I know this sounds strange, but why can't I draw anymore?

Question

I come from a family of artists and, I use to be able to draw really well, and then all of the sudden, I just can't do it anymore. I draw like someone who just can't. I dunno. What do you think happened? Nothing stupid please, these are people's feelings.

Answer 1

You are not alone. I love to draw and sketch but for the past year I have become useless i cannot draw anything.
My whole life I knew I wanted to be an artist, to paint and draw and bring my memories and observations to life.
But after school when I began studying art in college I suddenly lost my ability to create. I tried and tried to work at it, pushing myself until I was so frustrated that I tore up all my work and trashed my room. I left my course because I was wasting my time and my tutors time.

I believe the reason for this is that I no longer believe in myself.
I cannot look at something I have drawn and feel satisfied or happy with it. Its as feel I have back-tracked to when I was a child because I simply cannot draw anymore.
People have always told me I was a brilliant painter, that my work is beautiful and thought-provoking, but now I cannot see what they were praising me for.

I think perhaps that my self-esteem is low, and I will not expressively let myself go.
Is this your problem to??
Do feel pressured because your family are artists and you have to live up to their standards??
You are unique, your art is yours, own it!!

What is drawing about- freedom, expression and ideas. I have none at the moment!
The most annoying thing about this is that I have no over-whelming problems at the moment, I am content in the other arteas of my life.

Maybe, I can only draw when I am feeling low, isolated and lost! These feelings of despair can produce amazing art pieces and ideas...... (this is probably just me though!!)

Anyway because I do not know exactly what your life is like, I can only say that if you could draw in the past then you can do it again. Have you tried therapy, or confiding in friends?? Have you forgotten the reason you loved drawing in the past. You are lucky to have this gift and don't let it go without a fight!!!

Answer 2

Well if you stopped drawing for a while and then started up again it's natural to be a bit rusty. I've heard of animators and storyboard artists needing to do a few warm-up drawings before being able to produce anything decent. In fact, the famous animator Chuck Jones admits to producing fifty bad drawings before getting a good one. Drawing is hard. I've never heard of someone being able to just draw a perfect drawing without practicing. You may draw some things well because you've drawn them many times before but if you're trying to draw something new you can't expect the drawing to look good simply because you can draw other things well. Also, drawing takes concentration, maybe you're just having a bad day. In any case, keep at it. The more you draw the more you're skills will improve.

Answer 3

I think the answerers above all have a good point and good advice. I am also into writing and painting. Also from a talented family with famous artists. And the same happens to me. Worst is when I get writer's block. I am busy writing a novel, and my available time to write is very limited, which is also when I get writer's block.

Inspiration is a natural procedure, that is why they say artists are unconventional. It is more because we don't work with schedules because our inspiration comes as it wishes. The ‘muse’ visits as ‘she’ feels like it. Have you ever seen the movie “The Muse”?

In a fast paced world like it is today, it is very difficult to stay inspired all the time, or at least when you have time to work on your project. Our available time and our ‘muses’ (inspiration) don’t meet to coincide!

Another thing I have realized is that when I feel I can't do it anymore - as if the entire possibility to even be able do it at all has disappeared - then I switch to a different style/medium/object. I approach it from a complete different angle. Mostly only temporary. You'll be amazed that when you go back, you have gained new inspiration. Or you discover a new style!! I sometimes even write in a different language. And then I’ll write poems.

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But a very important point here is to NEVER STOP BEING CREATIVE, inspiration knocks on the doors of the fittest!!

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And believe in your own unique style, NEVER COMPARE! You are your own worst critic!!

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Pressure versus inspiration is one of the worst battles ever, the one wipes the other one without hesitation!

Answer 4

I also come from a fairly talented family, mostly musicians. I had similar problems and am wondering if maybe you have something similar. Are you involved with any other artistic or creative activities? In my mid teens, I began to notice my increasing lack of artistic ability and realized it was because I was overindulging and overloading on musical writing and performing, writing poetry, a novella, and the suffering drawing. Take some time off. Don't think about it and let it do for itself. Creativity flows, it's not forced.

Answer 5

This is more of a psychological problem than a physical problem.

I believe this stemmed from a series of attempts of trying to "draw" under a certain level of expectation, like as you said, comparing yourself to your family, a line of gifted artists, but it seems that it didn't work out, and so in your perception, you failed.

The pressure alone of being in a family of gifted artist would render you to expect more from your artworks. Try to relax and free your mind from all these pressure.

You became depressed. Now, based on your writing, you lack motivation. And because of that, you seem to have lost your creative juices.

But this is not the end.

You just need to find that one inspiration that could set your engines running and into your drawing mood.

Answer 6

maybe: you have not found the right motivation to draw what you want to. Take a few moments to yourself, look at that blank page in front of you, listen to some soft music, and try not to force yourself to paint or draw what you want. It will come naturally. Any person that writes , paints, or draw will say: they have some sort of block ( IE: writers block) when they have a lot going on inside or they can't they of what else to write or draw. It sounds like you just need some time for yourself.

Answer 7

its not that you can't draw, its just that you want to need to draw. if you don't feel like it, then you can't do it. I only draw when im in a good mood. :-)

Answer 8

its got to do with motivation .. and desire !!
maybe you are not motivated or inspired right now ... search for subjects that really interest you .. and you will want to draw again .... visitng a museum can be a good inspiration too ... or art galleries .. look at art work that inspires and motivates you ... that should help.

Answer 9

Maybe you just lost inspiration.
You have um... hurt your arm?
Anything physical?
If it's not then it's just psycholigical.
Hope that helped you a bit.
At least by 5%