Being the disciplined person that I am, I really tried to do a painting a day in the beginning. Then, I realized that I do not have trouble with the drawing or blocking in the first layers. Getting an impressionistic likeness comes easily to me. After a few alla prima paintings, I realized that what I really wanted was to create a more realistic portrait, in other words, I needed to work on the fine tuning.
To gave myself a jumpstart by following a 10 day workshop in Wisconsin with Peggy Baumgaertner. After, I came home and painted for the rest of the summer with live models. I had a great time and I am sure my painting has improved.
In shortn the plan didn't quite work out as planned but it worked out fine anyway!
Thanks for asking!