To be honest I'm not a great fan of Leonardo da Vinci's painting – for example, I find the Mona Lisa a bit insipid. But his drawings are quite another thing. They are strong and subtle at the same time, with genuine feeling for their subject. One of the many Leonardo drawings that I love is this study of a growing plant. It's both botanically accurate and aesthetically captivating, and I thought that it might do as an inspiration for an embroidery
Leonardo's flowers
I started with a very simple interpretation of a swirl of leaves with flowers growing out of the centre, but when I stitched it out, at first I made the same mistake that I often accuse Leonardo of making in his painting. I added a vague but complicated painted background which immediately reduced the impact of the plant. There's no contrast, no drama.
No, no – not right…
So I restitched it, and deciding that Leonardo really did know best I followed his example and turned the whole thing into a more monochromatic drawing
Leonardo knows best…
This is much better – simpler and easier and more rewarding to look at. The colours aren't quite right but that can be fixed. Maybe the Old Master knew a thing or two after all!
That’s very beautiful no matter what color you choose!
Very nice! But silly me, I love the yellow one with all of the color.
beautiful done love it
I love the second one much better. The leaves make the flowers stand out much better. Thanks for sharing your thinking with us.
Beautiful. I love the first too!
Dear Mia,This is Bryn, Noah Kahn and Vickie Leonard’s daughter (Max Kahn and Eleanor Coen’s granddaughter). I am in Scotland this week and I was wondering if you would consider emailing me? Your email bounced back I’m afraid.
Wow to both!!
I love your work! I want to discuss the Audubon bell pull with you. I’d like to buy the design if possible. Thank you.
Amazing job! Love it!
I agree. I love the drawings, and the engineering drawings, too, but I have never been especially moved by his paintings.
I love both your flower designs, but you’re right about the impact of the 2nd one. It has a stronger mood and grabs and holds my focus.