I think the strongest trait I've acquired through art is appreciation. Not just in scope, but the process of appreciation. A lot of us have mentioned patience, endurance, perseverance and I've grown to love that process in the appreciation of art (especially other peoples art). If you combine appreciation with patience it's amazing. There's so much more to see than a first impression. It is so comfortable with just letting it come in it own and over time. When I was young and would have to critique work it was much more pressure to instantly form an opinion and therefore academic. Or if you're in school and have to instantly critique. Your appreciation was very hurried. Not a high priority to just let the art soak.
And I see this 'stop and smell the roses' characteristic in my whole demeanor.
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old and don't like to (ok, am difficult to) be hurried. Moving along now.
-- mary ellen anderson