How to achieve a more fluid watercolor look with PSE4

[LFD]

I like the watercolor look you are able to get using the Buzz Simplifier. Are you able to achieve that look just by using PSE4? I am aware that you can use the Artistic filter>Watercolor, but I would like a softer more natural result.
Any suggestions?

[ATR]

Are you using the Watercolor filter on a duplicate layer above the background? If so, have you tried adjusting the Opacity and/or Blend Modes and/or other of the Watercolor layer?

I went searching around the Internet and found some interesting articles:

This one also uses the Watercolor filter in Elements
http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_watercolor.html

A Water Color from a Photo
http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/painted2/painted2.htm

There was even an old and long PET Forum Thread on the topic dated 12-17-04. Though 3.0 is mentioned, a lot would apply to 4.0
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253

If you wanted to go off in another approach...... Does 4.0 have the Impressionist Brush Tool? It should be found under the Brush Tool. If so, there is a Tutorial in the Subscriber Section that might be of interest. It is entitled “The Brush and Blend Art Effect”, and it was written by Larry Becker.

ATR

[LFD]

Thanks so much for the very informative reply! That was just the type of help I was hoping to receive. After submitting ,my post, I realized that I could have done a better job with my wording. I wasn't aware of any of the suggestions or sites you shared. I have used layers to a limited degree, but hadn't thought of using them, along with the filters and blend modes, for this particular look...obviously, I'm quite new at all of this! I must sign up for a few (many) courses! I'll see what I can do with all of this new info! THANKS!