Thank you for attending this session as we explored how to reimagine a famous masterpiece through your own imagination! In class, you learned how to use simple shapes to sketch the Mona Lisa, then transform the image into something uniquely personal while exploring fascinating stories about Leonardo da Vinci and his creative process.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Start with Simple Shapes

Complex subjects become easier to draw when broken down into basic shapes such as ovals, lines, and triangles. This approach can be used for portraits, landscapes, and many other art projects.

Make Famous Art Your Own

Instead of copying a masterpiece exactly, use it as a starting point. Change the character, clothing, setting, colors, or story to create something that reflects your personality and interests.

Focus on the Process, Not Perfection

Creativity grows when you experiment, play, and allow yourself to make mistakes. Enjoying the act of creating is often more rewarding than achieving a perfect result.

Stay Curious Like Leonardo da Vinci

Da Vinci’s notebooks were filled with observations, sketches, questions, inventions, and ideas. Consider keeping a sketchbook or journal to capture your own creative thoughts and inspirations.

Tell a Story Through Your Art

Think about who your subject is, what they enjoy, and what they might be doing. Adding personal details, meaningful objects, or a unique background can turn a simple portrait into a memorable story.

Learn More: Leonardo & the Mona Lisa

The Louvre – Mona Lisa Official Page: Best place to start. Basic history, size, materials, and why it matters. Louvre: Mona Lisa
Royal Collection Trust – Leonardo’s Study of Anatomy: Excellent deep dive into his dissection work and anatomy drawings. Royal Collection: Leonardo’s Study of Anatomy
Royal Collection Trust – Top 10 Leonardo Drawings: A wonderful overview of his notebooks, sketches, and inventions. Royal Collection: Top 10 Leonardo Drawings
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Leonardo’s Anatomical Drawings: High-quality images and scholarly commentary. Met Museum: Anatomical Drawings
Google Arts & Culture – Leonardo’s Anatomical Studies: Beautiful interactive notebook pages. Easy to browse. Google Arts & Culture: Leonardo’s Anatomical Studies
Britannica – Leonardo da Vinci: Strong biography covering his family, apprenticeship, inventions, and art. Britannica: Leonardo da Vinci
Britannica – Mona Lisa: Clear overview of the painting’s history, mystery, and fame. Britannica: Mona Lisa
Smarthistory – Mona Lisa: Great art-history breakdown in plain language. Very beginner friendly. Smarthistory: Mona Lisa
Royal Collection YouTube – Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist: Short video with visuals of his anatomical work. Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist (Video)
History.com – The Theft of the Mona Lisa: Great storytelling on the 1911 theft. Easy and fun read. History.com: The Theft of the Mona Lisa