I think the key (and I'm saying this as a fulltime programmer), is to learn how to see things as an artist. I had a fantastic art teacher my last year of high school, and for a month or two, I think I understood how to look at things in a different way. I have two drawings and a painting from those few months, and they're some of my favorite possessions.

I've since forgotten how I managed do make them, but I think that's largely from a lack of practice.