Tibetan Art is the synonym of the art of Tibet and the Himalayan kingdoms which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
To understand Tibetan Art correctly we need to show ourselves quite plainly that Buddhists believe the beginning of the journey to enlightenment commences with the possibility of realizing our Buddha nature. In contrast to other, especially western, styles of art Tibetan Art is entirely and exclusively religious. It goes beyond illustration, conceives figures and gives forms to beings that have no inherent, intrinsic form. Therefore, Tibetan art is an integral part of a spiritual practice and process. It conveys a common understanding rather than a subjective view on things.
It is mainly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism and Bon.
Mahayana Buddhism has its origin in the 4th century BC and is based upon the idea of bodhisattvas. These are human beings who forego their personal escape to Nirvana in order to assist others. This belief is nowadays shared by Tibetan Buddhism which is based upon Mahayana Buddhism. A very common bodhisattva depicted in Tibetan Art is the deity Chenrezig which is the thousand-armed saint with an eye in the middle of each hand.
Tantric Buddhism is also known as Vajrayana Buddhism. Its influence in Tibetan art can be seen in the practice of tantra and its visualization or imaginations during meditation of monks. Furthermore it is represented in meditating deities, mandalas and ritual implements.
Bon, finally, is an indigenous shamanistic religion of the Himalayan region which contributes a pantheon of local tutelary deities so Tibetan art. Very often you can find statues of Buddha paired with statues of the tutelary deity of the district, who usually appears angry or dark.
An example of Tibetan art is temple wall paintings. Usually it is about thangkas (scroll paintings), which means paintings on cotton cloth or silk. The colors used for that are made of minerals and vegetable dyes, which maintain their intensity. As they can be rolled up transportation and storage are very easy. This is useful for sanctifying tents where lamas hold teachings. But also many manuscripts are adorned with miniature paintings.
For sculpture, especially metal, clay, wood and stone are used. However, most portable images are made from metal. Usually these works of art are commissioned by monasteries of lay patrons and their execution generally follows strict canonical rules as to proportions, symbols and colors in accordance with artistic manuals. Another specialty of Tibetan Art is that artworks are largely anonymous, as Buddhists believe in working towards the elimination of the individual ego.
The form and function of the works of art are clear and well defined, as artists try to achieve correct proportion and balance while not improvising.