Looking a little more deeply into the Sfumato principle of da Vinci, I want to explore the point Mr. Gelb makes about "Incubation and Intuition." Here's what he says.
"Great musicians claim that their art comes to life in the spaces between the notes. Master sculptors point to the space around their work as the secret of it's power. Similarly, the spaces between your conscious efforts provide a key to creative living and problem solving. These spaces allow perceptions, ideas and feelings to incubate."
"Almost everyone has experienced 'sleeping on a problem' and awakening with a solution. But incubation is most effective when you alternate, as Leonardo did, between periods of intense, focused work and rest. Without periods of intense, focused work, there is nothing to be incubated."
Have you ever gotten stuck on an idea? You work and work and think and get input from others It seems like the more you press, the further away the solution moves. It's kind of like visiting a friend who has a cat. The more you try to lure the little moggie to give it a little pet, the further away it moves. Have you ever noticed that the only people the cat seeks out are those that ignore it or who hate cats? They always know. Ideas can be just like that.
Work hard, go after the ideas, the solutions but don't be afraid to walk away and give it time to breathe, to expand on its own to a place where you can grab hold of it and own it.
(Have a look at the book, "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" for exercises that will help you grow in this principle.)
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