we geniuses are born with talents, as everybody else. eveybody is a potential genius, still, the growing process and background do erease artist's possibilities. sometimes. sometimes not.

Most artistic ability in people, I attribute to skill,
But that`s not to say I don`t believe natural born talent exists.
I think talent is what you`re born with and skill is what you work for.

Like everyone here has already said, every artist worth their salt has to work hard to develop the talent that they have (or don`t have) into skill.
Talent is just the foundation of your ability - it means very little when there`s nothing applied to it.

I can (sorta) understand that people feel insulted when they`re accused of having natural talent, as if it discredits all their hard work... But to deny that natural talent affects art or artists would discredit a lot of incredibly hard working and determined artists who never get their foot in the door. Essentially it`s saying "they just didn`t work hard enough"

Why play hate?
If someone suggests they think you have natural talent you can explain... I sucked really bad when I started but I just kept drawing and eventually, Tadaa! It was effort.

Everyone is different.
Some people take pride in saying they`ve only been drawing for a year when someone says how great their work is and asks how long they`ve been doing this for.
Just because i want to punch those people in the head doesn`t mean I don`t believe in their natural ability. it just means I`m insanely jealous.
jealous of their talent... or expensive art school... or inheritance...

So why get insulted when someone thinks you have natural talent? It means they think you`re good and you make it look effortless.
If it bothers you that much, you can always get revenge by crushing their spirits into the ground with a "YES it was great to draw like this from birth. No hope for you!"

That was a rant.
I think I may be done now.

To an extent, you're born with talent. For the most part though, it's development of the talent. Even nurture could be grouped with talent development.
It probably has to do more with experiences and practice than it does with natural ability.

haven't read the other comments so I'm sure this has already been stated, but we're born with the curiosity to continue.

We as artists start at a point, and grow into our own styles.

The seed for me was started by my dad, he drew amazingly and both my parents supported and praised me enough to want to continue.

Other artists inspire, the people we love push, and we ourselves strive. I think that's how most artists evolve.

Yes. People want to believe that, but it's not true at all. I can't tell you how many times I've shock people showing them what my art looked like years ago. Every thing is learned, there may be talent in there somewhere but a lot more work and growth then not.

Heh, I think a lot of people are misunderstanding your poll there.

as Edison said:

Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.

I've seen some people begin their artistic journey with very promising work, but then grow lazy and fall behind less 'talented' peers who worked harder. Also it's a ray of hope to us lesser mortals!

I believe that some people process information better than others. Their minds just do it better. This helps them learn faster, and gain control of the techniques we struggle for much faster.

If that were true so many of us would be boned from the start. Gotta chalk it up to hard work and perseverance, even if some people do have "knack" for hand eye coordination and observation. You still have to work hard to get good at anything.

sure its false every things come with hard work thought even if he\she is a genius =\!

True. Much like singers, hard work and determination can make you good, but it's innate talent that makes you legend.