I should clarify the Sanden connection. I saw one of his books last year and started trying to mix colors as he suggests (and sells). I quickly realized that if I wanted to learn color mixing I would have to do it in the palette. His influence ends there.
I have since looked at all sources I could reach, going so far as to have participated in the ASOPA conference in New York early this year, at which time I had the opportunity to meet Sanden himself, as well as Richard Schmid, and see Schmid's excellent book,
Alla Prima.
Regarding the style searching thing, I entirely agree with your view. I am trying to avoid building a box around myself, comfortable as that might make you feel at times. I have plunged head first into this adventure and continue to dive down, toward a possible center.
The painting of Tom was done in a little over 5 hours. The goal here was to try to convey the sitter's physical and emotional presence in the more direct and honest way possible. To me it was a tour de force.