I have no artistic training. However I do enjoy 4x5 photography and reforming iron. Will I ever win a contest in either medium, I doubt it. But they are both outlets of expression for me. My father told me something very valuable. "If you can see it in your mind you can build it."
Spanky was right in her assessment of the craft give me a sandwich and tell me when to go to bed.
I think you already have a grasp on the subject from all those posts before mine.