Sand Paintings

 Sand Paintings - By the 3 /4  Grade Artists

Sand Painting is an ancient art form that has been practiced for thousands of years in several different cultures. Sand can be used to create a temporary work of art or something permanent that can be displayed for many years.

Sand Paintings are works of art that use sand rather than paint for its color.

Student artists developed a drawn image on a canvas. They then carefully mixed and applied colored sand, section by section with glue. 

Tibetan Sand Mandalas

Sand painting is a very popular art form in Tibetan culture.  Tibetan Monks will work together to create beautiful and intricate mandalas (circular designs) out of colored sand.  They often take weeks to finish.  Once they are completed, they bring them outdoors where the wind blows it all away.  It's meant to symbolize how temporary everything in life is.

Tibetan Sand Mandalas

Close up of sand being applied 

Native American Sand Paintings Many Native American sand paintings are not permanent and are not intended to hang on a wall or in a gallery.  They are created on the ground and also incorporate other natural objects such as stones, sticks and shells.  Native American artists will often create these temporary works of art as a healing ritual.

Tim Bengel - Contemporary Sand Artist

Tim Bengel is a young German artist who creates super realistic paintings out of sand and gold leaf.  His finished creations are very impressive, but he has also gained fame by creating exciting videos of his process. He dumps off mounds of applied sand to reveal amazing images beneath!

Ilana Yahav - Contemporary Sand Artist

Ilana Yahav is an Israeli artist who specializes in sand creations.  She combines sand, light and music to create interactive art performances.  Her work is really unique and beautiful!