An Aspiring Artist- Question

[LoneInDarkness]

Hey guys and gals, I have over the period of 4 years in my high school art course improved greatly and just recently I started to paint on my newly purchased wacom tablet. I have always been one for detail and such and was always decent at paint/drawing what I saw. I have a problem though, I seem to hit a block when I try to draw directly from my head.

Sometimes I have ideas in there but no way I can think of to approach them. I seem to be stuck with an almost permanent creativity block. I want to be able to draw more fluidly with my thoughts, not always bogged down in reality and what I see.

Is there anyone out there like me? Or was like me? Even so, I implore all artists on this amazing forum to help me out and offer some advice that may help. Thank you all!

[dumpling]

you can't imagine up something you don't already know in some form. the only way to become confident in drawing from your imagination is to build up an archive of the world around you so there's something there to draw upon. search around the forums, too, as you'll no doubt find many similar posts.

[Dilated]

Like you I have the same problem your not alone.
Though I'm slowly but surely overcoming it. Dont just mindlessly copy photos and anatomy books without ever applying it, this was one of my worst mistakes. You have to keep a good balance, always try to apply what you learn.
Never give up if you really have the passion you will get there, even though its frustrating at times.

Hope that helps

Also post a sketchbook :D

[Collywobbles]

Everyone goes through this. The only way to improve in this area is to study. Anatomy, composition, perspective, without the basics you will always be stuck searching for the right line or worrying about proportion or something.

That is the point, if you do studies everyday you won't have to think about it when drawing, it's muscle memory and you can concentrate on the idea instead of the specifics.

You can't stylize what you don't know.
Never guess when you can find out.
Why do I draw from life? So I won't have to.

[Noah Bradley]

I think it's important, in addition to doing all these studies, to just do it. Even if it doesn't look good, it's important to try doing stuff from your imagination. If you don't, you won't know what that experience is like, and you won't have as clear an idea of what/why to study.

[LoneInDarkness]

Thanks. You are all right, I really just have to do it. I have to do the studies and I have to practice more often. I have a feeling more art will come from my imagination as I go along. Thanks again!