Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand and appreciate the themes of ambition, destiny, and fate in the context of Rococo art, specifically through the lens of Aeneas and the works of Poussin. They will also gain hands-on experience with color palettes, light, and shadow techniques using watercolor.

Materials and Prep

• Watercolor paints (a set with a variety of colors)
• Watercolor paper (preferably 200gsm or higher)
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Water container for rinsing brushes
• Pencil for sketching
• Paper towels or cloth for cleaning brushes
• Reference images of Rococo art, Aeneas, and Cupid

Before the lesson, review the concepts of cool and warm color palettes, and familiarize yourself with the story of Aeneas from Virgil's "The Aeneid".

Activities

• Exploring Rococo Art:

  Begin with a discussion about Rococo art and its characteristics. Look at various pieces, focusing on the use of light, shadow, and color. Ask the student what emotions they feel when viewing these works.

• Watercolor Techniques:

  Introduce the student to watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. Have them practice creating gradients using a cool and warm palette, emphasizing how these techniques can create depth and emotion in their artwork.

• Creating an Ekphrasis:

  Guide the student to write a short ekphrasis—a piece of writing that describes a visual work of art. They can choose a scene from "The Aeneid" involving Aeneas and Cupid, focusing on ambition and destiny.

• Painting a Scene:

  Using the techniques learned, have the student create a watercolor painting inspired by Aeneas' journey, incorporating elements of light and shadow to convey emotion, such as passion or fate.

Talking Points

• "Rococo art is known for its ornate detail, light colors, and playful themes. How do you think these elements influence the viewer's emotions?"
• "In watercolor, the way we use cool and warm colors can drastically change the mood of our painting. Can you think of a scene where you might use these colors?"
• "Ekphrasis allows us to bridge the gap between visual art and literature. What emotions do you want to convey in your writing about Aeneas?"
• "When painting, consider how light and shadow can create depth. How can you use these elements to tell Aeneas' story?"