The bigger the plane the easier it is to not only see in the sky but in some respects the easier it is to fly as well.
You said you don't like the looks of a trainer but you can always sell it after you are done with it (if you can keep it in fair shape)
You said you will be flying with an instructor, ask his opinion on what to get.
Personaly I am looking into a first low wing taildragger and after a suggestion from my instructor I am having a close look at the Hanger 9, 90 size Funtana (I plugged the numbers into a calculator and came up with less than 17 oz. wing loading)
Wing loading will give you an idea of how slow you can fly without stalling, my Kadet Senior has just over 12 oz./sq.ft. and can fly really slow when I want it to.