Even as a boy, Leonardo was great at painting. Once, he painted a dragon that looked so real, it scared his father, Ser Piero.
Florence was the richest and most exciting city in Italy. So Ser Piero took his 14-year-old son there to become an apprentice. As an apprentice, a young person worked with an expert. In about 13 years, he learned the trade. Leonardo apprenticed to one of the best artists of that time. His name was Andrea del Verrocchio.
As an artist’s apprentice, Leonardo had a lot to do. He ground pigments, made brushes, drew, painted, and sculpted. Leonardo worked hard and stood out as one of the best.
