Beyond natural talent, how can ordinary people cultivate an “observant eye” (aesthetic sense)?

Chen Danqing mentioned in “The Part” that “The eye for observation cannot be learned or taught.”

Perhaps talent is a gift bestowed by heaven. Then how can ordinary people cultivate their own aesthetic discernment through self-cultivation after birth?

Historical practice
Acknowledging the existence of talent does not mean denying the value of postnatal efforts. Talent cannot be replicated, but aesthetic perception can be enhanced through systematic training. Zhao Mengfu practiced copying the “Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion” for thousands of times until he finally understood the spirit of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. Wang Ximeng used the gradual change of stone blue to create the spatial sense of “A Thousand Miles Landscape Scroll”, and these aesthetics are not exclusive to geniuses.

Aesthetic Training
Just as the Japanese designer Kenya Harapointed out in “Designing in Design”, true aesthetic training is “re-examining the things that are taken for granted”. This active observation awareness is precisely the key for ordinary people to break through the limitations of their natural talents.

Aesthetic Growth
Chen Danqing’s insightful words remind us that talent is the spark that ignites creativity, but aesthetic perception is not the exclusive domain of talent. While acknowledging the differences in nature, we should also believe that aesthetic awakening is a lifelong cognitive practice. Anyone who is willing to pause and gaze can gain their own unique aesthetic understanding in the course of time.