Summertime Fun and Seaside Sand Art!

​There’s a New Artist in Town

​This summer Seaside, Oregon has a new artist in town.  Full disclosure - it’s my husband and he’s awesome.  He’s new to the game of sand art but he has picked it up quickly.  Less than two months ago, Kelly said to me “I want to rake the sand” and he did.  I must tell you I was a little confused at first about what he meant by rake the sand.  He found an image he thought would be fun to draw in the sand, then grabbed a rake, some string, and a stick and set out to create something fun for people to enjoy as they strolled down the beach.  He has a talent for taking the image off his phone or paper and translating it onto an 80- or 100-foot design in the sand.  Artists run in his family, though most of them are painters.  Kelly loves photography and as a civil engineer he also does design (roads, etc.) so he has an eye for drawing.

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Behind the Scene

​It all starts with checking the tide tables to determine when low tide will be.  About an hour or so before low tide he will then pack up his tools of the trade and head out.  Generally, his designs take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.  Sometimes we are rushing against time to get the pictures before the tide comes in and washes it away.  It has all been a learning curve with the timing and locations to get the most area to draw.
 
His gear now also includes an extension pole and Go Pro camera.  He mounts the Go Pro on the extension pole to take the final images.  At first, we used our iPhones but quickly realized we needed more height to do these drawings justice.  A drone has too many restrictions, so we have decided to use the extension pole.  It can extend up to 23 feet and his phone can control the Go Pro.  Who knows, we may end up with a drone someday.  Only time will tell.

What Kind of Sand Art

​A few of the images he’s done so far include a Goonies tribute, anchor, sea turtle, and a variety of mandalas.  One image in particular, the compass rose, caught the attention of Seaside, Oregon (Instagram at @SeasideOregon) and Clatsop News.  Clatsop News interviewed him on August 8th and the article was posted on the 9th with several images.  During the interview a passerby stopped to admire the work and was interviewed.  It was a lovely article and can be found here http://clatsopnews.com/2020/08/09/new-sand-artist-shares-his-gift-on-seaside-beach/
 
He’s not sure how long he’ll be able to work before the weather turns bad and keeps him inside.  He’s already got a few fall and holiday ideas.  You can message him on Instagram or comment below for requests!

Where to Find Him

You can usually find him on the weekends down between Avenue U and the Cove.  He does this for fun and to bring smiles to those who wander on by.  He’s always happy to have folks stop and take photos so don’t be shy!  You can follow him on Instagram at @seaside_sand_art or by searching social media for #SeasideSandArt.  If you share any of your photos, feel free to use #SeasideSandArt in your post.  We love seeing what you’ve captured!
 
We hope you enjoy your summer and have a chance to stop by Seaside, Oregon to check out his latest designs.
 
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