Tablets for artists

NOT LONG AGO, ANALYSTS WERE WRITING OFF TABLET COMPUTERS AS A PASSING FAD, BUT THEY HAVE SURGED BACK INTO POPULAR FAVOUR WITH A NEW GENERATION OF BIG-SCREEN SLATES WITH STYLUSES THAT CAN RECREATE THE EFFECTS OF A PEN, CRAYON OR BRUSH WITH UNCANNY ACCURACY. ARTISTS LOVE THEM

Words: CHRIS PARTRIDGE

TALKING TABLETS, Samsung Galaxy Tab Ultra. Its 14.6in screen is as big as many laptops, but with half the weight. Its stylus, the S-pen, responds to pressure and tilt that can, in a suitable app, create an endless variety of types of stroke. And for people who find writing on the glossy screen of a tablet a bit too slippy, Samsung produces a plastic overlay that aims to reproduce the feel of real paper. If that is not enough, an artist’s edition of the S-pen with a greater range of tilt and pressure is also available.

Obviously, Samsung takes the artist market seriously. And Lenovo has also launched a mega-tablet with the Tab Extreme, which comes with the widely-admired Precision Pen 3, although this seems not to have arrived in Europe or the UK just yet. Check FNAC and Worten for expected delivery dates.

And Apple maintains its presence with the iPad Pro, and though the screen is not quite so big, the huge variety of art apps available on the App Store makes this a popular choice.

Power tools

Tablets with styluses essentially serve as digital canvases. Artists can draw, paint, and sketch directly on the tablet’s screen, replicating the feeling of traditional media. With pressure sensitivity, styluses allow for various line weights and shading effects, making it easier to create intricate and expressive artwork.

One of the primary advantages of using tablets for art is their portability, packing a whole studio in a slim and lightweight device. Whether it’s a café, park, or a remote location, artists are no longer confined to a stationary setup.

But it’s not just the hardware that makes a tablet such a powerful tool for art. Tablet apps offer an extensive range of colours and brushes that traditional media can’t match. Artists can create custom palettes, experiment with different brush types, and even simulate various textures. This vast palette allows for limitless creativity, without the need to carry around physical art supplies.

Mistakes are part of the creative process, but tablets with styluses make it easy to correct them. Artists can simply undo or erase without leaving any visible marks, which can be a game-changer for those seeking perfection in their work. Moreover, digital art software provides layers, allowing artists to work on different elements of their composition separately and make adjustments without affecting the entire piece.

Traditional art mediums often create a mess, whether it’s splattered paint, pencil shavings, or ink smudges. Tablets with styluses eliminate the need for cleanup, making them a clean and tidy option for artists. This is especially beneficial for people who sketch in public areas or on the kitchen table at home.

Digital art accelerates the artistic process. Artists can work more quickly, experiment more freely, and develop ideas without wasting materials.

Tablets enable artists to share their work instantly with a global audience through the internet. Social media, art communities, and portfolio websites allow artists to showcase their creations to the world. Additionally, tablets make collaboration easier as artists can share files digitally, allowing for joint creative projects regardless of geographical distances.

Traditional art supplies can be harmful to the environment due to the production and disposal of materials. Using digital tablets and styluses reduces the environmental impact, as there is no need for paper, paints, and other potentially toxic materials.

Digital art is more accessible to a wider range of individuals. It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional art supplies, as tablets offer a one-time investment, while traditional art materials can incur ongoing expenses. Additionally, digital art can be more accommodating for people with physical disabilities, as it allows for customizable tools and easier fine-tuned control.

Digital art can be easily preserved and backed up. Traditional artwork can degrade over time or get damaged, but digital art can be stored indefinitely without losing quality. This is crucial for artists who want to ensure the longevity of their work.

Artists can receive immediate feedback and critique on their work through online platforms and communities. This can be invaluable for growth and improvement, as artists can learn from a diverse range of perspectives and opinions, though social media critics can be harsh. One commenter said of my work: “Your art is sh*t” which I thought was forthright but not really helpful.

But one of the most exciting developments being fuelled by tablet art is that artists are collaborating with technology in innovative ways. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, for example, allow artists to create immersive and interactive art forms that weren't feasible with traditional media.

Tablets are not limited to one type of art. Artists can switch between various styles and mediums, from ‘old master’ to manga quickly. Whether they want to create realistic illustrations, abstract paintings, or intricate digital sculptures, tablets with styluses accommodate a broad spectrum of artistic expressions.

The introduction of tablets with styluses has led to the emergence of new art forms, such as digital painting and interactive art. Artists are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with these tools, resulting in exciting new possibilities and experiences for art enthusiasts.