Talent or Obsession - 25 Years of Progress

A video showing my progression as an artist. Was it talent that made me get better? Or was it all that practise? If you'd like to learn more visit me on / emmacolbertart
OR... if you simply want to make a one time donation to help me fund these videos you can Paypal me to [e-mail]. This is a bit like a tip jar I suppose if you just want to support my channel. Thanks!
For commissions and print sales visit me on www.emmacolber....
Materials used and where you can purchase are as follows:
Pastelmat Paper:
www.jacksonsar...
Unison pastels:
www.jacksonsar...
Faber Castell Pastel pencils:
www.jacksonsar...
Faber Castell Black Stick I use:
www.jacksonsar...

[@dougg1075]

I agree with the talent thing but you were a talented kid

[@EmmaColbertArt]

No doubt I had something, but I would have stayed at that level had I not repeated and repeated until I got better. I was also a pre-internet kid who lived in the country and got bored easily. All useful ingredients :-)

[@lynnflory4588]

Your work inspires me. I am a professional potter and now 70 yrs old. I was astounded when I saw your work and I said I want to be able to do that. I see it as a transition in case I can’t lift 50 lb boxes of clay anymore so I can still be creative. I am looking forward to yours lessons this winter when I have time to practice. Hopefully with your help it won’t take 25 yrs as I don’t have that long. of course it is the journey not the outcome. THANK YOU so much for sharing your expertise with such elegance. just love you!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Lynn, Thank you so much for your comment. It makes me so happy to hear of people taking up pastel later in life. It's never too late, and you're absolutely right about it not taking that many years. Although I am younger than you, I also grew up in the era of books and going to the library to find something out! The internet now is such a great learning tool if you can find how you want to work and someone who has tutorials like that. I wish you all the best on your pastel journey this winter and also many years of continued strength in your pottery!

[@mistybrown1591]

People it starts with a God given desire yes Desire talent is Desire cultivated!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mistybrown1591]

So don't over think it just do wat you love an you will stick with it wat ever the style or the theam of life you love !!!!

[@Steviebuoy99]

Emma, I only started art 5 years ago at the age of 50 and then only watercolour once or twice a week. Tried pastel 2 years ago and occasionally do oil or acrylic. It was not until lockdown that I put any time into it and signed up to your Patreon channel and Bonny Snowdon's. You are right about all the info out there now, I have improved so much. My first real quality effort being the 3 daschunds from your Patreon tutorial. Practice and education make a huge difference.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Definitely Steve, just having someone to point you in the right direction is amazing. The rest is up to you :-)

[@mitchellscott1843]

You clearly had talent even at a young age...I know it takes countless hours of practice to ensure that talent isn't lost or grows stagnant but the visual arts come more easy for some people then others. Same could be said for music etc. That doesn't mean one shouldn't pursue the visual arts if its struggle at the outset just that people have different aptitudes thus the work required may be different.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Mitchell, I agree that we all have different aptitudes and where one person gets to might not be realistic for another. It's hard to say how much talent plays a part as what I feel I had was the obsession to do it every day. And that will make anyone better no matter at what level. It probably also helped coming from pre internet era with less distractions and a bit more boredom!

[@Minimaltsuki]

Thank you for this! I always cringe when people talk about artists having "talent". I've been drawing and painting A LOT since I was about 7 years old. I was terrible for many, many years but I stuck with it because I love it. I'm 32 now and I'm still developing with every piece. It's a SKILL, not a talent. Even if people mean well when they call it talent, it lessens the importance of the thousands of hours we spend on practicing and improving. The myth that you have to be born with it to be good also scares people off from painting and drawing.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I agree Malin, the word talent is a bit off-putting to most. I think there are other factors that luck has something to do with, like an adult in your life who encourages you when you're young etc. But talent is a minor ingredient.

[@Minimaltsuki]

@@EmmaColbertArt Yes, encouragement can be important. I was lucky that my parents gave me some decent art supplies from a young age. They didn't really think I was any good at drawing and painting but appreciated that I was enjoying myself.

[@suzannejohnson3335]

I so agree!!!!

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Your beginning stuff…..TALENT BABY! The winner is obsession …..that investment of time working it entails. Do you do oil? Watercolor? Youve turned me on to background. Larger sheet of paper.

[@benlin1526]

Its about stick-to-it-ness, more than talent. Talent helps but just keep with it and you can do anything no matter how good or bad you are.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Haha I like that...stick-to-it-ness :-)

[@SnowS162]

Thank you for sharing this. I was told I was 'talented' or 'gifted' and that scared me from doing art again because I couldn't do complicated pictures and buying art supplies was expensive. It scared from doing anything because I needed to earn a living and so I quit. 😢 I feel much better to hear it's a skill. I am only recently trying to get back into it.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Glad you're getting back into it! Not everyone needs to do it for a living. Just for fun is a real gift to yourself.

[@barrythrower564]

Thank you so much Emma, I'm at a very early stage at a very late age working with pastel , your kindness is admirable and very gratefully received.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for the comment Barry! Glad my videos are helpful!

[@mailie6403]

I really enjoyed looking at your work over the years. Thank you for sharing. You are a Master painter. Beautiful paintings.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you!

[@lisasykes4446]

I love your first Cat sitting, it reminds me of Japanese paintings.

[@marieastutz1098]

Thank you Emma

[@judithwilliams5773]

Very helpful thanks. I am at the ugly painting stage.

[@robincharles7057]

5:33 I love these 😊 All of these are beautiful 🤗

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you!

[@lindapfeifer9448]

Beautiful...Thank you for your guidance and advice.

[@abhishek10may]

Great work ma'am. It's encouraging for the upcoming artists. Regards

[@HeatherAngel.]

This video popped up in my feed yesterday and I found it to be so inspiring and interesting to watch. Thank you for sharing you journey with us. Your artwork is incredible. ❤️

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! Glad you liked it and also happy to hear it's popping up somewhere!

[@suzanneboily5224]

YOUR AMAZING and a pleasure to watch and learn.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you!

[@Rjbcrone]

💚🐾💚🐾💚🐾

[@gambylou9959]

Your words about needing that frustration to grow and improve are so-so true.

[@LauraBCReyna]

That was incredible! 😍 Thanks for sharing. Good luck.

[@sneal9012]

You are an encourager, and I appreciate your sharing your experiences. As Marion said, this is an inspiring journey. Thank you so much.

[@atelieroflauraleemoreland3418]

Hard earned skills, not talent. I hate to be told I am talented. I know people mean well but for heaven sake, I certainly could not paint classically when I was five. I was interested and therefore I progressed in skill. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Haha, it's true that sometimes people mean something as a compliment and it doesn't mean the same to us. I take every positive comment as a compliment but the best compliment would be 'Wow you must have worked really hard to get this good'. :-)

[@patknight12]

This was very inspirational.

[@TjVoelkerArt]

Thank you for this! I need to experiment more and "play". I only do finished pieces. I need to spread my wings.

[@suezusy]

That was fascinating. It just shows you never stop learning

[@MadeleineHenderson]

Errr your skills were pretty amazing as a kid!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Haha thanks! To be fair there were a lot thrown away that weren't as good as these. The fact they got kept says they were the best of the bunch! Many failed attempts along the way :-)

[@Vet4FallujahCJ]

This is a video I was waiting for. Firm believer art is not a talent, save the 1% born with a gift. Art is a skill. And like any and all skills, it's learned, honed and mastered. This takes hours upon hours. The only thing... before uploading, correct the noise back feed due to your mic

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks! I have tried several high quality mics now and I believe it may be the electrics here in Spain. Everything buzzes! I literally can't have anything plugged in when I record :-)

[@katywuste9054]

I love all the pet portraits, especially that first one

[@loydfloyd8182]

Thank you Emma for this video. It has been forsure of great inspiration and motivation for me as an artist!!

[@leighadams9002]

Thank you for this advice

[@kristawestman9770]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this..amazing work and so encouraging!

[@molliestevens5550]

Thanku Emma, that was lovely to watch and listen too, happy pastelling 🌹

[@jspohl]

Our cat when we were little was called Pepsi! Because I saw a billboard with the word on it after we got her. ( : I love your early work too. You are inspiring from beginning to end!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! Maybe I saw a billboard too when we got our puppy. :-)

[@idalimaart]

Thank you, I really needed to hear this today ❤

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks for watching. Keep creating!

[@jspohl]

I just realized I had these pastels in a box from when I was trying to switch from oils when I was first pregnant almost 20 years ago and excited to go find them. At it was true. The only instruction I found was in the art supply catalog at the time. So delighted to find and be inspired by you now. I’m just starting to get back to my art now my youngest son with autism has progressed so far that I can do that. 💖💖💖

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Very happy to hear you can get back to some art. Things have progressed a lot in the last 20 years with how much instruction there is out there. Good luck and enjoy!

[@torbjrnlund903]

Awesome work.

[@fishingrodstick]

100% one of the best advice videos I have ever seen. Thank you 😊

[@WELOVERAYJOHNSON]

loved seeing all of the dachshunds!

[@alpotap]

Oh wow! I did not realize that the satisfaction grows from small details!

[@olgad8799]

You are hard working and very talented as well good teacher.

[@angelwings8815]

Beautiful artworks!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you!

[@angelapellegrino9488]

Thank you. Can’t explain how much frustration I’m gathering lately 😅

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Wonderful video!!

[@marionwigzell7334]

An inspiring journey Emma. Your work is amazing. Thank you for sharing (-: Marion

[@miriamwagner6156]

Patience is a great talent to. Very inspiring video. Thank you

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I definitely rate patience higher than talent. But you can train your patience. I really had to as I rushed everything at the start!

[@OksanaBurr]

What an amazing progress and a lovely learning journey! Thank you for sharing so much!

[@robisnowart]

Great video and a lovely showcase of how you have grown as an artist Really superb work, absolutely stunning And I really feel time and effort creates talent! It's more a case of trying and doing and trying again! If you keep doing that your work will always improve

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Absolutely! That's what's great about art, seeing yourself improve over time.

[@DoBeLove]

This was a great video to offer inspiration. Thank you!

[@prayalways-]

love this video😊

[@devernepersonal3636]

i want to paint/draw everything, every subject from landscapes, to wildlife, to pets, trains, women, kinky stuff, skylines, everything. i am inspired by your growth over time and that you can manage to paint so many subjects and tie it all together. How do you decide what to create on one particular day? i am always stuck with the, "i want to do everything" mindset lol.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I love variety too. I have done commissions for 13 years so having that order book ahead of me has decided what I paint a lot of the time. And I've been happy to do it as they are a guaranteed wage! At the moment though I'm stopping commissions as I have so many other images I'm inspired to work on and I want to have more variety and choice for a while. I have too many images I want to paint but I try to focus on one thing completely otherwise nothing gets done! And I make to-do lists to keep me focused. Bite sizes and baby steps is the way!

[@sylviewheeler6237]

An absolutely lovely video ! Great motivational Moment ! Thanks so much !

[@ElizabethBattle]

The concept of talent is interesting... there is obviously something inborn, beecause not all kids draw obsessively (I did! Haha). But as an art teacher as well as an artist, I believe that the basic principles of art are skills anyone can learn. I found this video so inspiring. Thank you, Emma!💚

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Exactly what I think. Born maybe with more of an obsession with it, which gives you the drive to learn the skills. I love to hear that attitude from an art teacher! The basics are so important.

[@wulfseig1864]

Thanks for bringing this subject up. Try to tell people all the time that desire, repetition and time is all it takes. Little Pepsi is so cute.

[@brusheswithbec]

Thank you for sharing your journey. I am also a strong believer that it's not about talent. I have been told so much over the years "oh you're so talented" but to me that just takes away from the effort and work that I'm putting into it. I might be more inclined to be artistic than some people but I've still had to learn and develop everything I know, and at times it's been extremely tough. Your work today is absolutely beautiful and a real testament to the amount of work you have put in over the years.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you Bec! I think people underestimate just how little of a social life some artists have haha! The hours sat alone working on this stuff all add up...that's the main reason for our success :-)

[@brusheswithbec]

@@EmmaColbertArt Yes absolutely, the countless hours spent on a piece of art is hugely underestimated by most. The little social life suits me ok though since I'm not overly social, lol.

[@lindamclean8809]

That was really good thank you......👍👍👍

[@kaywitt8008]

Thank you Emma for sharing your artistic journey!

[@418SurferGirl]

This was wonderful to see. I have noticed my improvement over the last year even, with different papers (I also love Velour and Pastelmat) and excellent quality pastels. An artist friend of mine also said, if you are afraid to fail you will never learn or improve. That is so true!

[@claritzairosario68]

wow! It is incredible how talented you were since you were a child, and all your progressed!!!, during your life, you used your talent, but you were obsessive in achieving perfection in your works, and you have done an incredible job in landscapes, I loved them🥰, I think the talent and the obsession to improve, can go hand in hand!😊

[@annadeptua3225]

Great video! You have absolutely right. Painting, art is not a special gift with get only a special people. It is not a special talent but hard work and spend more and more time to drawing. I didn't draw for 17 years because I was a computer graphic artist and this skill didn't need for me. Now I come back because my life change so much and I'm so happy because this can not forgotten.

[@acerobst1147]

Emma, thank you so much for sharing, and creating, this wonderful video. You are so right about talent. I do think you had artistic talent as a child though. Also you are a hard worker too, and it shows in your work tremendously. I've followed you, and your work, for a long time, and I could see your work improve with every painting. You truly are a Master Pastelist. 😊 🎨

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Ace, I've appreciated your comments and support now for many years :-)

[@TeddyClipper53]

I just have to thank you so much for your tutorials on Patreon. Your techniques has taken my pastel drawings to new dimensions that I never imagined I could do. You are a great teacher!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you Denise, very happy to hear that :-)

[@JMMCAArt]

What a great video Emma. I needed this as I've been unmotivated for a few months. I've gotta get up again and dust myself off and continue forward.💕

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Everyone goes through patches of that, you can't feel motivated all the time, even me! Dust yourself off, then get dusty if pastel is your medium ;-)

[@pinkpet25]

Feb.24, ‘22. Really encouraging and informational watching this video. I used to draw animals when young, by high school I still enjoyed drawing. My mother and grandmother were both talented amateur artists so I thought that field was my destiny. At college I saw how much more talented others were, so I was disheartened and went into graphic arts instead, publishing a horse magazine for 20 years. Now age 65, I’m getting back into my art largely due to Tracey Walder, a pastel artist in Dorset who’s workshops have re-ignited my inner artist. I then pursued videos such as yours to engross myself in becoming better and trying to develop my skills in pastels as I find them conducive to my love of details and drawing. It’s never too late. Thank you Emma for inspiring me further.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

So nice to read this and hear how you are reigniting your passion. Keep going!

[@jspohl]

💖

[@cindylavoie722]

Thank you to share this with us, It’s inspiring. I’ll try to remember you advice next time I feel frustrated in front of a challenge :)

[@lindarusinko103]

Your landscape art is breathtaking !! You have amazing skills !!! Love your videos!! Very inspiring !!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

I do believe some people are gifted but mostly practice practice practice. I do wish as a child my parents would have given encouragement and given us paper and pencil to use.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I also think talent and gifts are real, but it's definitely the other ingredients that count. Including having parents who provided me with the tools from early on. That is just pure luck on my part for which I'm very grateful!

[@janiceanderson5182]

Enjoyed

[@PastelArtwithRitaGinsberg]

Thank you for sharing this topic on talent vs. practice. When you practice for a long time and then one day see improvement, is the best feeling of accomplishment to keep trying.

[@mjpete27]

I remember when I started learning how to create watercolor paintings! I was given a better set of paints by my grandma, the only “help” I had was after making a picture, I would ask my gran, how do I make it better? Many times she said just do it again! I often got better papers from her when I complained about not having money to buy more to “do it again”! I am amazed at how much information there is about painting with pastels! You have given me and others so many wonderful, helpful practices that can take years! You experienced this yourself! I am just so thankful that you are willing to give us so very much, Thank You Emma! You are truly inspirational and so generous. A truly lovely young lady. I look forward to watching your videos and seeing your visions come to life through the pastel medium!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! Your gran sounds like she was a wise woman. Do it again it about the best advice ever :-)

[@DianaSobrado]

Thank you Emma. I love you art.

[@lynnrushton7458]

Loved this‼️ it was great seeing your early work Emma Have learnt a lot from you over time.....you are an amazing artist.....your obsession certainly paid off 👌💜 xx

[@CobraDove1111]

THANK YOU so much for showing this! As an artist that showed talent very young myself....I loved watching this progression and gave me lots of inspiration

[@mylien]

Hi Emma, you are so talented, your paintings are just stunning, I’m very impressed! I’m completely new to pastels, and painting animals is also what I would like to achieve, especially portraits of my 2 dogs that I love so much, they past away one 2 years ago, and the other last year, I miss them so much! I really enjoy your video’s, I started with the tutorials for beginners, but I’m planning on becoming a patron. What I would like to ask, do you also have video’s for beginners, explaining everything like how to draw fur, backgrounds, under-layers… step bij step? Thanks in advance, greetings, Isabelle

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Isabelle, So sorry to hear about your dogs and yes it would be lovely if you could paint them. I have many tutorials that deal with specific techniques. A good idea is to find a similar breed within my tutorials ( I have covered a lot of dogs) A similar type of fur in the tutorial will help you loads. Also there is my whole 'Paint Along' demo series. There are a few here on KZbin but the rest of the library is on Patreon. These are always complete step by step and perfect to work along with. Best way is to jump into a project that takes your fancy. You'll learn loads just by doing. Good luck!

[@mylien]

@@EmmaColbertArt Thank you! My dogs were two very beautiful Cavalier King Charles, a ruby and a Black and Tan. I already learned a lot from your tutorials for beginners, about which paper to use, easel, which pastels… I already bought your Unison animal set and pestel pencils, and learned a few techniques. I’ll make sure to watch your ‘paint along’ series, and when I have more time I’ll definitely become a patron.

[@winifredjanevowler8360]

This was so inspiring Emma! Like me you adore animals. My dogs are my world so I paint them often. I painted as a child obsessively but life got in the way in my adult years. I’m now 51 and fear I have left it too late to master my love of painting but I truly do it just for the joy and peace it gives me. I love your work and thank you for being so humble.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

I don't think it's EVER too late. My progress felt pretty slow as there was just no information about pastel out there then. Now with all this tuition I see students make progress many times faster than I did. And by the way...51 is still young :-)

[@34littleb]

Great video and great advise ☺️ thank you

[@madamrose1965]

Mam You are my inspiration and favourite ARTIST ON KZbin. I'm a Big Fan of yours..

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you! :-)

[@CAZZIEK321]

All of that hard work and observation over the years, shows your amazing journey and growth. It’s good for people to see this video so show that you should never give up. We all struggle to start with and some of us (me) are still growing.

[@Nicawe]

This gives me so much motivation, thank you! And thank you for being such an amazing pioneer in all this and sharing it with us. It's made me appreciate all the tutorials and help and support we have nowadays even more. I had a 20-year hiatus from making art and it's incredible how much everything has changed and how much is available to us at a fingertip now. Thank you so much for your work!!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Nina! I too am blown away by the information out there when I go looking for something. I'm glad I can contribute in my area :-)

[@magicwendy210]

amazing video, thank you for sharing your journey, your art work now look like photos truly breath-taking and an inspiration to keep on experimenting with my own art, thank you x

[@deezineful]

Thank you so much!!!!!! So very encouraging 👏 😀 ❤ 😊

[@anettedouglasdotter]

Thank you so much for this video, Emma! 🙏 Most enjoyable to see your own art Journey - and what a journey!!! 👍 It was so wonderful and inspiring to take part of this! 🌟 ❤

[@carolinependleton8445]

Thankyou for such an interesting video,loved to see how you have improved over the years.

[@patricialarenas6670]

Thank you Emma! It's so interesting to see your personal journey. I agree that frustration can be a motivator, if there's a love of and an inner need to do art. Your work is a joy to see!

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Patricia! Desire to do and enough frustration to do it better :-)

[@jennifernichols8403]

Thank you, Emma, this is a really great video ❤

[@viviandibrell849]

Excellent! So true....it is great to date your art and go back to see improvement.

[@artybyesther]

Yes that is exactly what I say to everyone It Is All practice that counts! I am 57 nou and I'm drawing for over Just for Years and now I am doing Peet commissions. I'm not as Good as you not by far bud dermination Passion and what you say practice practise practice practice Got me to this Point. Thank you for this video!

[@saraavila276]

Amazing! I really love your work.

[@deborahwilliams7312]

Love your work all through the process ! your advice is kind and informative thank you thank you !

[@bevjones7485]

Thank you for showing us your journey. Very much an encouragement for those times you just get so frustrated and walk away. But I can’t help walking back again, and again, and again until I get it right especially seeing your progression. So much to do and so little time.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Haha! That sounds like someone on a mission...get back to your easel!

[@lynnfarrington8651]

Fabulous Emma. Thank you.

[@alettebeeksma3743]

Awesome to see the changes. Love your paintings. ❤

[@Artlover22]

Wonderful Emma! Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@helenanddanielreynolds4980]

Great video. Really interesting to view your progression. I notice your signature has remained the same since your early childhood works 🙂 (Daniel)

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Daniel! Yes I chuckled when I saw that actually. I had no idea until I found these. Must have liked the idea from day one :-D

[@carolhestand2561]

Yes! This helps, thank you for sharing.

[@sarahblam]

This is so helpful to see, thank you! Your work is breathtakingly beautiful. I need to watch more of your videos, but I am experiencing the same thing you mention about learning how to use the velour paper - the pastel seemed to really stick down and not blend, and I can't see how to get details except to go bigger :) Any advice?

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Hi Sarah, I have a few videos all about velour paper which you should check out. The fact that the pigment sticks is a bonus as it gives you control without it spreading everywhere and getting messy. It just takes a little getting used to.

[@sarahblam]

@@EmmaColbertArt thank you so much! I have found them

[@richardpetts5149]

Hi Emma, I really enjoyed watching this video of your exciting journey with your fabulous art. I should look back at some of mine, especially from my school days, which is up in the loft in a large folder. I'm really inspired by you , thank you so much for your help and guidance over the last couple of years, you have taught me so much.

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thanks Richard, that's great you have kept work from school days. That would be a fun afternoon to look back through it all. :-)

[@theresehotte4778]

I am an admirer of your work, I used to use pastels but now I am using oil paint, I would like to become a member and like to know if I can apply your techniques with oil paint. Hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you

[@EmmaColbertArt]

Thank you for the comment! I've been asked before whether this is possible. I know some have followed my tutorials in other mediums, especially oils. You would learn a lot about colour and composition. But you would lack the information on mixing paint and it's application etc. Depends on the type of student you are whether this would be useful. If you need full guidance, then possibly not. If you're more into learning about colour for example, then yes.