Today was draw a copy of your favorite Master’s painting. I decided that since I was drawing… I should copy a drawing. And who draws better than Leonardo da Vinci? I have always loved his La Scapigliata which I believe translates to “disheveled,” but is also known under the creative title: “Head of a Woman.” Some people see it as a statement for feminism, as discussed in this article. As with most da Vinci works, it seems to be shrouded in mystery, a visual double entendre. It’s done so softly, and sweetly, and he seems to capture some secret she is smiling about… more so to me than Mona Lisa (blasphemy!), but what do I know?

While drawing, I was again reminded how drawing something really helps you to see it in a way you’ve never seen it before, since you have to look at it so closely for so long. Even though I am not happy with my finished product, I appreciate his work all the more. His use of light is so beautiful. I used this old package of Derwent 12 Sketching Collection: Mixed Drawing Materials, mostly the terracotta pencil and charcoal. According to this article, da Vinci probably used colored chalk.