Trucks & Tractors

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Trucks & Tractors using painting techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal vertical diagonal), shape variation (geometric organic), and space (positive negative) inspired by Scottish Artist (2013-Present) Victoria Grant
• Use drawing techniques (observational, contour, outline) and design principles (composition repetition balance) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Transportation (carry something from one place to another by means of vehicle)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Two Tractors (2020) Victoria Grant

2. Read "Tractor Mac Colors On The Farm" by Billy Steers

3. Discussion Questions "What is used to keep a tractor from rolling on top of the operator? What is the primary purpose of a tractor? What does the latin word "trahere" mean? What are some benefits to a diesel engine in a tractor? What is the purpose of the clutch in a tractor? How were the earliest tractors powered to get their momentum moving forward? What is the proper names for the pull equipment attachments? What is used to attach the equipment to the tractor? Can you identify the hitch that became popular for tractors when it was pushed by Henry Ferguson? What type of torque is needed for tractors to work effectively?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" White Drawing Paper

2. Use geometric shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) to draw the exterior (outside) of the tractor composition

3. Use geometric shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) to draw the main parts (wheels, cab, headlights) of the Trucks & Tractors

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Trucks & Tractors for Assigned Table

2. New Holland (2020) Victoria Grant

3. Discussion Questions "Which farm animal was replaced by the tractor? If you need to dig  deep into the ground to further till the soil, what would you use? What is the name of the tractor attachment that uses a bucket connected to a hinged arm to excavate the land? A haul topper can be attached to a tractor to help with the production of which crop? How are tractor exhaust pipes designed? What is another name for the process of planting seeds? What is the purpose of a differential lock on a tractor, engaged by using a petal? When did the first major tractor hit the market?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use line types (contour, outline, continuous) to outline with neutral colors (black, grey, brown) the tractor composition 

2 Add decorative patterns (dots, stripes, swirls) to the positive space (tractor) of the tractor composition

3. Add line types (contour, outline, continuous) to the negative space (background) of the tractor compositions 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Trucks & Tractors for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (watercolor, paintbrushes, buckets)

Lesson Activities

1. Use warm colors (red orange yellow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the tractor composition

2. Use cool colors (blue green purple) to fill in the positive space (foreground) of the tractor composition

3. Add highlights (lightness, darkness) to the positives space (foreground) of the tractor composition

Artist Examples

Student Examples