The moment the newspaper came out and did a feature, I was so proud and I realized that I really was an artist after all. Too bad those snobs exist. It really is in the eye of the beholder.