Using iPad for reference - frame color

llawrence · #1 05-07-2011, 07:09 PM

Crossposted to Computers & Technology and Color Theory forums.

Periodically as I work, I will photograph my painting and take it into Photoshop, there to work on it digitally as a comp until I'm satisfied with a direction. Then I'll print up the digital comp and use it as reference for the next stage of the painting. This can save a lot of paint and frustration.

To cut down on long-term ink cartridge costs, as well as do away with some of the limitations of dealing with poor-quality printups as reference, I've decided to invest in an iPad and paint directly from the comp image on the screen. I'll be able to do the initial drawing and block-in from any photo reference this way as well. Here's my question: with the frame around the screen area available in only two colors, which would be better for viewing the colors of the comp/photo ref - black or white?

The white border approximates the (untoned) canvas color. Also, anyone who's worked from printed reference is probably used to having some white around the borders, so this wouldn't be much of a change; however, on the iPad there's just more of it. And I thought the black might somewhat give an impression of the work as it will eventually appear in an actual art frame; however, it is rather dramatic-looking, and I wouldn't want to find it a distraction while working. So far I'm leaning toward the black, but I'm not certain:

What say ye?

robertsloan2 · #2 05-09-2011, 07:46 PM

I'd go for the black. Giving an impression of how it'd look framed would be less distracting to me than the white. The white is going to be some extreme contrast with many images including the one you posted as an example.

It's a pretty cool idea for something to do with an iPad. I usually work at my table where I've got my laptop, so I post references as my wallpaper sometimes or open them in Gimp, full screen the window and view to window size. But the iPad could be set up farther from the computer and you don't need the rest of the computer's features just to see a reference. I think you can also zoom in on part of it with the iPad if I'm not mistaken.

Katherine T · #3 05-10-2011, 03:08 PM

The iPad is brilliant for providing you with backlit high quality colour images as reference photos. Mine's black and I actually don't notice the colour at all

Shawn Qui-Qui · #4 05-10-2011, 03:33 PM

I wish I had that kind of money. I am still working from a black and white printer. But black is what I would do unless they have a neutral grey or something like that.

llawrence · #5 05-11-2011, 11:04 AM

Okay, I think the black will be a good choice. After a closer look at finances, this will be a bit tough for me to swing this year; but I'm going to try, as I think it will really help out and even save money in the long.

I appreciate the help, thanks all!

robertsloan2 · #6 05-11-2011, 03:04 PM

This thread is making it tempting, but I need a new camera in that price range more since I usually work at my table with my wide screen laptop handy.

Of course the iPad also has the advantage that I can get an app which would allow my cat to create digital paintings too.

http://www.ipadgameforcats.com/paint/index.html

There is no technology so expensive, so groundbreaking, so advanced or sophisticated that someone won't find a way to turn it into a cat toy. Tells me who the real secret masters of civilization are!

joolee · #7 11-04-2011, 05:54 AM

I have totally abandoned printouts and my computer screen and I now always use my i-pad 2 for reference photos. It is absolutely brilliant. I hold my paintbrush in one hand and the i-pad in the other, as it is so light even with the case on. The images are crystal clear and you can zoom in at will. I have the black version, but I really don't notice the border at all. Do make sure you use a screen protector though. I have to give mine a wipe down on a regular basis as I'm a messy painter!!

Jools

mlou_jhu · #8 11-27-2011, 10:59 AM

I'd go with the black.

I've been using my iPad since I need to invest in a color printer :-). Fortunately I was able to offset (& justify to myself) part of the $$$ since the company I work for has a computer benefit every 2 yrs that I had to use... too bad the iPad 2 was released 2 months after my purchase!

Silly me, I didn't wise up to the idea of using another easel for the iPad until last week (before, was using a chair). That has made a world of difference in helping to cut the glare from the studio lights!

@Robert: Hmm my cat would probably like painting with the iPad :-> she seems artistically inclined in that she'll play the piano at odd times of the day

llawrence · #9 11-29-2011, 12:28 AM

Thanks for the replies... I've been holding off on the iPad purchase, call it a case of the bank conscience uglies. Still plan to get one for this purpose - though I have to admit the Nook Color is starting to look pretty tempting at $175 w/ BN membership discount. It's only seven inches, but it's an excellent quality screen, and so much cheaper. Budget talks...

If all one needed were a black and white display, it'd be the iRiver Story HD ereader for $99. Crisp high-res display, and essentially no battery use. Possibilities...

Krisdesign · #10 04-03-2012, 04:16 PM

I personally have the black iPad 2, mainly because the white draws too much attention to the borders and not the image itself.
One of the negative things about the black model, is that if you are in a sunny country like me It can overheat if exposed to sunlight for more than half an hour

scribblet · #11 04-23-2012, 07:40 PM

Interesting, I just bought a Toshiba Thrive as it was a bit cheaper than the Ipad and came with built in USB ports and so on. I just loaded some pictures onto it that intend to use as reference rather than printing them out, I'm taking it with me to the art club tomorrow. It's at the library so I can get wifi but don't need it to look at the pics.

The Thrive only came in black, so no choice.

I found the easiest way to load them on was to email them to myself, then pick them up on the tablet.

darkwolf29 · #12 05-07-2012, 01:42 PM

Has anyone purchased the new iPad3?

I have a 2 and will not be upgrading until the 4 comes out. But, I do like the idea of using it for this purpose.

These are a great set of ideas.

elolaugesen · #13 07-15-2012, 11:43 AM

When using the iPad for displaying your paintings professionally you should try to colour manage the screen just like you would any other monitor otherwise they will look different all the time. I use DATACOLOR's Spyder4Pro

it works

suzuri · #14 07-16-2012, 06:29 PM

I have an iPad1 (black) and an iPad2 (white). From an aesthetics standpoint, I generally prefer the black one. Since the iPad2 is a work device, I'm not gonna complain that it's white (but when I get my next one, it'll definitely be black).

elolaugesen, how are you finding the calibration works with the Spyder4pro? I was under the impression that calibration software would not work on an iPad and would be very interested in hearing your impressions. Do they have an app for that?

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