Really nice topic!
I draw as well but directly started with the anatomy.
When I've been reading the first post and came to the assignments
it became pretty clear to me why I lack of particular things when I draw.
I'm really screwed up at gesturing. It takes very long and even if I have
a reference It does not go as well as I want it to.
Unfortunately I just have some kind of UMTS/internet stick to browse teh intrawebz :X
So skype would be too laggy yet :/
to introduce myself a bit
here's this influence thing :D