[forkandwait]

What if your student really just wants skill and doesn't care about a personal style or whatnot? Personally, I get a lot of satisfaction working as a software developer implementing practical solutions to complex problems, with no need for personal expression etc. I think it would be equally fun to produce lots of pretty illustrations in the style of Heath Robinson of, well, whatever someone paid for. I think a lot of people agree with me, and then get a teacher like you and are only frustrated.