A good ramble, Michael. I once mentioned here that in high school I was the class artist -- though I had absolutely zero talent. I simply had the nerd's ability to learn anatomy, proportions and perspective.
Perversely, I, an arrogant little shit, nevertheless found satisfaction in seeing myself able to admit I had several classmates who were actually far more gifted than I. To my surprise, I didn't fight the realization. Instead it allowed me to accept I'd never be as good at visual art as I would need to be. And I could surrender to the feeling of delight and awe that the professional illustrators of that day could provide. What brought this to mind was your describing your use of shading. It probably seems second nature to you, but it was simply beyond me. Cerebrally I knew a subject needed it, and I would attack it cerebrally -- but I was just lousy at it. I've often found that people who have a gift find it difficult to grasp that others can't do it. Not surprisingly, my experience at trying so hard and failing at things all you visual artists on the forum do so well left me with a more acute appreciation than I would have had without that losing struggle. On the other hand, I know all you folks envy me for my very great personal charm. (Heh-heh!)
