A Real Artist, Leonardo da Vinci    [02-05-2009] Some people are good at sports. And some people are good at painting or singing. I bet you are also talented in something. Well, how would it be like to be good at everything? This week, I would like to introduce you to a man who was a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, painter, architect, musician, and writer. Phew! That was long. He must have been a really busy man, don’t you think? His name is Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452 in Italy. No one has much information on his childhood. What we do know is that he was a child who was interested in everything. As a young boy, he was smart with numbers. He was also good with his hands. He could paint, sculpt and draw amazing designs. At the age of only 14, Leonardo became the student of Andrea di Cione, who was a very talented painter of his time. There, Leonardo began studying not only painting but also history, philosophy, science and even mechanics. Leonardo drew many beautiful paintings. But he is best-known for “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.” Leonardo was always ahead of his time. His paintings used new techniques. His ideas in painting were respected by everyone. As an artist, he was so good that he was compared to the legendary Michelangelo. Many say that Leonardo was a better engineer than a painter. It is hard to believe, but he was the first person who came up with designs for a tank, helicopter, and solar power! The surprising thing is, he lived when there was no electricity or machines! As Leonardo aged, he painted more amazing pieces. He even designed great buildings in Italy. Italians saw him as a genius and all his works were loved by people all over the world. On May 2, 1519, Leonardo passed away. But his artworks are still admired by people. This is because he was a real artist. Countless people still study the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)