Topic 9

Da Vincian Principles

Leonardo da Vinci was the ultimate high achiever with simultaneous careers as a
world-class artist, architect, scientist, inventor, and engineer. In his spare time, he was also an
accomplished cook and played musical instruments to a professional level. Therefore, if
anybody can exemplify how to apply creativity and learning skills productively, da Vinci is
the consummate role model.
While it is true that Leonardo da Vinci was a genius, it is also true that most people
typically use only a fraction of their potential brain-power. Therefore, by analyzing how da
Vinci achieved so much, a system for personal and professional achievement can be
developed. In essence, this system has seven key principles (Gelb, M. 1998).

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the topic, you are expected to:

a. identify and discuss the seven da Vincian principles;

b. explain how these principles can be applied in art making.
Learning Content:

What are the seven da Vincian principles?

The seven Da Vincian Principles are the following:

1. Curiosita or curiosity, making his insatiable quest for knowledge and continuous
improvement.

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2. Dimostrazion or demonstration, testing knowledge through personal experience rather
than taking others’ reports for granted.

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3. Sensazione or sensation, continued refinement of the senses to sharpen observation and
response.

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4. Sfumato. A painting technique employed by Da Vinci to create an ethereal quality in his
work, showing his ability to embrace ambiguity and change.

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5. Arte/scienza. The balance between art and science or the science of art, which he
demonstrated in his whole-brain thinking.

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1. Coroporalita or “of the body”, representing his belief that a healthy mind requires a
healthy body and the importance of cultivating both fitness and poise.

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2. Connessione or connection, for his habit of weaving together multiple disciplines
around a single idea, recognizing and appreciating that all pheomena are connected.
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Assessment tasks:
1. How will you apply these principles in making art?

Essay Rubric

Areas of 4 3 2 1
Assessment

Ideas Presents ideas Presents ideas Ideas are too Ideas are vague
in an original in a consistent general or unclear
manner manner
Organization Strong and Organized Some No
organized beg/mid/end organization; organization;
beg/mid/end attempt at a lack
beg/mid/end beg/mid/end
Understanding Writing shows Writing shows Writing shows Writing shows
strong a clear adequate little
understanding understanding understanding understanding
Word Choice Sophisticated Nouns and Needs more Little or no use
use of nouns verbs make nouns and verbs of nouns and
and verbs make essay verbs
the essay very informative
informative
Sentence Sentence Sentence Sentence No sense of
Structure structure structure is structure is sentence
enhances evident; limited; structure or
meaning; flows sentences sentences need flow
throughout the mostly flow to flow
piece
Mechanics Few (if any) Few errors Several errors Numerous
errors errors

References
Gelb, Michael (1998). How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci
scienceofpeople.com/7-steps-to-genius/