iPad Makes A Big Splash With Artist David Hockney

While the lack of a physical keyboard might have put some users off the iPad, others have been won over by its touch interface, including British Artist David Hockney.

In an interview with the Evening Standard this week, Hockney revealed that he has created several new works on the device which he claims is very similar to a drawing pad.

“The iPad is far more subtle, in fact it really is like a drawing pad. They will sell by the million. It will change the way we look at everything from reading newspapers to the drawing pad,” he told the paper. “It can be anything you want it to be. This is the nearest we have got to seeing what I would call a universal machine.”

Hockney is also a fan of the iPhone, which he also used to create art with. However he says the iPad is a more versatile tool than its smaller relation. “What makes the iPad better than the iPhone is its larger size. The iPhone was more about the relationship between the hand and the ear whereas this is all about the hand and the eye and makes for far better co-ordination.”

Making A Big Splash

The British artist is considered as one of the founders of the Pop Art movement typified by works such as the Bigger Splash painted in 1967.

Apple has traditionally had a strong base of support in the creative industries. Other artistic supporters of Apple include writer and broadcaster Stephen Fry who recently interviewed Steve Jobs to coincide with the launch of the iPad.

Although the iPad is available from some re-direct services from the US, it won’t be formally launched in the UK until the end of this month. Apple confirmed last week that the iPad will be launched in the UK on 28 May, but UK customers will have to pay a tad more for the iPad than their US counterparts. For example, the entry-level 16GB Wi-Fi-only version will cost £429, and the 16GB 3G version will cost £529. This translates to a cost of £365 and £450 before VAT. US customers pay £340 (or $499) and £428 (or $629) for the same machines, before sales tax.