“A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of back because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.”
― Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci would no doubt have made an excellent photographer in addition to all his other talents.
I realized in my photos I usually think “light-to-dark” but of course Leonardo da Vinci is correct that all is “dark except where exposed by the light.” But, we need only look to look upward on a clear night to see the vast “blackness” of space broken only by a multitude of seemingly tiny light points, stars. Light before dark was an inconsequential mindset I realized I had perhaps because I usually strive to capture more light in my images than darkness. However, the darkness is intriguing, sexy and grants more freedom to the imagination. Giving the dark it’s due can make an image!
Then, of course, there are analogies which could be made with education, philosophy, etc…dark until exposed by light. One of those universal truths. Thinking out loud. ;-)
Very nice photo, Earl. If you haven’t read it, Walter Isaacson’s biography of Leonardo da Vinci is an excellent look at his genius.
Tom, thanks. Some time ago I read a Leonardo da Vinci biography…I can’t remember off the top of my head but I’ll check and see if it was Walter Isaacson’s. Fascinating story and life.
Amazing how photography has taught me to see in so many ways. That is an amazing image!
Thanks for the kind word on the image, Monte.
We photography the world according to our current filters and preferences and the images provide the raw material or tools for understanding our likes and dislikes, our priorities, ourselves, and how we view our current connection with the world around us. This process, the questioning, whether conscious effort or not, may slightly or not so slightly alter our perceptions and filters which are then put into effect (used) in future photography. “All my life’s a circle”…for what it’s worth, according to Earl. LOL :-)
What an excellent little mental exercise you have presented. I wonder what some of the great artistic masters of the past would have thought of photography as a creative medium. Would some have converted over or used it in some complementary way to their chosen craft? Would we have lost some artworks and gained others? What would have the results been like? Would art have evolved differently? My imagination doesn’t stretch that far, I am sorry to say, but I would like to think that Da Vinci would have made some rather amazing photographs :)
Cedric, to be honest, I hadn’t taken the thought that far, but I suppose there would be a reaction by the artistic masters to photography as being some type of evil magic and they would ignore it or even rail against it as being of any artistic value. Others might have experimented with it and who knows what could have evolved artistically. I like to think Da Vinci would have been keenly interested and would probably want to disassemble the camera to see how it’s made and what makes it function. Heck, he would probably then offer some design suggestions and diagrams. :-) Once his technical curiosity was satisfied I agree with your thoughts, “he would have made some rather amazing photographs!”
Thanks for your comment.
I have done a few photos where I started off from a black image – little did I know that da Vinci originated the concept! It is something I have been meaning to play with more.
They say great minds think alike…you and da Vinci! Thanks, Mark.:-)