Do you worry that you can't draw from your memory or imagination? You know, it's really not such a big deal. I've heard experienced artists say they can't do this. It's probably safe to say a good majority need something to observe then draw.

If it's something that you really want to do, then try using shapes to outline what you want to draw.

Let's say I wanted to draw the side view of a chick from memory. I'd lightly draw 2 circles overlapped on paper, the one on the top right would be smaller than the circle for the body. Scribble in some rough lines (representing feathers) to join the 2 circles together. Add a protruding wing (a curve from the middle to the outside of the big circle), an eye, blend in the beak and add the legs! There, I have sketched a chick from memory! You only need to insert a couple of well-thought out feather lines here and there.

That's a very rough explanation so I've done a step by step tutorial for you, on this page:

How To Draw A Chick.

Ok, that's cheating if I do a step by step process, because it's not from your imagination then, is it? However, my intention is to give you the idea of how to learn to draw from your memory.

When you draw from imagination, you still rely on real objects to help you reach that objective. I don't think it's anything to fuss over. Nature provides us with everything, it's perfect reference material and it doesn't get offended if you copy it.

Even cartoonists use real life examples as a basis for their cartoons.

If there is one subject in particular that you want to draw from memory, then practice observing, understanding and drawing it from real life as often as you can, consistently. This observation along with practice will eventually embed itself in your mind and then you'll be able to draw from that visual memory.

The trick is to practice. It's as simple as that. (Gosh, are you sick of me saying that?)