Researchers have identified some of these common characteristics (Clark, 1997; Coleman & Cross, 2001; Gardner, 1993; Gilliam et al., 1996; Goertzel & Goertzel, 1962; Gruber, 1982; Guilford, 1950; Khatena, 1992; Perkins, 1981; Piirto, 1999; Renzulli et al., 2002; Sternberg, 1988; Tannenbaum, 1983; Torrance, 1974):
* Has in-depth foundational knowledge.
* Prefers complexity and open-endedness.
* Contributes new concepts, methods, products, or performances.
* Has extreme fluency of thoughts and a large number of ideas.
* Is observant and pays attention to detail.
* Uses unique solutions to problems, improvises.
* Challenges existing ideas and products.
* Connects disparate ideas.
* Is constantly asking questions.
* Criticizes constructively.
* Is a risk taker, confident.
* Is attracted to the novel, complex, and mysterious.
* Is a nonconformist, uninhibited in expression, adventurous, able to resist group pressure.
* Accepts disorder.
* Tolerates ambiguity; delays closure.
* Is persistent and task committed in area of interest.
* Has a sense of humor.
* Is intellectually playful.
* Is aware of own creativity.
* Is emotionally sensitive; sensitive to beauty.
* Is intuitive.
* Enjoys alone time.
* Is reflective about personal creative process.
Artistic Area
In this area, gifted and talented students exhibit potential or demonstrated accomplishment in one or more artistic fields, such as art, drama, or music. Khatena (1992) suggested that “talented individuals in the performing and visual arts are bright, that creativity is a significant energizing factor in talent, and that specific to each art form exists highly specialized abilities that require the language and skills peculiar to that art form for their expression” (p. 147).
Researchers have identified general and specific characteristics for these artistic fields (Clark & Zimmerman, 1984; Gilliam et al., 1996; Piirto, 1999; Renzulli, Smith, White, Callahan, & Hartman, 1976; Khatena, 1988; 1992; Seashore, Leavis, & Saetveit, 1960):
General (demonstrated within artistic area)
* Chooses artistic activity for projects or during free time.
* Studies or practices artistic talent without being told.
* Strives to improve artistic skills.
* Demonstrates talent for an extended period of time.
* Concentrates for long periods of time on artistic projects.
* Seems to pick up skills in the arts with little or no instruction.
* Possesses high sensory sensitivity.
* Observes and shows interest in others who are proficient in the artistic skill.
* Uses the artistic area to communicate.
* Experiments in the artistic medium.
* Sets high standards in the artistic area.
* Demonstrates confidence in the artistic area.
Art
* Scribbles earlier than most.
* Initiates drawing.
* Incorporates large number of elements into artwork.
* Provides balance and order in artwork.
* Elaborates on ideas from other people as a starting point.
* Observes details in environment, artistic area.
* Has unique, unusual solutions to artistic problems.
* Uses unusual and interesting visual imagery.
* Is innovative in selecting and using art materials.
* Has a highly developed sense of movement and rhythm in drawings.
* Has a great feel for color.
* Varies organization of elements to suit different situations.
* Uses content that is interesting, tells a story, or expresses feelings.
* Produces many drawings.
Drama
* Is innovative and creative in performing.
* Easily tells a story or gives an account of some experience.
* Uses gestures or facial expressions to communicate feelings.
* Is adept at role-playing, improvising, acting out situations.
* Identifies with moods and motivations of characters.
* Handles body with ease and poise.
* Creates original plays or makes up plays from stories.
* Commands and holds the attention of a group when speaking.
* Evokes emotional responses from listeners.
* Communicates feelings through nonverbal means.
* Imitates others, uses voice to reflect changes of idea and mood.
Music
* Discriminates fine differences in tone, relative, or absolute pitch.
* Identifies a variety of sounds (background noise, singers, orchestral instruments).
* Varies loudness and softness.
* Remembers melodies and can produce them accurately.
* Plays an instrument or indicates a strong desire.
* Is sensitive to rhythm, changes body movements to tempo.
* Dances to tunes with different rhythms.
* Can complete a melody.
* Creates own melodies.
* Likes listening to music.
* Likes producing music with others.
