Overview
Intuitive drawing is a process anyone can do. It is a way to tap the deeper hidden creative pool that we all have in a more direct and dynamic way than many other visual art processes.

Instead of sitting down with pencil and paper and attempting to re-create a vase of flowers as realistically as you can intuitive drawing allows you to conjure up an entirely unique image of your own.



Intuitive Drawing is a two part process.

The first part is to let go of any direction, intention or control and to draw a freeform design. This design is called the "Abstract".

This part of the process should be a matter of "stream-of-consciousness". Don't worry about how it looks or where it might go. Letting go of that expectation is an important part of the process. In it's best incarnation you should be detached from your hand as if it was being guided by an invisible helper. Here is an example of an Abstract:
Intuitive 
              Drawing
A process of tapping into a deeper creativity by drawing from your unconscious
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Bob Dylan
Christ
Of Fish and Men
Of Fish and Men II
Vision
Ideology
Curious George Grows Up
Mother Hen's Harsh Love
Yin Meets Yang
Shoes
Good Duck, Bad Duck and the Big Toe
Mirabellas Dream
Fatherhood
Quiet Within
The Victim
Faces and Fish
Study
His True face
FindingCenter.jpg
Serenity
Organic Jesus
1950s 3-D Movie Dream
Stuck in the Middle
The Dark Side of Jazz
1953
Pacaderm
Descension
Searching
Containers
Upbeat Jesus
Yin an Yang and Koi
Crucifixion I
Crucifixion II
For Charlie Russell
Annana's Descension
Picasso Goes Bowling
Parable
An Example
Here is a basic example of the progression of an intuitive drawing starting with the Abstract and ending with the final image.

First, I saw the sea-bird image and then the fish. I wanted to go with the emerging theme and then saw an ice hole that the fish has jumped up through.

Understand that this final image is one of an infinite number of directions the Abstract could have suggested. If you click on the first image and look at it carefully you will likely see something very different than what I came up with. 

As you practice intuitive drawing through repetition you will be able to more freely access your subconscious. You may be surprised with the variety of images you come up with and reoccuring themes that emerge. You may have guessed I see a lot of birds and fish.
The Process
My Intuitive Drawings
There are several drawings below and more at the listed galleries below.

The drawings below are in chronological order. The majority are about 3-4" tall. A few are larger full page drawings.  You can click on any of these images to see higher resolution versions.
There are no hard and fast rules. The Abstract suggests images that you then can refine and add to. As you can see in the following drawings, I use the basic concept of intuitive drawing to inspire the image. Sometimes the image is self contained in the exhisting lines of the Abstract and those lines need only to be developed. Other times the Abstract can be more profoundly adorned. .
The second step in the process is a matter of culling out the images that your Abstract contains.

Look at the Abstract you have created in step one and let your mind wander freely. Take some time and see what you can see. Don't edit yourself or fear what emerges. It can be anything from a beautiful landscape to an animal to a scary face. Just let yourself see what you see.

When you see an image take shape begin to "draw" it out - literally. Don't worry about making mistakes. Don't let your mind focus on what the final image will be. Try to remain in the moment of the process. Imagine that you are drawing in tandem with the help of your muse. Access to this unconscious part of yourself is key and will allow you to create drawings that are totally original. They will also reveal things about yourself making this process rich with self discovery.

If you get stuck and no images come there are a couple of things you can do.  Start by reiterating parts of the design. Perhaps outline a few major shapes and see what you see. Keep in mind that you are training yourself to work from your unconscious. You may need to force a certain amount of momentum at first. But, trust the fact that after you have done a number of these drawings the process will sort of take over and you will start to draw more freely. 

Another technique is to draw while listening to music. Draw as if you are orchestrating the music. Don't stop to think or plan. Keep your pencil moving inspired by the rhythm. This is a great way to tap into your deeper creative self and keep the process moving..

It is not unusual to end up with either a more refined abstract design or a combination of design elements and image fragments rather than a cohesive or thematic drawing. Don't worry. Some of the best drawings will be like this. Remember to focus on the process and let go of any attachment to what the final piece looks like. Trust the process!
Foreward
I came up with the idea of Intuitive Drawing in a very organic way as I spent several months furiously sketching and ultimately coming to this technique.

It was only later when I began to study the Sureallist's that I discovered many of them used an almost identical technique called "Automatic Drawing". I have a seperate page giving an overview of Automatic Drawing which you can see by clicking HERE.
Coquette's Tailfeathers
Lost Gold and Murder in the Old West
Letting Go of the Past