ArtStudio for iPad

A powerful piece of artworking software that is sure to bring out your inner Picasso

• PRICE £3.49

• COMPANY LUCKY CLAN www.iphoneclan.com

As artists such as the renowned painter David Hockney have found, tablets are ideal for creating artworks on the fly, with several apps both for Apple's iOS and Android vying for your attention. Available for iPad is ArtStudio, which contains almost everything you could expect from a drawing program.

Tapping on the lower-right side of your screen reveals all the available tools. Brushes are on the left, while tapping and holding on a displayed colour will reveal a comprehensive colour chooser window.ArtStudio also allows you to work with up to six layers.

The app also features a series of filters, and lets you export work as a multi-layered PSD file so you can edit it further on a desktop computer. It's easy to learn how to use the app and there are many options and features from which to choose once you're familiar with the interface. However, some brushes and effects can take a while to load, which can be frustrating.

Verdict

ArtStudio is a nice application to use, and once you understand that you need to tap and hold on a tool to reveal its many customising options, you'll see just how powerful and versatile it can be.


PROS & CONS 
Many options and features; Easy to understand and pick up; Slow to load some brushes and effects.

OVERALL SCORE ★ ★★★

SPECIFICATIONS
Apple iPad; Requires iOS 3.2 or later; Option to save 20 brush presets; Includes 17 drawing lessons; Able to handle six layers