the ability to model: what is it??

All of the above and a great love for the subject matter.

I think the practical skills can all be learned.
Like a lot of other endeavors, you have to want to do it, so I'd say motivation.
Bruce

I believe that taking chances allows you to find out what works best for you. No two modelers are the same. Trying suggestions can help you discover your strengths & weaknesses. Exercise your weaknesses to strengthen your building ability. If we built the same kit, the same way, every time, we would learn nothing, and probably become bored with kit building.
Just a couple of thoughts.

Chris,
The talent for making models comes from many places.
The attributes you spoke of are a must, but artistic creativity, a mild case of obsessive cumpulsive disorder (how many Shermans have you built, Robert?), tenacity, willingness to learn new skills, hand eye co-ordination, ability to learn from mistakes and practice - all of these are vastly important.
But the ONE THING that sets us apart is simple. We just are.
It's like my wife trying to tell me that she never wants me to ride a motorcycle again. The thrill and desire to ride will never go away. Ever. It's a part of me. Nothing can change that......................It's the same with building models.
The only time I'll stop building models is when I'm blind or dead - all other obstacles can be overcome, with tenacity.
Cheers
LeeTree

I call it a labour of love. I think a good modeler is driven by the desire to improve, learn and create their best work every time they start a new project.

I agree with Shermanfreak (and everyone else for that matter, but Robert said it best)

QUOTE: Originally posted by shermanfreak All of the above and a great love for the subject matter.

Being a little crazy helps too.

I think, beyond anything, you have to have a true love for what you do. You can practice and practice but, if your heart isn't into it, you're just going through the motions. Even if you are not as good as you want to be, at the moment, it will come.

If you have this sort of comitment, you will want to gain a better knowledge of your hobby. I think you will retain more of what you learned and can better apply it in the future.

I have an old saying:

I'd rather be terrible at something I love, than good at something I hate!

I agree with Lee on all he said, especially the part about Robert's obsessive compulsive behavior , and the feeling of freedom on a motorcycle!

If it's something you love to do and practice, you will get better, other natual abilities will determine how much you improve andn to what level you reach. The main thing is to enjoy it though.

Eric

I think it's the material that does it for me. Those sequins and spaghetti straps and......uh what......mmmm. WRONG MODELING YOU FOOL!!!!! Sorry guys and girls got carried away again. It's taking these little plastic pieces and your hands and mind to create an object that you are proud to show.

me: my skillls at building and detailing are way better than average, and also at budget modeling. its just the finishing that grabs me by the throut and wont let go. ive tried almost everything, but nothing seems to work. the best finished right now is my f4ej phantom in which the paint is too thick and covers up the details :( otherwise my modeling is fine