The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci Complete


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The mind of the painter must resemble a mirror, which always takes  
the colour of the object it reflects and is completely occupied by  
the images of as many objects as are in front of it. Therefore you  
must know, Oh Painter! that you cannot be a good one if you are not  
the universal master of representing by your art every kind of form  
produced by nature. And this you will not know how to do if you do  
not see them, and retain them in your mind. Hence as you go through  
the fields, turn your attention to various objects, and, in turn  
look now at this thing and now at that, collecting a store of divers  
facts selected and chosen from those of less value. But do not do  
like some painters who, when they are wearied with exercising their  
fancy dismiss their work from their thoughts and take exercise in  
walking for relaxation, but still keep fatigue in their mind which,  
though they see various objects [around them], does not apprehend  
them; but, even when they meet friends or relations and are saluted  
by them, although they see and hear them, take no more cognisance of  
them than if they had met so much empty air.  
Useful games and exercises (507. 508).  
5
07.  
OF GAMES TO BE PLAYED BY THOSE WHO DRAW.  
When, Oh draughtsmen, you desire to find relaxation in games you  
should always practise such things as may be of use in your  
360  


Page
358 359 360 361 362

Quick Jump
1 306 613 919 1225