Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the chemical reactions involved in candle flames and alcohol lamps, as well as the techniques of watercolor painting and photography, particularly focusing on capturing motion through long exposure and multiple exposure techniques. The student will also explore the artistic concepts behind Futurism, using Giacomo Balla's "Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash" as inspiration.

Materials and Prep

• Candle and candle holder
• Alcohol lamp
• Watercolor paint set
• Watercolor paper
• Camera (with long exposure capabilities)
• Tripod (if available)
• Notebook for observations and sketches
• Access to a well-ventilated area for safety

Before the lesson, ensure that the student understands basic safety precautions when working with flames and paints. Discuss the importance of ventilation and supervision.

Activities

• Candle Flame Experiment

  The student will observe the candle flame and the alcohol lamp, noting the differences in color and behavior. They will document their observations in their notebook, discussing the chemical reactions that occur when the wick is lit and how the fuel source affects the flame.

• Watercolor Painting Inspired by Futurism

  Using watercolor paints, the student will create a piece inspired by Balla's "Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash." They will focus on capturing movement and energy in their artwork, experimenting with different brush strokes and techniques to convey motion.

• Photography Session

  The student will set up a photography session using long exposure and multiple exposure techniques to capture the movement of a dog on a leash (or a similar object). They will experiment with different settings on their camera and document the results, discussing how the images reflect the dynamism found in Balla's artwork.

Talking Points

• "Let's start by observing the candle flame. What colors do you see? How does the flame change when you move closer or further away?"
• "In Balla's painting, movement is captured through dynamic lines and colors. How can we express motion in our own artwork?"
• "When we use long exposure in photography, we can capture the path of movement. What do you think happens to the image as we keep the shutter open longer?"
• "Futurism emphasizes speed and dynamism. How can we apply these concepts to both our painting and photography today?"
• "Safety is key when working with flames. What precautions should we take to ensure a safe learning environment?"