Aesthetic vs Artistic

[slimfandango]

What is the difference between these two words?

[Quizmonster]

The words are, in some sense, synonymous, the major difference being in usage. 'Aesthetic' means 'having a sense of beauty' and 'artistic' means 'having qualities of imagination and taste and the ability to express them'.

I would suggest that 'artistic' implies possession of a manual or similar skill, whereas aesthetic implies more of a mental ability. I like to think I am reasonably aesthetic...ie I love ballet, opera, beautiful scenery etc...but just try getting me to draw a face, for example! I am, in other words, utterly non-artistic.