My Journey: Breaking the Myth of Natural Talent by Eric Rhoads

Most people believe artists are born, not made — that talent is something you either have or don’t. I used to believe this too, until my own journey proved otherwise. Now I know anyone can learn to paint by following the right process. But first, let me share how I got here.

The Seeds of Doubt

It was seventh grade when I experienced total humiliation that nearly derailed my artistic dreams. While doodling faces in class — something I loved to do — my teacher suddenly walked up, looked over my shoulder, and grabbed my paper. “Class,” she announced, “Mr. Rhoads here is drawing when he is supposed to be listening.” She held up my creation, and the class erupted in laughter. I wanted to crawl under the table.

Years later, the wounds deepened when an art instructor declared in front of everyone, “Eric, you’re just not getting it. I honestly don’t think you’re cut out to be an artist. You’re just wasting your time. You just don’t have the talent.”

When I expressed interest in painting realistic subjects, another instructor dismissed me entirely: “It’s  been done. No one does that anymore.”

Persistence Against the Odds

Despite these crushing experiences, something inside wouldn’t let me quit entirely. I walked away from classes multiple times, convinced I lacked natural ability, yet the need to paint remained like a persistent whisper. I was caught between doubt and desire — believing I had no talent yet unable to abandon my passion.

The Turning Point

My breakthrough came when I finally found a teacher who saw potential in me that I couldn’t see myself. I was so nervous about trying one more class that I waited a full year before attending, my palms sweating as I walked through the door. Seeing what others were creating, I immediately thought, “I can’t do that,” and turned to leave.

That’s when everything changed. The instructor saw me from the corner of his eye and pulled me back in. Instead of overwhelming me, he started me with small, achievable wins. He understood what so many teachers miss — that most of us are deeply insecure about our abilities, especially in creative pursuits.

This mentor changed my life by opening my eyes to what art could be, setting me on a path to devote my life not just to creating art, but to transforming how art is taught.

A Mission Born from Struggle

Those early experiences of doubt and discouragement didn’t just shape my journey — they defined my mission. I’ve now dedicated decades to changing the art world and teaching millions how to paint, ensuring others never have to endure what I did.

I discovered that artistic skill isn’t about innate talent — it’s about having the right teacher, the right process, and believing in your potential even when that belief feels impossible.

What I offer now isn’t just instruction — it’s permission to believe in yourself as an artist, regardless of what anyone has told you before.