Sunday, January 1, 2012

Master Class 4: Leonardo da Vinci


Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File and Techniques & Tools were the first two projects posted and links to all 23 posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The third project, Master Class, continues now...


Participants were asked : 'If you could take a class from one artist from anytime in history, including the present, who would it be and why?'
(Images and links have been added by The Altered Page)
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Chapter 4: Leonardo da Vinci

Jill Zaheer aptly describes the breadth and depth of da Vinci's reach. "I would love to take a class from Leonardo da Vinci. He integrates the technical aspects of mathematics with the physics in his paintings while still expressing emotion and depth within all that he drew, painted and created. Da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, geologist, anatomist, cartographer, botanist, writer and philosopher. To be able to interact and be a student of such a talented artist would be a life long gift."


Pam Carriker says "I would take a sketching class from Leonardo da Vinci. His techniques looks so simple but it's so detailed at the same time. I love the simple beauty of his sketches and could spend for hours on end practicing. It's something you would never be 'done' with, it would just go and on as you play with light, shading, and various drawing instruments."


David Hayes concurs. "It would have to be Leonardo da Vinci. Why? Why isn't that obvious! The man was a genius...to spend time with him discussing anything he wanted to would just be an amazing time. Even still, given my choice of topics I would want him to focus on his "process"...how he came up with his concepts...how he viewed life and translated this to his art. So much to learn from just this!"


Donna Joy feels that "it would be interesting to hear his thought process while he is creating something."


Stacey Merrill says "not only did he have an incredible eye, but he was a master of looking at things from a whole new perspective...and then coming up with a creative solution. His interests were so varied, you could be learning anything from figure drawing to mechanical engineering (+ everything in between) in his classroom."


For Lelainia N. Lloyd, "hands down, without a second of thought, I would have to say Leonardo da Vinci. Not only was the man a brilliant painter and sculptor, but he was also an architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, philosopher, humanist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer (Can you say "Polymath"boys and girls?). He was a true visionary and one of the most brilliant minds of all time. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to tap into his genius?"


Nelda Ream sums this all up very well. "The man was a genius. I would probably be so awestruck I couldn't say a word."
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Next "Master Class" will be held on Sunday, January 8th. 

12 comments:

MrCachet said...

He had an Eye - and the Hand to go with it. I have a rather large Leonardo which I haven't consulted in twenty years, primarily because I haven't done that much with the human figure. Now that I'm doing a bit of figure work (albeit Brownie bodies), this post reminds me that perhaps I should drag it out.

Thank you for this continuing series of insights into the minds and studios of us starving artists!

Maureen said...

Love Nelda's comment about being "awestruck".

Can we today cite anyone who compares to da Vinci, the ultimate polymath?

Continuing to enjoy this series. Thank you. Happy New Year!

Jo Murray said...

A genius indeed... in so many ways. I love visiting your links Seth, so much that I've ordered your book via Amazon. Hope it is soon available.

deb said...

Da Vinci made my short list too, I'd love to be able to "see" the way his contemporaries describe him as seeing - that he could see something and then draw it without seeing it again. I think we hardly ever really LOOK at anything. Thanks for getting eh new year off to such a thoughtful start

Beulah Bee said...

Such an interesting and skilled artist, and unquestionably one of the most fully achieved human beings that ever lived. His self-portrait is the only known likeness. He finished very few of his works and it has been said his talent strove so strongly for perfection and he was so demanding of himself, that he started numerous things but then cast them aside. As always, thanks Seth for a great post.

Artsnark said...

what fun! Thanks for this, Seth - can't wait to see the other answers to this insightful question.

Best wishes to you for a creative & prosperous 2012

jilly said...

Thanks so much Seth for allowing me to be a part of your Master Class. Just wish you could bring Leonardo back to life for all of us. Making this post is the next best thing! Love seeing who all my classmates are!!

nancy neva gagliano said...

late in answering that question. . .it'd be fun to take a class from seth apter! aha!
your posts will have to do as my horizons broaden on a snow laden day via your virtual class. thanx.

ArtPropelled said...

Nelda's awestruck remark rang a bell for me. I enjoyed the post as well as all the comments.

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

I would love to spend a week with Leonardo! Including nights in deep conversation...there is never enough time! Awe! Blessings, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

~*~Patty S said...

Leonardo and all of the artists featured here ROCK!

Thank you for these always inspiring posts Seth!

Sending every good and special wish for a fantastic 2012!
oxo

amanda said...

Oh, I have to concur with these folks.
And a happy new year to you, Seth!