Passion Versus Talent

I recently saw a picture that an acquaintance had painted and I knew at that moment that I would never paint again. What she had painted was an image that I have had in my head for more than 30 years. I paint recreationally. I enjoy the process of putting paint to canvas and watching an image emerge. This twenty-something woman had taken the image from my head and brought it to life. And she had no idea. Her stunning picture of an open ocean at the moment the sun breaches the horizon was breathtaking! And I didn’t paint it!

I’ve have always believed that to have talent one must have passion. The reverse is not always true. One can have incredible passion and have absolutely no talent. Seriously, you never want to see me dance! When it comes to painting I don’t think I’m that bad. I think my paintings are quite good. When I say good I don’t mean in the manner of a Renoir or a Monet. I just think as an amateur they’re not half bad. But they are not showroom quality. I have accepted this. But I still enjoy painting.

As individuals we don’t have to be the best. We only have to try our best. And that should be good enough for us. When we spend too much time depending on others to value us, we are doing ourselves a disservice. Every individual has value. It may not be in the way you think or the way you want to be worthy, but you are still important. We all are. I don’t need some art connoisseur to tell me that I’m not good enough. I am good enough for me. And seriously, I enjoy painting. I refuse to let my lack of talent interfere with my passion.

 

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quiall

I am a woman with a mission: to live life to the fullest. I will not let an itty, bitty incurable disease stop me. It may slow me down but like a ship dragging an anchor, I'll get there eventually. Walk with me at www.butterflysand.com

12 thoughts on “Passion Versus Talent”

  3. I suffer a similar torment. I have amazing pictures in my head but not one ounce of talent to put it down on paper or canvas. I think that’s why I write instead. But I also dont think artists work that way. I dont think they have a concrete image that they convey onto their medium. I think they have something to say or a concept to get across and they just start. Then their tools find a way to get the message out there. I may be wrong but I think that’s why I will never bea painter.

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  5. Passion and perspiration match talent and often even outmatch it. I think of so many students, friends, family, stories all around, where resolve succeeds where talent sometimes withers without the drive to take it forward. Practice and perseverance does the trick for so many. Helps if you’ve got talent too, no doubt. But, it gives the rest of us hope. 🙂

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    1. I wish I could take credit for thie piece, Ladyluna, but Pam guested this wonderful insight. And I’m with you on it. Some words from others come at exactly the right time. Thank god for passion. 🙂

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  7. As I said to momus in another of her posts Quiall, it is when our heart opens to something that our gift comes through. It is our acceptance of self that we really pour our hearts into something that brings out those amazing things, and regardless of what is created, it is that moment of perfection that has great meaning within to ourselves. We have reached that passion and beauty that is unconditional love.
    We cannot reach that state unless we really ‘let go’ which then does the reverse and takes us deep within to create the beauty that we are from inside.
    It is always for us this journey, and finding that unconditional love within. And you are right about those expectations we seem to find from others…and one day we will all do something and accept it for exactly what it has meant to us within…and be ok with that.
    Great post Quiall, it shows the beauty and understanding you have gained in your journey. May your next painting just be you…and the next…and the next 😀 Namaste

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    1. It’s you, missus! I wondered who OK was. I couldn’t recall an OK. 🙂 Thought I had lost the plot. 🙂 It’s lovely to hear from you. Pam wrote this piece and guested here but I’m sure she’d be happy with a reblog. Someone else already has. I’ll catch up at your place soon.x

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      1. Should I wait for the ok…haha Oliana Kim is OK but it is just shorter…same ol me:) I really should catch up more on your poetry, dear one, you write so well. I even missed out on knowing you went to Ireland…my family is from Ballybunion and I’ve yet to have seen it but at least I saw Scotland 😀

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