Observation vs. Imagination

For me the drawing from observation was easier to start to draw. I'm not the best at drawing realistically, but its much easier for me to just dive in and start with realistic drawings because I don't need to think about a concept or how my art represents something, I can just go.

But I like to think that some of my best work is the more abstract work that I do or at least the less literal work. Its just much harder for me to start, but once I get going its much easier and more fun.

I have been drawing my whole life but started taking real drawing/art classes in 5th grade. Other then that all of my drawing and art skills have really just come as I started to work more.