Drawing Class... as of the "break"

Here are a ton of quick 5-10 minute poses from my drawing class so far this semester -- it is important to note that this is the second time I am taking this class (by choice).

When I first enrolled in this class  the first time last year, I was under the assumption that it was a Life-Drawing Class... 

I spent a good portion of the semester trying to resolve that I was not supposed to be practiving the poses and anatomy (which is what I wanted to do)...

...but rather I was supposed to be using the figure (as well as the whole scene) as
a vehicle for my drawing.

A different perspective than what I was used to, for sure... but anything to help me reinforce my observational skills.

Now, though I am in this class for a second time, I am still struggling with some of the ideas and concepts that the teacher is putting forth...

You see, he is an Abstract Expressionist, so it's not about the subject...

I admit, I need to reinforce my seeing and not use line as much...

BUT...

Similar to last year, we are not doing any poses for more than 10 minutes.

This frustrates me.

I am beginning to just throw up my arms and not care.

I hear what he is saying... I think I get what he is trying to convey...

I just don't know if I buy it...

I just want to be a better draughtsman.

Going back to what I originally thought this class was going to be, I want to learn some good fundamental and classical drawing skills -- to cultivate what I have, and learn ones I don't.

ugh...

My art is my art, after-all...  I want to express myself...

but not expressionisticly  or abstractly...

...and all the "exploration of self in the making of marks..." and "allowing the boredom of an object allow something to grow from it" aint gonna achieve that (for me).

For my work, what will work is being frickin' good at drawing.
Like scary good.

I feel my skill is the stumbling block and, unfortunately, this class is not doing enough (but certainly not nothing) to help me grow those skills.

I want to be a realist.

NOT A PHOTO-REALIST, MIND YOU!!!

I believe in "the Artists Vision" taking life in work... and photorealism always seems to jump the uncanny valley into weird and "why bother" category.

blah.