The thing about conte
 

Hi Ngaire,
Yes, the squarish block of conte doesn't help with expressing tones. I learnt to use neutral-toned papers for conte, so that i have less problems with tones for my figures. Otherwise, you can draw by holding the stick at the end with your thumb and index finger, for light workings. But above all, the advice on squinting from Debra drives home the main message for learning to draw figures well.

Ngaire,
I hope things go better for you next week, I think I would get pretty frustrated with only 20 minute poses. I just barely get started in 20 minutes at school! Let us know how things go next time.

Another thought - if she stays with the 20 minute poses, you could concentrate on just one part of her for some of the poses. Hands, feet, face, knees, etc.

Studying anatomy helps a lot too. Last year I took an anatomy class where we sculpted a skeleton in clay and then layered the muscles on it one by one. The result of the class is that now I can work not only from what I see, but my knowledge of what's under the skin. It's helped me to draw more quickly and more accurately.
Debra

Well I went again last night and I asked about the lighting. They said they can't do anything about it. Apparently the building is in line to get remodelled and when ever that will happen they expect to get (hopefully) new lighting.

Debra,
Like you suggested, I think I am going to have to concentrate on a section at a time, maybe work my way down the body.