A study of arms by Leonardo da Vinci is shown. Amazing that he had such an acute understanding of the human body over 500 years ago — and he thought to add shading. It is perfection. Image provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — “Painting is the finest of all the mechanical arts and the noblest. It creates more wonderous things than architecture or sculpture. The painter deploys shading and colour and marries them with the gift of precise observation. He must be the master of everything, for everything interests him. The painter is a philosopher of natural science, an architect, and a skillful dissector. In this is rooted the excellence of his portrayal of every part of the human body. This skill was some time ago developed and brought to near perfection by Leonardo da Vinci.” — Geronimo Cardano, 1551

We have an opportunity to get schooled on Leonardo da Vinci, Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, through a new two-part series. The series is being featured on PBS airing from 8-10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, and Tuesday, Nov. 19, and will have companion educational materials available for middle and high school students on the PBS Learning Media website.

Leonardo was born in 1452 and quickly escalated his talent in a variety of mediums. “The Book of Genius” by Tony Buzon lists the top 10 geniuses, including Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton. The No. 1 genius of all time listed is Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo’s thousands of manuscript pages, more than 6,000, express an extensive oeuvre unmatched. His breadth and depth of understanding of anatomy, innovation and engineering is unrivaled even now 572 years later.

Leonardo’s original teacher, Andrea del Verrocchi, recognized the genius to the point Verrocchi refused to use color any more once he recognized that Leonardo eclipsed his talent. Technical analysis of Verrocchi and Leonardo’s joint paintings using current-day forensic practices indicate an increasing percentage done solely by Leonardo. Leonardo had a propensity to paint using his hands and fingers. Since photography did not exist in the 1400s, Leonardo’s exquisite attention to detail and exacting precision allow us an accurate glimpse into the attire, hairstyles, architecture and landscape of the period.

Leonardo lived a longer than normal life for someone in 1519, and he passed away when 67 years old. Leonardo advanced art, science, medicine, architecture and many other fields far ahead of their time.

To Watch

“Leonardo Da Vinci”: Documentary directed by Ken and Sarah Burns and David McMahon airing Monday, Nov. 18, with part one, “The Discipline of Experience,” and Tuesday, Nov. 19, with part two, “The Painter-God.” Shows air from 8-10 p.m., with repeats both nights from 10 p.m. until midnight. Airing on PBS Michiana WNIT 34.1 and PBS Michiana WNIT2 34.2.

To Go

Lakeland Art Association. By Sunday, Dec. 1, the association will move from its old location on Winona Avenue in Warsaw to a new location at 119 S. Buffalo St., downtown Warsaw, pending final agreements. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, the annual members meeting will be held. Please consider becoming a member of this worthwhile organization to support the arts in our community.

To Read

“How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci” by Michael Gelb. You do not need to be an artist to gain the seven da Vincian principles: Curiosita, Dimonstrazione, Sensazione, Sfumato, Arte/Scienza, Corporalita and Connessione.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at [email protected].