The Big Draw returns to Apple Stores to boost digital drawing enthusiasts

Today at Apple has long supported creativity in the Apple ecosystem.

The Big Draw on Sunday announced the return of its collaboration with the Today at Apple programme, with more expansive and diverse offerings this year.
The 2019 edition, which aims to explore the possibilities of digital drawing, builds on the success of last year's month-long programme as part of The Big Draw Festival at Apple Stores worldwide, including at The Dubai Mall.
A range of informal workshops led by some of the world's most innovative creative talents are available. This year's sessions are for casual doodlers to established professionals of all ages groups, who will be able to experiment with new apps and explore the possibilities of digital drawing.
Sessions include 'A 10-Year Retrospective with Khalid Mezaina', 'Digital Henna Tattoos with Azra', 'Customized Lettering with Angela Bardakjian', 'Illustrating Recipes with Ruth Burrows' and 'Beating Creating Block with OwaikeO'.
Bardakjian, a Dubai-based designer and art director, said: "What The Big Draw and Today at Apple are offering, worldwide and locally, is so powerful. It gives me the platform to share my creative experience and my passion for lettering, and influence people through my work."
"It's also interesting to see first hand how Apple's products, and the iPad specifically, are changing the creative industry to its best by bridging the gap between art and technology. The artistic community are able to explore infinite possibilities of digital drawing, using and mixing different techniques, apps, and bringing an imaginary world to life."

Illustrator Ahmed Al Refai - who is better known as OwaikeO - said: "I believe The Big Draw brings a great sense of collaboration where artists with different professions around the world share their knowledge and inspire greater masses with Today at Apple."
"Contributing to the modern art scene in the region is a beautiful thing and I hope more and more people jump on board in creating original art that speaks our language. Creating art to me is really important, beyond the audience, enjoying the process and feeling a sense of accomplishment with each creation is the ultimate achievement."
Burrows, an illustrator and designer, said: "I have lived in the UAE for more than 20 years and have enjoyed a successful creative career in the region. I have watched the art scene grow from practically nothing into the lively, vibrant community we have today."
"We'll take a simple recipe and illustrate the ingredients and utensils, maybe do some hand lettering to finish off the piece. It's really about seeing how we can use the iPad as a tool alongside traditional media to create finished digital artwork."
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com