One of the most difficult tasks for artists is drawing from imagination and memory (abstract art). Even though drawing from observation is difficult, drawing from imagination is more difficult because you have to initiate the idea and create the concept in the mind first before proceeding to produce it.

Spiritual Chains

There are two methods of drawing from imagination/memory known to me - might not be limited to these.

1. The combination of two or more things that exist already (you see) to create a whole new thing.
2. The overall creation of something new without any thought/source of it existing before (near impossible but possible).

Here are some proven steps and guides I believe would help you to achieve this.

Step 1

Initiate the idea: The first process of creating something from memory/imagination is to initiate the idea. Get the idea of what you want to produce on your mind and conceptualize how it would look like.

Step 2

Sketch out your idea: This step is more or less like documenting your idea in a paper so you won't lose it. Human being's minds/memory are prone to getting things every now and then so make sure you document them even if it is on a piece of paper - so you could access them anytime you want. Also, give it a title and if possible, make a brief write up about it.

Step 3

Be flexible: you have to be flexible in order to make room for changes if need be. Sometimes while we are in the process of completing it or documenting it, new idea(s) might come up that would require you to make readjustment on the already existing concept. If it is favorable and would add more feeling to your work, accepting it.

Also when you share with your friends, they might bring in their own suggestions on how a particular art should be. If they also favorable, you might consider amending your work. Remember, "two hands are better than one" - so they say.

Step 4

Creation: This is the final stage where you have to create the work with any medium of your choice - pencil, pen, oil color, pastel, etc. Your idea and concept have been generated, now is the time to pass it along to others through a message so others could see, feel and enjoy your creation.

Remember, keeping it to yourself is not enough until you pass it along to others to feel.

Thank you.

Illustration - Additional Information

The work depicts a wild eye protruding out of a hand that was chained and padlocked. Looking too closely, you would observe that some parts of the chains are broken and invincible - but the hand can't be freed. I believe it is more spiritual than physical.