Leonardo da Vinci significantly influenced Renaissance art primarily through his study of anatomy, which allowed him to create highly accurate and realistic representations of the human form. This emphasis on observation and the natural world was pivotal in transforming artistic practices during the Renaissance. His detailed anatomical studies and sketches contributed to a deeper understanding of human physiology, which artists of his time and later were able to draw upon.
While da Vinci did not invent fresco painting, he did utilize the technique in some of his works, such as "The Last Supper." His innovative approaches to composition, perspective, and the use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) also had a lasting impact on the art of the period.
Although he was known to have supported other artists and engaged with a wide range of disciplines, his most direct influence on Renaissance art came from his intensive studies and how they informed his artworks. This combination of scientific inquiry and artistry helped set a new standard for realism and expression in painting.