Drawing is essential, in my opinion. So are composition, color theory, use of perspective, ect. Here's why: How can you break the "rules" if you don't know them? If you make abstracted art and are departing from accurate representation as a choice, it's a statement of what you are creating. If you have never been taught or bothered to learn the basics and you make abstracted art it's because that's all your skill level will allow. One is the result of skill and ability, while the other is the product of limited expression.
