I had never used Skype before, so when my tutor suggested it I was both interested and terrified.  Once my 9 year old had shown me the basics; got me set up, showed me what to do in simple language, I was good to go.

My tutor was very encouraging from the outset.  She discussed some of the content of my Student Profile, for example I had commented that I had often received criticism that my drawings were too tight.  She encouraged me to draw how I like to draw and if that includes small detail, so be it.

She advised me not to worry too much about timescales and to work at my own pace.  She suggested that I try to draw every day, even if it is only on a scrap of paper that I don’t keep, it is the drawing process that is important and not the end result.  She encouraged me to try continuous line drawing and blind drawing.

I asked what media I should use and she told me to use whatever I like; pen, ink, watercolour even.  she encouraged me to look at entries to the Jerwood Drawing Prize where, film and sound have been used as a drawing medium.

She said she would email a document to me which included artists to look at, books to read and competitions.

She gave me her website address http://www.annabeldover.com where I could view her own drawings.

Having a conversation over Skype was most helpful as it was a dialogue and more than anything it allowed her enthusiasm and encouragement to come through.  Throughout the conversation she frequently said “Just go for it!”, I will make that my motto for this course and JUST GO FOR IT!