The system is complicated, it's not just you.
I'm not sure if this will help you - I've only used the web based account model:
Click the gear icon in the top right -> settings -> accounts -> view keys -> owner permissions.
There will be a long code under account/key/address - this is your public key. Click this key - it will then bring up the "Private Key Viewer" window. Click "show" to see your private key.
Don't share your private key, be very careful with it! I can't comment on whether you should use the private key for what it is you want to do - hopefully somebody else can help you there.