Even the greatest masters of art, take classes consistently and learn from other artists.

I'm very passionate about changing the stigma that people are either born artists or they are not.  That's just not the way the human brain works, and I know this because I studied education in school.  But further then that, I have many, many real-world examples of how that's just not true.  For example, my daughter naturally is a talented seven year old mathematician.  She's not the point of this story though, the point is actually my son.  He's five, and although he's not as strong mathematically as his sister is, he's still learning math just fine, and he's enjoying it!  The point is, like my son, you do not have to be born already able to do something, in order to enjoy growing in that knowledge.  And, the arts, just like math, are just another discipline, which if you love and appreciate, you can learn with the help of a teacher.

But there's more then just a teacher that is necessary for you to learn.  You have to meet the teacher half-way, with interest.  You absolutely have to be interested in learning something, to grow that knowledge.  If you have that, then you're ready.  Like most disciplines, it would be very hard to grow in knowledge without books, presentations, demonstrations, etc.  Imagine trying to learn accounting, or physics, or music without resources. So, why do so many people think it's normal for artists, either novices or masters, to grow in their craft, based on natural talent alone.  That's absolutely absurd!  Teachers and resources are essential!

Now that I have convinced you that that's absurd, and that people can grow if it's their hearts desire and they're willing to work with a teacher, where does one start?  I've found, in most aspects of my life, that it's best to just start anywhere if your goal is growth, and although sometimes helpful, having a full-fledge plan isn't always the most important part.  I've seen this with art a million times, just like I've see it with health.  Just like an artistic journey, a health journey is one of growth.  No matter whether I'm practicing eastern or western style medicine, there are things that work for a season, and then I need to find something else.  Journeys, artistic or otherwise, are like that.  Sometimes I like the Peloton, but in the spring and fall, I usually enjoy walking and enjoying nature.  During the summer, I love salad, but in the winter, I love soup.  Similarly, in an artistic journey, sometimes you'll want to take a class, and sometimes practice skills at your dining room table.  Sometimes, you'll want to study watercolor, and other times acrylic.  All of it helps, just keep keeping on!

I would argue, the best way to begin, is to begin, and do it in anyway you can, but recognize that you need a teacher.  Everyone does!  Even the greatest masters of art, take classes consistently and learn from other artists!  So, if the interest is there, then get yourself a teacher, because everyone who wants to, can learn art.