[Comicbookfreak]

Just check out this guys sketchbook he uploads his learning process starting from day one!
http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=140145
( not sure if it's ok to post CA links here...I'm new ^_^ )

[Katastrophimatt]

This is another sketchbook that shows how much an artist can learn rather than through raw talent.
http://66.150.138.143/foo.html?t=870
(Link to conceptart.com/forums just they must have it on a different server because this thread has many millions of views don't worry).

That sketchbook is an inspiration due to going from almost no artistic ability to being able to create photo real paintings, he is amazing.

[amileduan]

10% talent and 90% hard work,it is a rule no matter in which field !
Sometimes,drawing is just someone's habit or interest,they love drawing,so they always get good results.And sometimes,drawing become your work,you should make it better because you have to live.
Both of the two reason make you to learn drawing.

[lays]

In my personal opinion, effort is more important, if you have not acquired the effort, your talent will not get raise, but will be devoid of silence.

[kevin-]

of course anyone who wants to learn can learn, but i think talent does exist. saying that i don't mean that some people are born excellent artist, just that it comes to them easier than it would others, not to say that there isn't any struggle because there will be for everyone. i mean this in the same way some find it easier to learn math than others.

[aaron_Lamzilla]

Drawing is 90 percent mental, 10 percent physical.

Start building a mental visual library.

[sstarkm]

I think that everyone can be an artist, as well as can't. I think you have to gain a certain amount of patience and willpower to work as hard as one can. I've met tons of art students who gave up later on because they felt they weren't improving fast enough. People have to realize that if art was easy to master, then it'd be a very boring career path.

[Vinicam]

I think there is various levels of talent... Also, I think it's pretty obvious, but most people wouldn't admit it because it kind of devalue the artist efforts.
But some people just have it easily than others, that's a fact. I'm not saying you're born knowing how to draw, you still have to learn. But some people show a amazing learning curve and others will get stuck on the process.

Using for example Algenpfleger(hannes) or Miles from conceptart.org, they both show a progress most of us can't expect to have. I'm 100% sure that lots of people(even in the CA.org at the same time) that drew the same or more than those guys, but didn't improved as they.
Some humans have aptitudes for something, some have talent for math, some for music, others for sport, etc. Again, I'm not saying it was easy for them to become good painters, but they learn faster, and with the same amout of effort they will be better than someone who aren't so talented as them.

[NineFootNinja]

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has replied to my question. Your answers have been thoughtful and much appreciated!

[Luther]

I've neglected what talent I have but I've always enjoyed drawing and I can see where I need to improve - that's the key, I think: the ability to see what's wrong. It's a bit like a tone deaf person; they'll never be a good musician because they don't have the aural tools needed to self correct. If you can see what's wrong with your art, or where you need to improve then, with practice, you will improve.
I think it's daunting seeing all the talented people out here on the internet - not just in fine art and illustration but in all things that require skill and practice. Even if you're one in a million, that means there's still at least 5000 people as good or better than you. I grew up in a small pond but I'm dwarfed by the ocean.

[Shorinji_Knight]

I think that it comes down to understanding. Some people learn faster because an idea sticks with them or something ignites their understanding. I would like to believe that everyone has the same ability to spark their artistic growth if they found the right stimuli. Everyone has their own way of seeing and understanding the world.

[bumskee]

I don't think many will ever suceed with just talent alone, it has to be backed up with hard work.. frankly I don't believe in talent much, well at least the bit that define "art talent" it's probably a combination of so many things and may not be beneficial to even try and measure/compare anyones talent.

but hard work can eventually overcome talent.. maybe whatever we call "talent" is just a small head start. Or something else... *shrug*

Frankly.. I will deal with "talent" later when it matters. hah

[kenshinvag]

Try to see this book "Drawing with the right sid of the brain"

[BagelHero]

No doubt, it's a skill to be learned. Some people have a natural eye, a steadier hand or can feel a gesture in a millisecond, but that's only a small advantage.

And even those with a big heaping of natural talent have got to learn and grow. Just my two cents.

[gashu-monsata]

You can definitely learn it! The only talent people really have is the ability to pick things up and learn quicker than others. Believe me, I REALLY sucked when I began in digital art. Terrible haha.