What things did leonardo da vinci do to improve his abilities?

Answer 1

In the early 1460s Leonardo moved to Florence and was appreticed to Andrea del Verrocchio. In Verrocchio's bottega(workshop) on the Via Ghibellina he would have improved his drawing and learned painting, sculpture in stone, bronze and wood, goldwork, silverwork, metalwork, pennant, heraldic and theatrical set production etc. He was taught about colour preparation and the effects of colour and during his lifetime he experimented with various painting techniques so as to improve his work. His invention of the sfumato method is testament to this as is the innovative but catestrophic new fresco method he used whilst painting The Last Supper in Milan.

Leonardo completed many studes for drapery (some of which I've handled) which improved his skill and understanding in this area. He also made studies of the natural world which included flowers, birds, human anatomy, animals, water and rock strata etc. He improved his understanding of the natural world by studying, drawing and attempting to explain natural phenomenon.

He also improved his understanding and abilities within science by experimentation. He acted very much like a scientist would today with a hypothesis and tests. He valued experience over heresay and theory every time.

Leonardo was with his master Verrocchio for approximately ten years until he became a master himself. Leonardo tended to move around geographically to where money and opportunity to study for himself and his own improvement led him. He began his life in Tuscany and travelled to Milan, Venice, Rome and ended his life in France.

Throughout his life though he learned through study, application and experience.

Don't hesitate to ask for futher information as my chosed area of resarch is Renaissance Art History and in particular, Leonardo da Vinci.

Answer 2

Artists of his generation spent decades studying under other artists, painting in backgrounds and mixing pigments and doing all the grunt work without getting any credit - learning all the time.

Da Vinci spent every moment possible drawing. He was a master at drawing long before he was a master painter. That's why his paintings contain so much life - he was taught to see things that others take for granted.

You can't paint if you can't draw, and you can't draw if you don't constantly practice. That's my motto, and I'm stickin' to it.

Answer 3

He drew and painted a lot. He studied and drew figures (live and cadavers), things and places extensively.

He had a questioning mind and so always found things to improve in his work and in his world (he laid plans for many inventions and engineeing projects). That kind if mind will always seek to improve not only his artistic abilities, but all the abilities of his mind and anything else in his power to improve.

Answer 4

Practice, practice, practice!