cloud pullers

I have a serious weakness where drawing is concerned. I rely on photographs and real life. My imagination, while vivid, doesn't translate to paper or charcoal or paint or two dimensions at all. Maybe I shouldn't say "at all", but it's an area I'd really like to work on. I try to draw in my usual style, which is realism. But I don't carry clear realistic images in my mind. I can't transcribe my mind's image through my hands. It's almost as if what my mind sees is a concept, and not an image at all. This frustrates me to no end. My style changes completely when I decide to simply draw from my imagination. It becomes all about line and not about volume. Its like a surprise that forms on the paper, one line at a time. I don't mind this, but I would really like to find a way to bring both of my drawing styles together. I think it would be interesting. But first, I need to develop my mind's eye, and learn how to make decisions that aren't based on visual reality. How's that for a post?