I want to draw, but just... can't

Windbit

I've got a frustrating problem: I feel like I'm only able to draw spontaneously. Sometimes I'll just be able to whip out a piece of paper, draw, and enjoy myself. However, I can't just sit down and decide to start drawing.

The last time I was able to draw and enjoy myself was about two weeks ago at a Ruby Tuesday's where my family was eating. I had my sketchbook with me, sat down, and went to town drawing. I still feel proud of it.

However, I tried to draw today in my sketchbook at home and couldn't put anything down on the page that I liked. My inability to draw whenever I want and be happy with it makes me furious. I'd love to participate in the Creature of the Week forum, but whenever I try to sit down and draw I only succeed in pissing myself off.

Being a concept artist would be my dream job, but if I want to make art my job I can't just work whenever I happen to be in the mood. How can I overcome this problem, and is there anyone else in the same position as me?

Fallout

Take an art class or two. That will definitely provide some motivation.

Windbit

I had four art classes in high school, and I'm going to the Savannah College of Art and Design this fall. It's not that I don't think I can draw, it's that I just can't draw when I want to. When I practice at home, it just feels forced.

galen

You know what I find works best for this? Instead of sitting down and having something ultra-specific in mind that will just make you frustrated when you can't get it right, just take like 20-30 minutes and sketch around a bit. Just draw whatever. Loosen up, get your ideas going.

Then try out your idea. If it doesn't work, try something else.

Maybe take a break, do something else for a bit to clear your head, then come back to it.

There's really not one specific thing you can do in order to get past your blocks, you kind of just have to find your own way. And honestly, sometimes...if it ain't comin', it ain't comin'.

Grifter

Take it to the questions thread, mate.