“Talent? What talent?” – written by Mike Lamble

The scenary sketch by Mike Lamble.

Written by Mike Lamble

It was great to see that some of my students practiced drawing in the recent holidays. You have no idea how that encourages me as a teacher, it is an essential discipline if you want to improve as artists.

I have mentioned to most of you that over the years I have endured anger, frustration, temper, and lack of progress from some students who then dump it on me because they don’t practice! But then expect to just walk into the studio and paint and draw ‘just like that’, then complain “It’s not working for me” as though it is something beyond their control! Or I hear “I don’t have the talent”. Well this may surprise some of you, nor do I!!

My old Art Director used to remind me “You are only as good as your last job”. So whatever I have painted in the past counts for nothing if I DON’T PRACTICE!!!! Which is what I did in the holidays. Here are a few examples:

How many of you have heard it said by great sportsmen, musicians or anyone good at what they do – “Practice at least 10,000 hours”. In my case I knew in junior school when asked by my teacher what I wanted to do for a living, “Commercial Artist” was my reply. I have painted for some of the worlds biggest companies. I was once offered a job in Hollywood (yuk), nothing to do with talent, just sheer determination and single mindedness. So if there is hope for me what does that say for you girls and boys who have real talent?