What does an artist see that others do not?

I was on facebook today and I came across a post by ArtistNetwork. They asked: "As an artist, what do you notice that others don't?"  

I read some of the answers and they made sense to me. They mentioned light, shadows and things like that. I started to think about it and I gave my answer. However, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then I thought, what if Leonardo isn't talking about seeing shadows, light or even nature but seeing the truth in himself?
When I responded to the facebook post, I tried to think of my own personal struggles while learning how to be an artist. I hope you understand that I don't think that my answer is better than anyone elses of course. It was just from my own personal experience. What I said was, "it takes a lot of patients & courage among other things to be an artist... even very talented artist have a hard time with it. But to keep pushing fwd, to keep learning and wanting... i think that is where a true artist sets him/herself apart from others. But, that is not the truth, just my thoughts!" 
After I wrote that, I wondered if that is what Leonardo was talking about. Was he talking about the artist seeing the truth in himself as well as in art? To tell the truth, I haven't read that quote in its original context. I probably should and then maybe I would know but I am glad it took me to that thought. 
Just something to think about...     

Sometimes giving it away feels better than selling it!

I drew a Bull that I saw at the fair. I decided, because it was practice with my Pan Pastels, that the first person to love it on my fan page was going to get it. My lifetime friend put a heart up when I showed it off at its ugliest stage... 

I really expected people to really give me what for! But she loved it right away. 

I had just that night to work on it because I was getting ready to head to California for a summer trip and I wanted to make sure I had it finished before then. She still lives in the small town we grew up in and where I was going to go to visit my family.

I rolled it up and packed it in the car with the kids. 

I didn't get to see her unfortunately. We both were busy and couldn't cross paths in the time I was there. However, I left it with my family and she picked it up. When she thanked me and told me how much she loved it through email, it made me "so" happy. I felt like I was a very lucky person to have a friend like her. 

I am so thankful that I am able to paint and draw well enough that I can make people smile. 

I can't imagine what I would feel like if I couldn't feel like I do today. I don't want to know.