This is a controversy that has raged on for as long as people have existed, I think, and thus one of life's greatest and most intriguing questions. Some people say yes, and others say no. Personally, I believe passion and intention play a strong part. Look at Grandma Moses, who didn't even start painting until in her 80s and who became one of the greatest folk artists in American history. I don't think she had any training at all, just a desire to paint. Yet many great artists learned by studying first under other great artists. Who can say if they'd have been great without that specialized training? So I think it depends on the individual.