Sand Canvas

While humankind has surely been creating artworks out of sand since long before we have been able to preserve any trace of their fleeting existence, few sand artists can have worked on such a scale as Peter Donnelly.

Sunday morning when the tide goes out, Donnelly cycles down to the beach below New Brighton pier in New Zealand, with a rake and stick for paintbrushes and creates.

Elaborate patterns integrate seamlessly with more recognisable forms as Donnelly's works come to life beneath his dancing feet and the deft movements of rake and stick.

Peter Donnelly has been the subject of an acclaimed documentary, directed by Valerie Reid, extracts from which can be seen below.