07-16-2014, 07:10 PM
That's a great way to approach things; it's a different process drawing from imagination, it can feel weird and difficult if you're used to drawing from references - if you make a habit of doing it regularly you will train your mind and will become more and more comfortable with it. I've only started doing it recently but even after a short time of regular practice I feel better about it - don't worry about the quality of the images, it's the process of training your brain that's important.
Another tip is that when you've drawn or studied something, immediately put it aside and apply that knowledge to something from imagination. Like if you studied some brick texture or something, go and draw a cottage with a brick wall and apply it; if you studied some bit of anatomy, draw a character and apply that knowledge. It shifts it more and more into your long-term memory every time you do that.
Another tip is that when you've drawn or studied something, immediately put it aside and apply that knowledge to something from imagination. Like if you studied some brick texture or something, go and draw a cottage with a brick wall and apply it; if you studied some bit of anatomy, draw a character and apply that knowledge. It shifts it more and more into your long-term memory every time you do that.