How did rembrandt and da Vinci get so good at drawing?

Question

The answer I'm hoping for would detail specific things done and work ethic and there way of thinking
that achieved their ability. 
I really don't expect to get an answer but it worth a try
because I would like to become an artist of a classical style. Thanks

Answer 1

Practice and good teachers.

Rembrandt Van Rijn painted as a child. When he realized that he wanted to get more serious about art, he spent three and a half years apprenticed to two talented painters. Presumably, he spent hours every day painting and learning during this time.

Leonardo Da Vinci also was apprenticed to a painter; at the age of 16 he went to work for an artist named Verrochio.

The key to success with painting is the same as the key to any other talent: find good teachers and practice, practice, practice. Apprenticeships aren't very widespread these days, but if you're serious about painting, find a school that specializes in the fine arts. And devote a lot of time to practicing your craft. That's the only way you'll ever et better.

Answer 2

Both Leonardo and Rembrandt possessed great native talent, as many people do today, but they both underwent the standard apprenticeship/training available in their eras. Leonardo studied with Andrea del Verrrochio; Rembrandt with a not-very-well-known artist for a few years and then Pieter Lastman for at least a short period of time. That is how young artists with ability learned before the establishment of art academies offering classes.

You do need to start out with talent, but talent also needs to be disciplined and guided by some training, and that is what apprenticeships were for: young artists working for and with established, older figures and learning along the way.

Today, you need to attend a good art school or study in the Studio Art department at a good university. And any artist I know (and I know quite a few) would tell you that you are ALWAYS learning and studying.