Palette Knife Painting

I have been doing some research about palette knife painting to expand my knowledge about the method so I can effectively apply it to my current painting.  I discovered that Paul Cezanne in his 1860 portrait series of his uncle Dominique Aubert that he used knife painting to create dramatic tonal contrast and layer of color.  Here is an example:

What makes the use of palette knife such a perfect choice of method is the energy that this portrait conveys.  Yes, this painting would be just as beautiful with a paint brush, but just look how much more emotion and drana the knife painting strokes create.  So forceful and brute character!! LOVE LOVE!