iPad art: Cheating or the future?

Digital art isn’t real or as authentic and three-dimensional as traditional techniques.

Wait, people still believe that?!

I HAD to start with this bold statement because it’s something I need to address this morning (as I write this newsletter while also editing a reel about a new direction in my art, inspired by my favorite artist, David Hockney). And yes, this new direction is on the iPad - NOT paper. No, it’s not interiors this time, but I’ll spill the details toward the end 🙄

First, let’s talk about David Hockney - a legend whose art is innovative, versatile, bold, and free of limitations. His work has received the recognition it deserves, and honestly, we all have so much to learn from him.

In the 2000s, Hockney made a huge shift: he started drawing on the iPad. And this is after building an iconic career - you probably know his famous The Bigger Splash.



Why the iPad? Let’s dive into his reasons. For Hockney, discovering the iPad wasn’t just practical - it was a transformative step in his work, opening up a whole new, innovative direction for his art. And here’s the BEST part (which is SO true and SO relatable): no cleanup :D
All the brushes, colors, and canvases you could need are inside one device, the size of a sketchbook.

Honestly, doesn’t all the preparation and cleanup sometimes drain your creative energy? It did for me. Last year, when I started experimenting with abstract art, I fell in love with the chaotic strokes and storytelling. But the process? Ugh… The constant cost of canvases (mess one up? Bye-bye, €50), unpacking paints, and the battle of keeping my apartment clean while trying to be creative - it felt like I had to choose between my passion and my sanity.
Now, let me share a SUPER golden nugget from Hockney’s digital process:

While digital devices may lack the tactile texture of traditional mediums, the solution is to replace texture with bold colors, varied brush strokes, unique lines, and dynamic shadows. These elements can make your digital art feel just as dimensional and alive!

This is how I’ve incorporated it into my work:

Drawing on the iPad frees up your boldest, deepest ideas and allows you to bring them all to life. That’s why I’ve fully embraced iPad drawing, even after years of working on paper. And it’s also why I’m on a mission to help YOU fall in love with iPad art - just like me and David Hockney have.

To make that happen, I’m hosting a LIVE webinar with a step-by-step tutorial so you can experience the freedom of creating digitally. It’s free, and it’s THE place for innovation, stylish concepts (you know me), and marketing and AI tips for creatives.
>> Here’s the link to register. If you’ve already registered, I can’t wait to see you there - it’s the highlight of the week! 😍

Oh, and one more exciting thing - our custom ASDB planner for creatives is finalized (look at this beauty below!). Every new student joining the ASDB Academy will get a physical copy. It’s top-notch, printed in a small manufactory in southern Germany, and sent by me personally!



>> Get your planner here!

See you at the webinar!
Anna at @andshedrawsbig