Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will gain an understanding of the Rococo art style, particularly through the lens of Aeneas Poussin's depiction of Cupid and cherubs. The student will explore the use of color palettes, light, shadow, and contour in watercolor painting, while also engaging with the themes of Vergil's "Aeneid." The student will create a watercolor piece inspired by these concepts.

Materials and Prep

• Watercolor paints
• Watercolor paper
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Palette for mixing colors
• Water container for rinsing brushes
• Paper towels for blotting
• Pencil for sketching
• Reference images of Rococo art, Aeneas, Cupid, and cherubs

Before the lesson, gather reference images that showcase Rococo art and the specific themes of light and shadow. Familiarize yourself with the basics of watercolor techniques, including how to create a gradient and blend colors.

Activities

• Exploring Rococo Art

  Begin by discussing the Rococo art style, focusing on its characteristics such as ornate details, playful themes, and the use of light colors. Look at various examples, particularly works by artists like Aeneas Poussin, and identify elements that stand out.

• Color Palette Exploration

  Introduce the concept of cool and warm color palettes. Have the student create a color wheel with their watercolors, identifying which colors belong to the cool and warm categories. Discuss how these colors can evoke different emotions and atmospheres in art.

• Creating a Watercolor Piece

  The student will sketch a scene inspired by the themes of love and beauty found in Vergil's "Aeneid," incorporating elements like Cupid and cherubs. Using the techniques learned, they will paint their scene, focusing on the use of light, shadow, and contour to create depth.

• Ekphrasis Writing

  After completing the painting, the student will write an ekphrastic poem or description about their artwork. This will help them articulate their artistic choices and connect their visual piece with literary themes from Vergil's work.

Talking Points

• "Rococo art is known for its playful themes and intricate details. Can you spot these features in our reference images?"
• "Let's discuss how cool colors like blues and greens can create a calming effect, while warm colors like reds and yellows can evoke excitement and passion."
• "As we paint, think about how light and shadow can change the mood of your artwork. How can you use these elements to make Cupid and the cherubs more dynamic?"
• "Ekphrasis allows us to express our thoughts and feelings about art. How does your painting connect to the themes of love and adventure in the 'Aeneid'?"