Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand and articulate the themes of ambition, destiny, and passion in the context of Rococo art, particularly through the lens of Aeneas and Poussin's works. The student will also explore the use of color palettes in art, specifically cool and warm tones, and how they relate to light, shadow, and contour in watercolors.

Materials and Prep

• Watercolor paints (cool and warm palette)
• Watercolor paper
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Pencil and eraser
• Reference images of Rococo art, Aeneas, and Cupid cherubs
• Notebook for notes and sketches

Before the lesson, ensure the workspace is set up with all materials easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with the themes of Rococo art and the stories of Aeneas from Vergil's works to provide context during discussions.

Activities

• Art Exploration: The student will create a watercolor painting inspired by the Rococo style, focusing on the use of cool and warm palettes. They will select a scene involving Aeneas, Cupid, or cherubs, experimenting with light and shadow to create depth.
• Ekphrastic Writing: After completing their artwork, the student will write a short ekphrastic poem or description that captures the emotions and themes of their painting, focusing on ambition and destiny.
• Discussion and Reflection: The student will engage in a guided discussion about the themes of passion and fate in both their artwork and the stories of Aeneas. They will reflect on how these themes are represented visually and narratively.

Talking Points

• "Rococo art is known for its elaborate ornamentation and playful themes. How do you think this style reflects the emotions of the characters like Aeneas and Cupid?"
• "In your painting, how can you use warm colors to evoke feelings of passion and cool colors to represent calmness or destiny?"
• "Ekphrasis is a powerful tool in art. How does your writing enhance the viewer's understanding of your painting?"
• "Ambition and fate are central themes in Vergil's works. How do you see these themes influencing the decisions of characters like Aeneas?"
• "Consider how light and shadow can create mood in your artwork. What emotions do you want your audience to feel when they view your piece?"