Leonardo Da Vinci's Practice Method For Artists: OBSERVATION & MEMORY.

Leonardo da Vinci believed that one of the most important skills for an artist is the ability to observe people deeply and remember what they see.

This method trains the eye and the mind together, helping artists develop:

• better understanding of human anatomy
• more natural poses and gestures
• stronger visual memory
• more expressive and живые drawings

In this article, I will share both Leonardo’s principles and my personal experience practicing this method in real life.

Leonardo’s method is based on simple but powerful habits:

• Observe people constantly in everyday life
• Study natural gestures and movements
• Notice how the body balances and supports itself
• Analyze the relationship between different body parts
• Pay attention to facial expressions and character
• Study people in real environments, not only in studio poses

The key idea is to train your eye to see more than just the surface.

This method works best when it becomes part of your daily routine.

You can practice it anywhere:

• on the street
• in a café
• at the beach
• in public transport

The goal is not just to look — but to study and understand what you see.

Try to notice:

• how weight is distributed in a pose
• how people stand, sit, and move
• subtle differences in posture
• natural asymmetry in the body

I tried this method by going to the beach with a notebook and pencil.

At first, I was just looking at people, but gradually my perception changed. I began to notice:

• how the body behaves in a relaxed state
• how different poses create natural beauty
• how even older people have incredible expressive forms
• how hands and legs can look very elegant in simple positions

What surprised me most was that I started to see beauty in aging bodies.

Instead of focusing only on ideal proportions, I noticed:

• texture of the skin
• complexity of forms
• unique movement patterns

This changed my perception as an artist.

Leonardo emphasized not only observation, but also memory training.

A powerful exercise is:

1. Observe a person carefully
2. Select an interesting pose or gesture
3. Memorize it as clearly as possible
4. Later, try to draw it from memory
5. Compare and correct your mistakes

This process trains both:

• visual memory
• analytical thinking

This practice works like a form of visual meditation.

It helps you:

• slow down and really see the world
• develop a deeper understanding of form
• improve your artistic intuition
• build a personal visual library

Over time, you will notice that:

• your drawings become more natural
• your compositions improve
• your understanding of the human body deepens

To make this practice effective:

• Carry a sketchbook everywhere
• Do quick sketches (1–2 minutes each)
• Focus on structure, not details
• Practice daily, even for a short time
• Do not judge your drawings — just observe and learn

It is best to practice every day, even for a few minutes. Consistency is more important than duration.

No. Sometimes just observing is enough. Drawing helps reinforce memory, but observation alone is already powerful.

Real people show natural movement, subtle shifts in balance, and more complex gestures that are harder to capture in photos.

Start with basic shapes, body balance, and simple poses. Do not focus on details at the beginning.

Leonardo da Vinci’s method is not just a drawing technique — it is a way of seeing the world.

By observing people, studying movement, and practicing memory, you develop a deeper connection with visual reality.

This practice can transform not only your art, but also your perception of beauty itself.

Sketchbook

A medium-size sketchbook with good-quality paper is ideal for quick sketches and daily practice.

Graphite Pencils

Use a range of pencils (HB, 2B, 4B) to explore different line weights and shading.

Charcoal Pencils

Great for expressive and bold sketches with strong contrast.

Eraser (Kneaded & Standard)

Useful for correcting mistakes and refining shapes.

Portable Drawing Board or Tablet

Helpful when drawing outdoors, for stability and comfort.

Fine Liners / Ink Pens

Perfect for line studies and confident, clean sketches.

Blending Tools (optional)

For soft shading and transitions.

Leonardo da Vinci was not only studying ideal beauty — he was also fascinated by unusual faces and expressive features.

He created sketches that are often described as grotesque or exaggerated portraits, exploring extreme facial expressions and unique character types.

These drawings show that observation is not only about perfection — but also about diversity, humor, and human nature.

👉 In a way, Leonardo teaches us to look at people with curiosity —

not just to study proportions, but to understand character, emotion, and individuality.

I also recommend the The Drawing Database — a free educational YouTube channel with structured, college-level drawing lessons.

It starts from the basics (simple forms) and gradually moves to more complex topics. The videos are designed for active learning, so you can draw along and practice in real time.

To better understand Leonardo da Vinci’s approach to the human body, you can watch this insightful video exploring his studies in anatomy and medicine: