Is artistic talent hereditary?

It can be hereditary, and it can be random. I think if one is exposed to the arts one has a fairer chance of drumming up some talent, rather than just hoping on the baby of two people with creative ability.
Is it Nature, or is it nurture?

I personally think that skill can be learned, whereas finesse must be innate.

Growing up with creative parents goes a long way to making people feel comfortable with a ‘can do’ attitude toward art/craft. The genes probably help but I’m sure exposure to folks like that is a huge enabler.

I don’t really know if it is hereditary.
My mother was very creative and used to draw with my siblings and I when we were kids.
My sister is an accountant,my older brother a pharmacist and builder.My younger brother is an engineer.I am the only artist.XD

I believe creativity is hereditary. Three generations of my family were professional musicians. I have the talent inside me that they had. And i was definitely born with it.

Just my opinion :)

I think creativity is passed down but I also think that it changes with the generations, my mother wasn’t too creative but my mothers mother was pretty creative. My father used to make all these amazing winter scenerys every year for our mantle, and could work with wood well. However neither could draw or paint which is what I love to do, but really I am good at doing anything with hands. I love just taking nothing and making something from it. So yes I think it is inherited but if not fostered and given a chance to grow it like any other talent it won’t grow to what it could be.

Maybe someone in my father’s family (none of whom I know, including him) has singing ability. No one in maternal family does, yet I’m the one who knows how to sing.

That being said, it also takes a lot of work and practice. Supposedly, it takes 10,000 to become a master at something. So I could sing as a child, yes, but a combined 7 years of singing lessons made me a really good singer.

I also don’t think it is hereditary as much as an element of being exposed to an art or anything for that matter at a very early age. My dad is a prolific piano player and a none too shabby water colorist and amazing carpenter. I love to play piano, guitar, paint, saw wood thanks to him and I love to cook and garden thanks to my mom teaching me as a youngin.

I believe it can be very hereditary. My parents weren’t/aren’t very creative (although, my mom can play guitar and sing a bit). I did not come from a creative household. Yet, from a very young age, I was drawing a lot – I still have drawings from when I was 8 years old and up.

My mom’s side of the family are quite talented in many different creative areas (musicians, artists, photographers and architects). My sister can sing (also great at interior decorating) and my brother can draw cartoons. I can draw pretty much anything, dance, write poetry, photography, woodworking, and play musical instruments (all of these “talents” I learnt on my own and had a natural ability to do so). Lol, I don’t know the notes I’m playing on piano but, somehow, I make music on it.

Most people in my family did not take lessons or classes ..they just sort of did it on their own I guess.

I do believe, though, that it takes both nature and nurture to excel in creativity. Not either or.

I don;t think there is an art genome.
It is all what you are surrounded by and what you are given the nurture, support and exposure to. What you grow up around is huge at where your talents and appreciation are.
Now that does not take into account that there are some people who are just plain gifted at certain things. But if they never get exposed to it, it will never be seen.
That is why it is so important to allow and give children the opportunity to participate in many activities.

Are you human? Because then, yes it’s hereditary. Everyone has the capacity for artistic talents, but surprise surprise they need to be developed. Just like any talent.

Upbringing has as much to do with it. Having vision for art is hereditary, but the ability to translate it to art, not necessarily.

I think it is in the genes, but also can be learned to some extent. Take an art class, you will be amazed how much you will learn. My maternal side is very artistic. My grandfather was an amazing artist. My mom and aunt both can sketch and paint very well also. I come nowhere close. I think it runs in families, but can be random.

I believe it’s hereditary. My grandmother draws and paints, my father was a drummer,my mom a song writer. I am drawn to all things creative. I love to write stories,draw,sing and dance. Musical talents definitely run through my veins. My 11 year old niece is developing the same gifts. My sister however shows no signs of the same. I believe that if we don’t practice these traits they just lie dormant and don’t get fully developed. I know a few talented people that settle for life minus their artistic abilities and I find that to be so sad. It is such a great expression that can be shared in varied ways.

This is a study I found, but I have always believed that traits are passed down. However, our being is constantly changing, so you are not predisposed to accounting :)

So, some people have inherent talent like @blueiiznh suggests, but @everephebe is also correct- Practice makes perfect!

@rOs That article was facinating. Thank you for sharing it.