This video shows my process for this alla prima (completed in one session) painting.  First placed color blocks loosely to lose the white canvas.  I did a red outline of the main features.  Then squinting--always squinting--concentrated on the large spaces, not a "nose" or "eyes" or "mouth."  Next was to place some darks in the hair, shadows of face, but not too precise, then mid tones and lights, nothing too uniform.  Precision is not what I'm seeking in an alla prima painting.  I want expression, feeling, a mood, an inexplicable energy that I'm feeling from my model.  Trying to work in large, straight brushstrokes, not tiny movements.  When it reached a stage where I felt I was beginning to get into detail, I pulled some brushstrokes across the composition, opening to new possibilities.  Then deciding what would remain, what would need to be changed, I tried to define the face of its most important points, looking at edges.  It was an inspiring and exciting session for me.