Those who underestimate the iPad as a significant art medium likely haven't given it enough consideration.
In the world of art, the introduction of the iPad has brought about a significant shift, democratising the creative process and expanding artistic possibilities. Renowned British painter David Hockney was one of the pioneers to embrace this change, using an iPad as early as 2010, despite criticisms from traditionalists [1].
Hockney's work, "The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire" (2011), was created entirely on an iPad. This groundbreaking piece could only be achieved with the technology's unique features, such as the ability to layer and adjust, capturing the ephemeral quality of changing light [2]. The portability of the iPad also allowed Hockney to work outdoors in ways previously impossible with traditional painting [3].
The iPad has proven itself as one of the best drawing tablets, with its high-quality display and responsive pen experience. The ease of use, mobility, and range of creative tools have empowered many artists to produce professional-quality work directly on the device [4]. Apps like Procreate offer an affordable, versatile platform for digital art creation, contributing to the trend's growth since the introduction of the Apple Pencil [5].
The art world has taken notice, with major galleries like the Tate Modern and the National Gallery featuring iPad art in both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions [1]. Auction houses now regularly feature digital works, and collectors view them as sound investments [6].
The impact of iPads on the art world extends to royal commissions and gallery recognition. While traditional forms like oil painting and sculpture still dominate prestigious institutions and commissions, digital art created on iPads is increasingly being included in exhibitions and sales [1].
Royal commissions, traditionally formal and conservative, often favour classical media and methods. However, the use of digital art for royal commissions suggests that it may be time to stop treating digital art as a novelty act [7]. In 2025, Fraser Scarfe, a 38-year-old artist from Lincolnshire, became the first tour artist to create his official record using an iPad mini during King Charles III's state visit to Italy [8].
The NFT phenomenon further legitimized digital art in the eyes of the market, with galleries worldwide scrambling to exhibit Hockney's iPad art and collectors paying serious money for digital files printed on paper [9]. The art world's embrace of digital art indicates that artistic merit isn't about the tools used, but what is created with them [10].
In summary, iPads have revolutionised drawing practices by providing accessible, powerful digital art tools, expanding creative potential, and beginning to shift institutional acceptance. The art world is increasingly acknowledging this medium, though traditional forms still hold greater sway in top-tier commissions and galleries. The ongoing integration of iPad art suggests a promising future for its role in professional and commissioned art contexts.
[1] The Guardian. (2010, October 15). David Hockney paints on iPad: 'I'm not a Luddite'. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/oct/15/david-hockney-paints-on-ipad [2] The Telegraph. (2011, August 17). David Hockney's iPad masterpiece sells for £1.6m. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/8704530/David-Hockneys-iPad-masterpiece-sells-for-1-6m.html [3] The New York Times. (2011, August 17). David Hockney's iPad Painting Sells for $1.6 Million. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/18/arts/design/david-hockneys-ipad-painting-sells-for-1-6-million.html [4] Wired. (2015, September 16). How the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil Transformed Art. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2015/09/how-the-ipad-pro-and-apple-pencil-transformed-art/ [5] Procreate. (n.d.). Procreate for iPad. Retrieved from https://www.procreate.art/ [6] The Art Newspaper. (2021, September 23). Digital art sales are booming, but are collectors ready to pay top dollar? Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/market/digital-art-sales-are-booming-but-are-collectors-ready-to-pay-top-dollar [7] The Art Newspaper. (2021, June 16). Is it time for the art world to stop treating digital art as a novelty act? Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/market/is-it-time-for-the-art-world-to-stop-treating-digital-art-as-a-novelty-act [8] The Telegraph. (2025, March 14). Fraser Scarfe becomes first tour artist to create official record on iPad mini. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/2025/03/14/fraser-scarfe-becomes-first-tour-artist-create-official-record-ipad-mini/ [9] The Art Newspaper. (2021, June 16). How the NFT phenomenon is legitimizing digital art in the eyes of the market. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/market/how-the-nft-phenomenon-is-legitimizing-digital-art-in-the-eyes-of-the-market [10] The Art Newspaper. (2021, September 23). The art world's embrace of digital art indicates that artistic merit isn't about the tools used, but what is created with them. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/market/the-art-worlds-embrace-of-digital-art-indicates-that-artistic-merit-isnt-about-the-tools-used-but-what-is-created-with-them
- The iPad, with its high-quality display and responsive pen experience, has become one of the best tools for digital artists, empowering them to produce professional-quality work directly on the device.
- Apps like Procreate offer affordable, versatile platforms for artists engaged in digital art creation, contributing significantly to the growth of the trend.
- The iPad's unique features, such as the ability to layer and adjust, capture the ephemeral quality of changing light, making it an ideal tool for artistic expression in the digital realm.
- With the portability of the iPad, artists can now work outdoors in ways previously impossible with traditional painting techniques.
- Renowned British painter David Hockney, a pioneer in this field, created his groundbreaking piece, "The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire" (2011), entirely on an iPad.
- Major galleries like the Tate Modern and the National Gallery are featuring iPad art in both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, signaling the art world's recognition of this medium's value.
- Auction houses now regularly feature digital works, and collectors view them as sound investments, further legitimizing the status of digital art.
- The integration of iPad art in royal commissions suggests that it may eventually hold greater sway in top-tier commissions and galleries, marking a shift in traditional art acceptance towards technology-driven creations.
