I used to doodle, which eventually made me think that I had some predilection for art. It was only partially true, and likely only in the sense that you refer t

I used to doodle, which eventually made me think that I had some predilection for art. It was only partially true, and likely only in the sense that you refer to -- that anyone can do it. Drawing something that you see is a purely mechanical exercise. The first real drawing lesson that I had was some years after I had started. The teacher placed an egg in front of each of us, and said "Draw exactly what you see." It was a revelation, an instant understanding that art was a way of looking at the world, not about collecting shapes on a piece of paper. The utter simplicity of the form and color force you to examine the play of light and shadow in exacting detail. I am convinced that once you've learned to see gradations of light and color, you need no other lesson, only practice.